Wednesday, March 12, 2008

in the studio

with Kenny. We had a little set-back last week which kept us out of the studio till today. Our time in the studio today was pretty brief but at least we got out there and got some work done. Kenny is working on a painting of cars from the movie, "Cars". His first show was a series of cars from his childhood--which I thought were terrific. He has always had an unrequited love affair with cars!


In the photo you see Kenny in his corner of the studio. His easel is not working well for him--it was made for someone to stand at but he has to sit--there is no room for his feet under the easel so he is back too far from the canvas. Back to the drawing board for that one!

Other views of the studio:


This is my little nest (my wheel surrounded by tools) looking out onto the terrace.


This is a wonderful worktable that the contractor made for us out of a cabinet that we had removed from one of the bedrooms. One side (this) is low for Kenny to sit and draw--or for me to sit and draw!


The other side is high for me to work at standing. I can wedge clay at one end and have lots of handbuilding tools and paraphernalia at hand. In the cabinets below, just behind my chair at the wheel, are my bats, trimming equipment and wareboards. I am loving this work space!

Watching Kenny struggle to get his food on his fork or spoon I imagined making a plate with a 'pusher' side. But when I tried to make something like that I ended up with a plate with a standing rim that makes a nice pasta bowl! It might be a bit small for him--or for a real pasta bowl but it is a beginning point. I've made good notes on the amount of clay used and size of the plate/bowl wet so I will know where to start from when I decide how I need to adjust it. The bowl here is ~9 inches wide and 1 1/4 inches high at rim. The picture does not show the depth of the plate/bowl.

10 comments:

Ron said...

Gay, I am happy to see your space. You and Kenny both are very proud I am sure. I look forward to seeing some more pots. It really looks fantastic. All the best, Ron

doug Fitch said...

Well done Gay, this is lovely to see
D

Hannah said...

Hi, I sometimes teach with a charity called Turning Point, it is for adults with disabilities. We have an easel that attacjes to a table/desk with a clamp. That's here in Britain but there must be some or someone who will adapt one for you over there.
Good luck,
Hannah

Sister Creek Potter said...

Hannah, Thanks for that suggestion. I jumped into the web searching for something like you describe. I did not find that but did find an easel that might work though it is very pricey--but most 'custom' items are pricey. Do you by any chance know how to get intouch with the makers of the easel you described? Again, thanks for the information. Gay

chaetoons said...

Gay
So glad to see you are finally in your studio and working. Awesome.
Bet it's a tremendous lift to your spirits!
Your studio looks like a dream. Being able to look out the windows as you throw a piece has got to stimulate the imagination. Reminds me of a photo you shared with us before of the oriental potters benches placed each in front of windows.
Looked at each photo 2-3 times, but didn't see a kiln . . . is it there and i just overlooked it?
Hugs
Chae

Sister Creek Potter said...

Hi, Chae, Yes, I have a kiln--electric. The orignal garage had 2 closets at the rear of the garage. One, larger and with a window had the washer and dryer connections, the other was just storage for lawn mower etc. The washer/dryer closet is large enough to hold the kiln with the requsit 18" clearance all around the kiln. I am making the smaller closet into my glazing room. Will install a spray booth with exhaust fan and small counter space. It also holds Kenny's urinal--a joy for him as that function is a huge challenge for him. Everything is tight--but workable and I am very grateful to have my own space.

You are good observer! After I really get organized I may take some better pictures of it all.

I admire your explorations--I am such a control nut I can let go to just try it all out. You have a great spirit. Gay

chaetoons said...

Gay
Saw this and immediately thought of You!

http://blogschmlog.blogspot.com/

Maybe it will help?
Hugs
Chae

Sister Creek Potter said...

Chae, That easel is very similar to Kenny's. The bar across the front base keeps his feet from going under the easel so that he can be close to the canvas. Last night Jim and I were looking at the easel and decided that we could raise the easel by putting it up on blocks that create a space for his feet to slide under the front crossbar. I think it will work and am eager to get some cement blocks to try out my idea.

That site looks very interesting. I think I may take the drawing lessons!

Thanks for keeping me in mind! Gay

Hannah said...

I'll see if I can find out for you.
Hannah

Sister Creek Potter said...

Hannah, That would be great, thanks. We've been thinking of different solutions and have a couple ideas we are trying out. But I'd love to have other suggerstions. Gay