Hello! Long time no write! I’ve made a decision – no longer will there be weekly emails. Instead, there will be when-they-come-out-because-I’m-busy-and-don’t-want-to-pressure-myself-into-a-rigid-structure emails. But that’s a mouth full (or an eye-full as I’m sure most of you are reading this to yourself and not out-loud. Unless this transcript is one of the last found shreds of modern human civilization being recited aloud around a campfire. Major tangent… anyways.) So let’s stick with plain ole email updates as the title.
Let’s start with my mornings. Same routine for the most part – painting, glazing, and sanding the bottoms of pumpkins. Most mornings I’m kept company by Leela and Mittens, the resident dog and cat of the studio. Leela is black hair golden doodle (confusing I know) and Mittens is, of course, the classic black cat with the lil white paws. Below is Mittens, I don’t have a picture of Leela because frankly, she is too fast and won’t stand still for a picture.
Mittens, in all her glory. Again, no picture of Leela, she’s just too darn fast!
Going over to Laird Woodland Farm where I work several evenings a week. Last time Beau and I had just finished putting posts in the ground. I am happy to report that the structure is finished, with clear plastic ridge roofing over the whole thing. Now water will runoff the roof, away from the main house, helping prevent mildew around the foundation of the Davidson’s home. And the underneath will also double as dry storage!
My own personal studio shenanigans have been extensive. Just this week, I’ve switched up my schedule a bit, working my typical 8-12, going home and doing indoor work (laundry, computer, tv watching), and then coming back to the studio in the evenings. This is because of the heat. In the afternoons it’s gotten as high as 105 and in the studio it gets absolutely cooking.
In the wet clay world, I experimented with a textured rib for the side of this mug and I keep fine tuning my handle game. I hope to add a stamp or illustration to a clay slab and then add it to the side of the mug. I hope the smooth drawing or stamp will contrast nicely with the gritty side of the mug.
Recently, this gem came out of the kiln. If you follow me on Instagram you’ll have seen him. Seen below, his name is Rob, but Robert works too.
Well, that’s all from me this time. I try not to put too much pressure on myself when sending out these updates, but sometimes my perfectionist side gets the better of me.
I’ve been in Kansas for a month now, and things are going well! I’m constantly grateful for this opportunity to grow, be challenged and explore my chosen craft more deeply.
Grateful for you all following along. You are a large part of why I make.
Bless you all!
Nathan
P.S. Oh yes my website is live! So if you want to see previous emails in blog format, you can check them out here : https://potterpauls.com/blog/
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