I think the radio interview went well, I was incredibly nervous but I didn’t swear or say “um” a lot so that has to count as a positive doesn’t it? The radio people are going to email Veronica an mp3 file of our talk and once I work out how to upload it I will, then you can judge for yourselves.
A retiring potter, Monika, has given me the contents of her studio. I filled the back of my station wagon up with boxes of oxides, glaze materials, throwing tools, scales and the assorted paraphenalia of a working potter.
Coming only two days after the theft of the ceramic eggs this was a very emotional gift for me to receive and when Monika gave me her gas kiln as well, I started to cry a bit. Monika gave me a hug and she told me that she could see I was passionate about my work and that she was so happy her tools were going to such a good home.
These wooden throwing tools are such a personal gift from one potter to another and I can feel the positive energy radiating from them. They fit my hands well and I am itching to get my wheel set up.
I am starting to tame the chaos that is my studio space and “The Spouse” has been flat stick these past few weeks building me benches and work tables.
My electric kiln was delivered on Thursday and I am busting to get it sorted and wired in so I can really get to work. It weighs about 500 kilos and is top heavy. The kiln needs to be lifted off these pallets and then put back down. A mate around the road has a tripod thingy used for removing car engines and The Spouse has some endless chain. So hopefully the kiln will be in its spot ready for the electrician sooner rather than later. It will still be a tricky job though and I wont be up there watching the boys do it in case I jinx them and the kiln falls over. Yes I am superstitious.
It has been so bittersweet finally getting the studio organised and strangely enough as my bank balance is rapidly approaching the zero funds mark I am feeling happier. Every time I accessed the studio money I was reminded that I was spending my mother’s life. Every cent that I have spent was the culmination of my mother’s working life, everything Mum had worked for was taken away by her premature death from a cancer that she should never have had and as I spend the ashes of my mothers life, I would give it all back in an instant to just be able to speak to my Mum again.
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Lucky ducky, Mrs Beaut Studio Lady! Gifts, purchases, cooperative spouse, things that ping your soul.
Your mum would love to see that. Her spirit is embedded in everything you make.
Now isn’t it time for a giveaway? How long has it been?
@Plumtree A giveaway hmmm now that is an idea. I will wait until the kiln is ready to be plugged in and then I will do one 🙂 what fun!
My friend, spend your life continuing to create treasures that will outlive you and speak of the wild things around you. May God bless you and keep you and shine His face on you! I’m SO awed, seeing your Mum’s gift to you come to life here.
And the “throwing tools.” I thought they were wind chime pieces; they are pretty just as themselves. 🙂
oooh what a generous friend. We did some hand thrown pottery in our home ed group last year and had it painted and glazed and fired. the kids (and parents) loved it.
I am so very happy for you Kim. Your Mum would be too 🙂 I think a working studio is a wonderful legacy from your Mum’s working life and now the tools etc from a retiring potter to add in as well. This is the way it should be, from one to another, to carry on from one life to the next. And, all the while these things are in your keeping, you will be adding to the beauty contained in this world of ours.
Enjoy it all Kim – remember you have worked hard too my lovely and will continue to do so for many a year yet.
xox
Aaah You people all leave such beautiful comments on my blog. Thank you for all making me smile.
Wow fabulous studio! Learning ceramics/pottery is on my ‘to do’ list-one day i might get around to it, probably in about 15-20 years at this rate LOL. I love the wooden tools-beautiful, and I can even feel the positive energy coming out from the photo 🙂
That is FANTASTIC although bittersweet as you said.
Hi Kim — I got so excited seeing the pictures of your new studio coming together! I really can’t think of a better way to spend that money, than creating beautiful things that you love. After all, isn’t that what your mum did, with you?
The radio interview did go well, I actually managed to hear most of it. Well done, you and Veronica were great 🙂
What a lovely gift from your friend. I think you are making wonderful use of your mum’s money in setting up your studio, and I am looking forward to seeing what you create there.
The studio is looking great! I see an old refrigerator coil in there….
What a beautiful gift for you, all those tools and a gas kiln too!
I love the wooden throwing tools, my hands want to reach in and feel the smoothness and curves of them.
Your Mum would be very happy at the way this is all coming together for you.
What a moving post in so many ways. Firstly, the beautiful gift from a retiring potter and more so because of the last sentence…the best gift you can give your mother is to live the life she would have wanted you to and what better way than to live creatively…
Oh sweety, your mum will be SO happy to see what you are creating for her. *hugs* xx
It’s looking fabulous! A perfect way to remember your Mum.
Your studio looks amazing. I’m glad it’s coming along so well. I like what Watershedd said, it is a wonderful way to remember your mum. xxx
Hi there 🙂
just stopping by to say I am excited about meeting you at the Aussie Blogger’s Conference in March!
Carly
http://carlyfindlay.blogspot.com