TD Ceramics at the California AIDS Walk

This event marks the first public event for TD ceramics. This event raised money for an important cause and featured a walk for participants. There were 6,000 participants in attendance. Being the first event for TD ceramics, it was very exciting. It presented an opportunity to showcase my handmade pottery from the last 3 years. We shared table space with the Crescent Bay Doll Fanciers, who were very generous in allowing us to use half of their table space. It was a good feeling seeing the interest people showed in my works on display and was a wonderful affirmation. Promotion is one of the more challenging aspects of gaining visibility, for me. This was a new venue for me and the first time I have ever attempted anything like it. I would definitely do it again, now that I am more prepared with what to expect.

One of the most important things that I gained from this experience, is insight from people of what they are looking for or interested in. It's one thing to create pottery based on what feels good to the artist, but when you're offering products for sale, you really need to be in tune with what people are looking for and purchasing. Finding a balance between the two is ultimately my goal. I will always continue making pottery that feels good to me and, at the same time, share those pieces with the public for enjoyment as well.

As a result, I realized how much I enjoy making lidded casseroles and jars. Since I'm not a production potter, I generally make items individually and not in sets. Making lidded jars and casseroles is something that I've been working on refining over the past year. It has been an interesting challenge experimenting with different lid types and body sizes as well as getting them to fit just right. There is nothing more rewarding than creating a casserole or jar with a lid that fits just right.

Recently, I've been working on throwing larger and taller vases so that I can expand my skill level. This has also been a challenge, but I keep coming back to the lidded casseroles. I will continue working on both and hopefully post pictures here soon.

Practice, patience, passion

Sometimes it's difficult to feel inspired. It's not something that can be clicked on and off. Finding that spark to get you going is a challenge, sometimes. When it comes to pottery and feeling inspired to create a piece, it comes down to passion. I enjoy functional pieces and creating something that I know will be put to use. Right now, I'm enjoying the challenge of creating lidded pieces, specifically casseroles. It's a real challenge getting the lids to fit just right and not too loose or tight. The only remedy for this is practice, practice, practice. Unfortunately, I am only able to go to the studio once a week. So practice takes time and patience. In combination, practice, patience, and passion are key to fine tuning the technique.

What is most intriguing about pottery?

One of the most fascinating aspects of pottery, for me, is the whole creation process. Starting out with a mound of clay and working it on a wheel until you get the form that you desire. Of course, it usually takes a lot of time, patience, and practice before you can get to that point.

There are truly so many options that one has in pottery. From the type of clay to use, to the color of glazes, glazing processes, firing, etc. The more advanced one becomes in pottery, the more available these choices become. As the pieces take on different complexities in form and texture, there are also endless color combinations that can be done with glazing and underglazing.

Pottery is an exciting journey, where there's never a dull moment. The satisfaction and pride in a finished piece is definitely a worthwhile reward.

Welcome to tdceramics pottery blog

I hope to create a forum for the discussion of pottery and ceramics for the enjoyment of all. A place to share creative ideas, stories, inquiries, or just to talk about anything related to events in the world of pottery.



I invite you to check out my site, www.tdceramics.com to view my collection of pottery.

Thanks and welcome!