Someone Else's Work as an Inspiration

Through the internet I located a few artist that do 'naked raku'  Charles and Linda Riggs are putting on a workshop (today!) in Atlanta showing their techniques.  I signed up on the wait list, but it is just too popular.  Linda wrote to me and I will try to attend one of their 2012 workshops. 

I just bought a book called Painting with Smoke by David Roberts.  Really beautiful work.  He is giving a workshop the Summer of 2012 in Northern Italy.  That would be so fun!  I wrote for information. 

Raku and smoke fire is appealing because the form is truly exposed and you can see how the smoke has danced around it.  I think it really brings a piece alive. I'm not a fan of glaze.  There are very few glazes I really like (student glazes anyway) and I do not enjoy the glazing process.

Another reason I am interested in raku and smoke firing is because I am building my own studio.  I cannot afford to fire a gas reduction ^10.   I am also interested in sculptural pieces and these do not need to be food safe.

Inspiration

I get inspired everywhere.  Often I can't sleep because I have forms or techniques I would like to try.  I spend a lot of time on the internet, reading books and magazines and I try to visit galleries and museums when I can. 

I used to post pictures in a sketchbook and draw a form based on the piece.  I don't like to make a carbon copy.  I want it to be my own.  I have not kept up with the sketchbook as I should.  This is something I am trying to improve on.

In California, my professor was fantastic on the wheel.  He threw the most elegant large thin forms.  I took many pictures of his demonstrations and I often refer back to these.  His philosophy was to throw a good form and only trim a foot.  Never trim the body.   I tend not to fire a lot of my pieces I do because they simply are not up to par.  Therefore, I have the extra job of recycling my own clay by hand. :(

I like functional art.  I think there is a connection when a piece is picked up and used.  My favorite coffee cups are my own.  They fit my hands perfectly.  I enjoy soup just a little bit more when it is served in a heated ceramic bowl.  One of my favorite pieces I made makes a perfect "big salad" bowl.  I have yet to be able to duplicate this form.

Here are some pics of my work space.  I just love spending as much time as possible here.  I included some shots of my "First Bisque".  ...so exciting to have my own kiln, even though the max temp is only 2,225F.  

Did anyone hear you should NOT put anything on or near a kiln?  How about a tablecloth with a vase of fresh flowers?