Friday, July 16, 2010

Set My Cube Up


Guess what? I finally got my cube set up today. Patricia Griffin and I had a pact we'd get our cubes out and take some photos before the week end. I finally got around to it today since these bowls are fresh out of the kiln.


My backdrop was larger than my cube since I purchased it from a different supplier, so I had to take the scissors to the edges and trim it down. I'm holding my backdrop up with wooden clothes pins. I used household lamps because I couldn't find any other lights I could use close by.


These kudzu bowls I made from a stoneware clay so the satin clear glaze makes them have an antique look, kind of interesting. The rest of the bowls are made from porcelain clay which gives that clear, crisp look to the slip and underglaze colors I used.


I may have to go to the big box store tomorrow morning and get some lights. I think I need brighter lighting, something to work on. But there is definitely less glare. Now I'm thinking of how to photograph sets or multiples and make them look good. I'm not sure about the way I've shown the four fish mini plates. I'll have to look at some photos in magazines more critically to get some ideas. The glaze I used is a satin, I might have more trouble with glare with a shiny glaze. I think with some practice, though, I'll be able to get much better photographs of my work.


I have serving bowls or larger plates to go with these small bowls and plates as sets but they are in another kiln load. I also have some pots from a series I've been working on the past six months to show you as soon as I improve the lighting for the photographs, so check back again. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

10 comments:

  1. Love those fish mini-plates. And, the kudzu bowls simple beauty is very nice.

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  2. I had to cut my backdrop to fit my cube too. I used stick on velcro to attach it. Photography is the hardest part of online sales, but you will figure it out. I love your new plates.

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  3. Hi Teresa, thanks ever so much, at first I didn't like the background color of the kudzu bowls, but they are growing on me, in person they really do have an antique quality. I am thinking what I could do to embrace that look.

    Hi Cindy, thanks, my cube has the velcro at the top and bottom, I'll just need to find some in this mess and attach to the back of my backdrop. I got on your etsy site, you really do have a way of displaying your colorful sgriffito work which I just love, makes me happy every time I see it. I'll have to keep checking to see how you display the multiples like you do, great photography, thanks again.

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  4. Hi Linda! OK, now it's my turn! No more procrastinating. This "accountability partnering" really works! I'm off to the studio as soon as the sun comes out and will, will, will get started on setting this up!

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  5. Hey thanks for the comment (now I know it's called a crock :) xo Maria

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  6. Hi Patricia, thanks, I really did feel more motivated since I said I would do it on your blog, that might be the ticket for future tasks too. Looking forward to yours.

    Hi Marie, thanks for visiting. The utensils were great in that crock.

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  7. Oh damn, I must confess... I didn't set up my cube today! What a loser... But, wait, I did have the best DAY EVER for studio sales. It was amazing... Does that count? I know, I know, it's no excuse. Tomorrow, Sunday, July 18, is THE DAY! REally!

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  8. Hi Patricia, thanks, who needs photos if they've got sales.

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  9. Hello Linda! Thank you for your well wishes. It was good to hear from you. Congratulations on your new place! I am happy you have such a nice setup to make pottery. You are so creative, productive and inspiring. I always enjoy reading your posts (and Gary’s) and seeing what you have been up to. I really liked the cactus textured vase several posts back. Have you glaze fired it yet?

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  10. Hi Jewels, thanks, I am so glad you are doing better; I was so worried about you. I haven't fired that vase yet, would you believe it is very thick and heavy and it is taking forever to dry and since it is so big I don't want to risk it blowing up as it would make quite a mess, when I moved it the other day, I noticed it is still really heavy, I hope it makes it. It will be able to hold the heaviest flowers without falling over, ha! Very soon now it should be ready to fire.

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