Fresh from the kiln

Hello everyone. There had been lots of news over the world last week. Although I was aware of the headlines, I only read them in detail on Friday when I finally found time at home. Then another earthquake happened in China. I hope rescue will make progress to save more lives in both Iran and China. I'm Japanese. I know how devastating earthquakes could be.

My reduction firing went well. I had two and a half hour sleep the night before, so it was a long tiring day. After I came home, I had dinner and shower, and then went to sleep early. I had slept nine hours. I went back to the studio to unload the kiln after lunch. Most of them were experimental. They looked promising. There were several pots re-fired. They have improved in general. One of them, a plinth, became so attractive and seductive, I have to make something to go on top. (It was initially made for 'Witch without name', but the colour unexpectedly turned to olive green. So I had to change a plan.)

Yesterday morning, I went in the studio to prepare glaze tests for a couple of hours, and caught a cold again. The heater has not worked properly since the power cut a week ago, and it was very chilly in the glazing room. The term will start tomorrow, and it will be even more hectic. So I have rested yesterday afternoon and today very well. Mike has also caught a cold. We kept catching something for the last four weeks.

These are reduction fired sculptural pieces and parts. One of them, which looks like Pompeii's bread that we saw in the Pompeii exhibition, is half baked. Some parts of the kiln don't get reduced well, they are not always the same place which makes it difficult.

Reduction fired sculptures

I made this pot in hurry. I had problem with clay (too soft) and it was knocked around while I was removing excess clay from its lower part after throwing it. But I liked the shape and ancient feel, so I fired it. It is not symmetrical, as you can see. It will be my Ikebana vase.

My asymmetrical Ikebana vase

After reduction firing was scheduled, I became off-colour again. It was not only a long day from nine to six, but also I had to endure fever and discomfort. But when I came home, Mike pointed the sky. There were beautiful double rainbows. A half of tiredness disappeared. They were the most beautiful ones we have seen for a long time. The sky gave me a lovely gift.

Double rainbows