I have spent quite alot of time, this past week and a half, producing pottery. I feel a sense of calm as I go through the process of preparing the clay. I place a couple huge mounds of clay on my wedging board, then I begin wedging. My mind drifts off..sometimes, I notice the sounds of the ocean, waves crashing on the beach not to far away....I can hear the wind russellin through the leaves of the palm trees in both mine and the neighbour's yard. in the distance. My thoughts drift to my things that are impacting my life. I allow the thoughts to come and go as I enter into a rythmn with hands, body, clay and board. It's a consistent rocking back and forth as clay hits the board over and over again. I am in my own world! When the clay is at a point where I can feel, through experience, that it is ready, I then proceed to my potter's wheel to 'throw' a few pieces. Depending on the time of day, I wrap the clay if airtight plastic bags and I head downtown to my new gallery space. Once I am settled, I sit with clay and press molds at hand, and I begin pressing pieces. I get lost in the activity. Though much easier than throwing, when the pieces have reached leatherhard stage, I have to spend time carving and cleaning them. The feeing I get upon completion of my work, regardless of the technique, is one of pure joy.....that's a welcome feeling and one I should continue to capture alot more! The peace and joy of pottery making!
Carla Astaphan
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
The season is fast approaching
The season is fast approaching. Am I ready?
We are in October and the visitor season, i.e. cruise ship and stayover visitors will begin the seasonal trek to these islands, escaping the wintery cold of the northern hemisphere, to enjoy sea, sand, sun and lots of fun. We the islanders, who depend on that time of year to put much needed pennies in our coffers, have been preparing avidly for this time. The hotels, restaurants and bars have been doing maintenance work, their staff has taken their summer holiday to return revived for another hectic season. Taxi drivers and tour operators are ready, artists and artisans would have been producing as much stock as possible. This is the island's time to make revenue.
Yesterday, I had an interesting discussion with one of my fellow vendors in the craftmarket at the Marriott. We were talking about the pending season and our readiness for it. Personally, I feel like I'm ready but still I am nervous as to how ready I am. Do I have enough raw materials to sustain my production this season..... I have yet to place my order for clay and glazes from my normal suppliers. I do have a reasonable supply...but, what will happen if I get a huge order. I have already received an inquiry for a price on an item of which, if I get the order, I will have to produce 650 pieces...(I am envisioning getting this order, it will be a first of that size..oui bon dieu! as we say in Dominica...but I will get it done, thankfully I already know a few persons who will be able to help me produce...thanks to the St. Kitts Crafthouse for hosting a pottery workshop this past year, a couple people are have done well enough on the potter's wheel to help me produce, if needs be, also I've decided I will order clay through The Crafthouse thus saving myself some of the hassle) I am also looking at what I currently produce and what new items will sell. I am wondering do I have enough of the items that do in fact sell? To help me I am going to make a list of things I need to make this week. This is crunch time for me. After the expo last week in Puerto Rico my mind is full of new ideas. I've just completed a sketch for an item a potential client in Puerto Rico asked me to do. I first have to create a sample. Yes, I tend to work well under pressure, so first thing tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn and at intervals through out the day, I'll be on the potter's wheel, then I'll do some handbuilding and press some masks. Oh, yes I must do that, press some of my masks (I use my own original molds). I had an inquiry yesterday for masks. Two wonderful ladies came to my table at the Marriott, it turns out they own a number of stores, including one in St. Kitts. Each store carries a different type of merchandise. They are interested in my tribal masks for a store in the northern Caribbean..and yes, I am out of those right now, I have no idea
how that happened...guess I had some good sales for masks and relief carving over the summer.
how that happened...guess I had some good sales for masks and relief carving over the summer. 
So did I say I am ready.....I am NOT!!!! I feel nervous, anxious and frightened but it's a feeling I recognise... I have felt it before so I know what I need to do....I'll just do it!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
