Back in the mud!

Smokestack Pottery in Fort Collins welcomes with a comfortable atmosphere.

The right time, the right place, the right teacher...all the stars aligned for my return to the mud...a.k.a.
HELLO CLAY!!!

When the student is ready, the teacher appears.
       --possibly a Zen proverb

(I think I also heard the song Norma sings in Sunset Boulevard, "As if we never said goodbye," as I walked into the pottery studio for the first time in a long, long time.)

A view from the studio towards the entrance and small gift area.

How I LOVE working with clay--the feel of it in my hands, the amazing transformation it makes from lump to form (on a good day) and the endless shapes and colors it can become.  (Again, on a very good day!)

I will never forget the very first time I held a small portion in my hand as an introduction to clay.

I was amazed how it warmed in my hand and was willing to allow me to roll it, flatten it, stand it up, lay it flat.  It was such a gentle meeting of a substance that later thrilled me, whooped me, astonished me and sometimes frustrated me beyond what I thought was fair, for something called B-Clay.

Looking outside to the kilns.

And, how I LOVED it!  
For several years we were friends, sometimes a little cranky with each other, but usually both willing to JUST PLAY!!

How we played--creating whimsical and unusual pieces that defied most descriptions and even some pieces generously described as "functional."

Then we moved and I lost access to a throwing wheel, good ol' B-Clay, glazes and the right kilns.  Other art forms beckoned and challenged me and I was firmly focused on photography, sculpture, glass and painting--certainly enough to keep me busy and engaged--for YEARS, as it turned out.

My work area complete with familiar tools I gathered
long ago--and a big towel.

And, then, I found myself Post eARTh Exhibit in late March.  When one has been part of a collaboration so incredibly successful and fulfilling, it's almost like I found myself in an energy vacuum once it was over and I had time to catch my breath.

What direction next?  

All my old mediums seemed wanting a vacation and I felt eager and ready for something--but, I wasn't quite sure just what.

One morning while walking along the Poudre River I realized what was not just whispering in my ear but literally shouting at me--

IT WAS TIME TO RETURN TO CLAY!!! 

My first pieces in a REALLY long time, trimmed and ready for the bisque kiln.

And, just like that I connected with the most amazing class, leaping at the last spot still open before the next classes began!!


Thank you Sue and Smokestack Pottery!!!



It's a WONDERFUL class, full of interesting and vibrant students of all ages and each at different skill levels.  (www.smokestackpottery.com)

My hands are back in the mud and it feels WONDERFUL!!!  

And, just when I thought this story couldn't get any sweeter, Smokestack Pottery has a giant white dog named Chewie!!

(Technically, Chewie belongs to Sue, but he's so willing to overlook that detail as resident cheerful canine.)

I swear, it's like a Gift With Purchase--back in the mud AND a fluffy dog to pet!!


As Norma sings..."Feel the early morning madness, feel the magic in the making.
Why, everything's as if we 
                                                       never said goodbye."

Hello Chewie!