Wednesday = Potterday !

Wednesday = Potterday !

Hi there

Thanks for popping in. I must be feeling better! Rose with the lark this morning, made the bed, emptied the dishwasher AND wrote this month’s Club newsletter – all before 8am!

Feeling energized because this afternoon was the first time back at Pot pot pottery class! It was so good to see the ladies again! A proper affectionate welcome back. I can only speak for myself, but why oh why do I always think people don’t like me, then find out that actually, they really do. Must be a deepseated lack of confidence or self-love. Who knows. But anyway, it was so nice to see them all again.

And what’s the project this term? Well, the topic is Gardens. Planters, plant pots, bird-bath etc. I’ve been thinking about it for quite a while, and have decided to construct a totem pole. Thinking this may be a little ambitious, but hey! He or She who dares! Let me show you my sketch…

It’s going to be about 6 foot tall. Each section will be designed, fired and glazed individually, and each will have a hole made right through the centre. Then they will all be threaded onto a steel pole (enter Dave), which will be embedded in a huge sandstone rock in the garden (re-enter Dave). Peacacake!!! NOT! But the way I see it, I just have to create each element one at a time. When I consider the whole construction, it really is rather daunting. But one element at a time is very achievable, isn’t it?

Much like our Life mantra. One Day at a Time, I can do Life. All I have to do is Today. Then tomorrow, we can take a look at tomorrow.

So while others are making flower pots and ceramic toadstools for the fairies to hide underneath, I have embarked on a mammoth art project, which will probably take all year, and cost a grand to make!!

Will the elements, the totems, be symbolic? Will they have a significance? In a word, YES. That’s the secret ingredient to the artform.

Anyway, I have started with the base, the semi-circle stand. It took 3 hours just to roll out, measure up, make a template and make the slabs for the bottom piece! Yikes! That said, the base section is the linch pin of the whole design!

Quote for the day:

Art is about building a new foundation,
not just laying something on top of what’s already there 

prince

I’ll keep you posted!

Love always

Barb x x x

22 thoughts on “Wednesday = Potterday !

  1. What news! You sound really excited and up for it; good for you. Sure the birds and other wildlife (including two curious cats) will love it too. Cannot wait to see the artwork installed. It may be an idea to put holes in the uprights as I wouldn’t want to be Dave if he has to drill the holes and something untoward happened.

    1. Just a thciught,,,I’m sure .Barbara will make the holes in each section as it is made? An interesting (large, very large) project. Make sure you can admire it from the house when in situ Barbara. ..good luck! Enjoy.x

  2. Uou never know what yiu can do until you try. Glad you’re feeling good today. i”m a little under the westhet. had covid booster yesterday not so good today. a new day tomorrow . have a good one.

  3. How interesting. Can’t wait to see how that pans out. Do you have to use special clay to make it weatherproof or is it the glaze you use? Excuse my ignorance! The only pottery I’ve ever done was when I was about 12 years old. Like the previous person said, I don’t envy Dave having the job of drilling holes in it!!

  4. I love totem poles and the symbolism of them. The ones in Stanley Park and on Grouse Mountain in Vancouver are beautiful. Enjoy making yours and I look forward to seeing the result. I am sure that it will have very special meanings for you. X

  5. Loving the sound of the new project, I’m sure it will be fabulous doing it in bite size pieces is always a good idea.
    Know just what you mean about thinking people don’t like me, I’ve always felt like I don’t fit in and perhaps bore people. As a result i go from one extreme to the other and either talk people’s socks off or struggle to string a sentence together, then afterwards replay the cono in my head and worry about how I came across.

  6. I can empathise with your thoughts that you are not liked. You are loved by many, many people. Witty, serious, caring and understanding to say the least. Annoying as a teacher when you say Easy! Sorry but we are not all as talented as you. I have no doubt that you will accomplish your project. Just keep R and E if it turns out to be a bird bath! With lots of love

  7. Oh Barb you are brave !!!!!! It will be a splendid addition to your garden. Your talent is boundless.
    Why you think people don’t like you is a bit silly considering how much caring was shown to you on these pages when you were ill. Chin up lady – you are loved.
    Have a good evening.

  8. What a great project that will be a memory piece in your garden that you have both had a part in. Look forward to seeing the finished result with may be photos of each section as they get completed.

  9. WOW that sounds epic. Look forward to seeing the progression of this amazing piece. Let me tell you lady, you are so loved by so many

  10. That’s a brilliant choice of project, Barb. It’s always good to challenge yourself, and doing it in sections will make it possible to achieve. I think it was Nelson Mandela who said “It always seems impossible until it is done”!
    Looking forward to seeing progress reports as you work towards the finished Totem.
    Also looking forward to reading the Club newsletter!
    Travel gently and creatively!

  11. Wow! That’s some amazing project! I look forward to regular updates.
    Trust me Barb you are well loved!

  12. Big task ahead. Totum poles we saw in Vancouver looked great, but I am sure your finished product will be unique and fantastic.

  13. Wow you sure don’t make it easy! Look forward to seeing each piece and the big assembly and the placement in the garden. A totem pole party!

  14. Sounds daunting to me Barbara but you never do things by halves and sort of knowing you this will turn out beautiful. Looking forwards to seeing this grow. ❤

  15. Hello Barb, you are such a precious person to many, and your strength, determination and lovely nature always shines through. Love your idea of a Garden Sculpture/totem, a mammoth task yes, but I have no doubt you will achieve what you want it to be. Can’t wait to follow the progress of this creation. Brilliant quote. Take care everyone. Bx

  16. What a fabulous project! Will really look forward to seeing the process as you complete each stage. And of course you had a lovely welcome back to class – you clearly have no idea just how very many people love and appreciate all that you are.
    Just accept it lovely lady! xx

  17. WOW and WOW again. I look forward to seeing it finished. Just enjoy yourself. I too have the feeling that I am not liked and are not ‘one of the gang’. Never was at school or in work and it still hasn’t changed.

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