Queen City Clay.Day 2

I woke up very early this morning, around 5:30 a.m., and spent some quiet time reading The Craft of Research and taking notes. I’m trying to learn how to narrow and clarify my ideas—how to take the large, tangled thing I am thinking about and begin to shape it into something more focused.

After reading, I realized I needed charcoal and newsprint so I could start making some large drawings. I decided to wait until 8:30, get coffee, and then head to Michaels for supplies. Once I had what I needed, I went straight to Queen City Clay.

Today I started throwing glaze testers. Originally, I thought I would make small vase-shaped testers, but something shifted after reading this morning. Instead, I began cutting them in half and giving them a little more personality. Then they started turning into small thrown closed vessels. They almost remind me of snails.

This is what residency is about, right? Trying things. Letting one idea lead to another. Following the work when it starts to move in a direction you didn’t expect.

I also continued building on the vase base I made yesterday. Before I leave tonight, I plan to make a few more bases so I can build on them quickly tomorrow.

I also met the Director of Children’s Programming today, and I was really impressed by what they are doing here. There is such care and energy in the way Queen City Clay supports learning at every level. 

I’ll leave here tonight in time to watch the U.S. play in the World Cup tonight!!!