Monday 11 April 2016

Lucie


I am now the proud adopter of Lucie the tearaway terrier. Playful, friendly, good with other dogs and children. Like a bullet after a ball and brings it back, mostly. Prey mad though!

Thursday 9 January 2014

Gentle Art

"Mrs  Richard Yates" (detail), Gilbert Stuart 1793
Hand stitching looks such a gentle art. 
Done with skill it can create rich decoration, 3d forms and invisible bonds. 
I've always loved textiles and fabric crafts but often lacked the patience required for good hand sewing.
 My body tense, fingers sweating, stitches tight and far from invisible. 
As with any craft, of course, the secret lies in learning the appropriate techniques
 and using the right materials and tools for the job. My number one favourite thing is learning new skills - or learning just how to do something well.  
I love to see the hand of the artist like here in the beautiful brush strokes and tones of this
 detail from a Gilbert Stuart painting.
Soft reflective sheen from the silk dress and cloth. 
Dexterous, elegant fingers working in fine detail. 
The full portrait of Mrs Yates is not very flattering, however.
I don't think the 18th &19th century fashion for frilly bonnets did mature ladies any favours.
A source of much enjoyment for Rodney Pike in his not-so-gentle art.

Tuesday 7 January 2014

Inspiring Path

A marvelous found object pathway at the  Organic Mechanics' Paradise Garden (from The Outlaw Gardener blog)
Some lovely shapes in this path. 
This would be a good way to develop my garden path, 
adding to my ceramic "stepping stones".
On the look out for (more) interesting junk to bring home : ) 


Monday 23 December 2013

Festive Frolics

Have a fun Christmas!
Lots of love
Patricia G


Tuesday 3 September 2013

Lovin' it

The sun shines on and warm weather continues
 so I can do some of my work sitting in the garden.
While others enjoy the facilities too.
Nice here isn't it!



Monday 5 August 2013

Clay in the garden


Chamomile and thyme grow between slabs and creep over the edges.
 
Stoneware fired with oxides - needs more colour.

 

Bluebird, I think this will go in the kiln again to add more colour.


The path, and indeed the whole garden, is a work in progress
 so these slabs are scattered around.
 There's an owl somewhere too.

Friday 2 August 2013

Chillin'

Roofs Summer Night, John Sloan 1906

The heatwave here has been a wonderful change from the summer weather of recent years.
Kids camped out in the garden and all windows wide open.
 Brings neighbours closer
 - not as close as this NY scene though.

Thursday 1 August 2013

Neglect and Malfunctions


Nature takes over a Warwickshire underpass.
I feel up to blogging again but after so long
 blogger seems to be playing up a little.
Here's hoping my posts appear as planned.


Wednesday 31 July 2013

Green is Good for You


A walk along the river from Youlgreave, Derbyshire in May.




Sunday 17 February 2013

Hidden Microvoids

 Low winter sunlight reflecting off the glazed surface of an old ceramic bowl
 creates patterns on my wall.
These reflections illustrate the crazing in the glaze that isn't visible on the pot without close inspection.



Sunday 3 February 2013

Big Sky Walk



Innocent clouds reflect in puddles.
Hedges stretch their tendrils.
Sheep munch their way through acres of brussels sprouts.

Mud threatens to slip us up if not suck us down,
but the sun shines all day : ).



Tuesday 8 January 2013

Porcelain Bowl

I made this little porcelain bowl for my sister.  
 
I am really pleased with the colouring on the inside and just little sprigs of decoration on the outside.
No glazes, just coloured slips rubbed into the textured and carved surfaces.


Friday 4 January 2013

Painting on Porcelain

Now that Christmas gifts have been exchanged and enjoyed I can show these mugs I decorated for my nieces.
Encouraged by Clive's enamelware I used Marabu porcelain paints.   
Combined with an enamel coffee pot stacked with chocolate and marshmallows - yum!
The paints are quite thick and the curved, shiny surface was a challenge, but I got the hang of it - after cleaning off and restarting a few times. I'm not confident about the claim that the colour will be dishwasher safe. I think they're best used for items that don't get a lot of wear and tear. 
A nice way to personalise a gift though.

Friday 28 December 2012

Porcelain Tiles


For decoration only!

Thursday 20 December 2012

Have Fun!

Merry Christmas
and all the best for
2013

Patricia G
x