Shed Plan

Doing Something Different

About 6 or 7 years ago, I decided to act on my urge to try something besides woodworking in my free time. I have a friend who takes my sawdust and scrap wood for a raku class he teaches every summer at Bennington College. In return, he sometimes leaves me a little bowl. Good deal for me ... So, I thought, wouldnt it be great if I could give my really good clients a piece of my pottery in appreciation for their patronage? There are a lot of crafty people in Vermont, some offering how-to courses. It took a couple classes before I had anything I wasnt too embarassed by, and I think I only gave away 4 or 5 pieces before the shop where I was working closed down. Three years later, Ive got a new place to work and Im back at it. Its not exactly like riding a bicycle .. I had to smush a few of my first efforts but now its going much better. I was originally aiming for Christmas gifts, but I dont think my pots will be done in time ... well see.


The pottery process is different ... no drawings, no plans, no dust, almost no noise, nice colors ... its very peaceful. It makes you think that sometimes maybe a plan isnt necessary to get a good result. I certainly couldnt make a pot that I drew at this point anyway, but I can see what they might look like as Im working on them ...


These are the pots in the picture above, trimmed and ready for the slip


Todays job .. trim these


Previous efforts ... white clay, celadon and black


Red clay with various slips and clear glaze