Night Shifts
Show prep and flipping pots.
Being somewhat tired after work, I came home and went right to bed. I think I got up a little early to flip all the pots before leaving for work again for another twelve-hour night on nights. The weather has been nice and I have been making quite a few pots. I believe I have enough mugs and now need to make bowls and other forms, then work out the texture patterns and glaze for them. Show dates are closing in fast, and I hope I am able to get everything done on time.
I made another series of raku pots that I hope to fire and take with me to both upcoming shows in August. At a two-day show in Clarks Summit, PA, and then right after the show at the Hartford Fair. Getting things ready for two shows back to back will be somewhat of a challenge, but I have done it before. I have been trying to kick the “Make to ship” mindset and build an inventory. However, after ten years of trying, I still fall back to making for each show before the show. I am not sure why I do this, as having an inventory would allow me to have more choices on what shows to pick.
The answer to this might be making pots a practice. Just like I attempt to write each day, I may need to set a time to go to the studio each day and make 10 or 14 things. Having the inventory of the smalls might allow me to spend more time on larger pieces and try new techniques and forms. Apart from that, I just might be a firing guy. Maybe I love firing pots so much I just make loads of pots to fill the kiln just to try different firing techniques.
With all the pots flipped and the dailies written, I now need to go eat dinner, shower, then get ready for another interesting night at the big paper factory. Maybe if I get famous I can sell all my pots for millions and make pots full time. However, very few people ever get rich off creating for money. If I wanted to get rich, I should have been a hedge fund manager. So I think I will keep moving along, creating as long as I am able, and keep in mind to practice gratitude, empathy, and generosity.
If you enjoyed this pottery update, please feel free to say hello and comment. What are you all working on?
If I were living yesterday a second time: I would have made a few pots when I got home from work, but I fell asleep.
Things I am grateful for: My ability to still make work and for my job at the big paper factory. It keeps life interesting.
If I get to live to be 86, I might only have: 12608 days left.
Originally published at Creek Road Pottery
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