Studio Journal #2

A sort of weekly ramble, maybe monthly or daily but rarely consistent

It seems that true to type, weekly rambling has become more like monthly. I constantly ask myself why I set myself up to fail with these timelines and the answer is always the same, the intention is heart felt but the execution is tricky. A cacophony of junk as usual has cluttered up my brain and that in itself becoms the barrier to doing anything productive.

Although in my defence the weather has been exquisite and the call of hands in dirt is strong. Plus the lure to rummage along the strand line that I can see constantly from the window has been so distracting. I am re reading Modern Nature - Derek Jarman’s diaries, driftwood has become high on my daily agenda. It’s a necessary fix that whispers to me. All things buoy are to be ignored. Bones are always collected.

I have however had my first glaze fire in Beatty the regal Rhode kiln. On opening said kiln I had my usual ‘oh that’s all crap moment’ followed by the burnt fingers ‘can’t wait til its cool to unload’ moment followed by these new clay bodies are horrible’ moment followed by a good solid day of finishing and tidying up each piece which lead to a “ I really like these’ moment (dopamine high, heart singing) to actually sitting down to write some studio rambling.

I didn’t write many technical notes. I allowed my eyes, hands and heart to make the decisions but narrowed it down to I’ll stick with my preferred comfort clay. ES160 you win, I shan’t meddle with the others again. I did however really like the black clay I trifled with but am convinced that is because a bag of it was gifted to me whilst at Uni by my dear Patricia who I miss chatting with greatly.

Last week I purchased an excellent system of storage racks from the recently closed sea fish processing plant on the island. A set of trays stacked on some nifty wheels that can be shifted about the studio with ease despite the faint tang of fish they are a great addition to the workspace.

Wandering through the empty factory had a tinge of sadness to it as it had obviously seen a thriving hum of hard work and Suzanne explained that it had employed at least 40 staff in busy times, a large employer for a small island. I hope the space will be made productive again.

The weather is treating us kindly still, there’s a couple of not so favourable days ahead but it would be dull if everyday was gloriously sunny and still.