Happy Halloween

Proceed to merge

I drove to Syracuse, NY yesterday, and stuck in traffic jam for one hour, probably usual for the metropolitan city.  I heard on the radio there was truck turn over, but I was at the end of the cleaning up.  I always think people proceed to the point of merge (where actual arrow sign to merge) and merge alternatively from one lane to the other, rather merging into the lane when warning sign “one lane closed ahead” ten miles ahead of time. This just creates more traffic jam from the point of people merging.  If the people go to the end of the merge and merge alternatively, the traffic continues to move slowly.  When the car stops,  reaction times to stop the car hereafter add up to the point creating another traffic jam. I wish the sign says that “the lane closed, and proceed to the merge”. Two car ahead of me  just keep a pace with the car on his/her next lane even there was no traffic in front of him or her for more than 1500 feet.  Maybe guilt, I do not know, but just made any sense.  Anyway, enough that. This web site explained this better than me if you are interested.  I saw the perfect rainbow while idling.


I had a good time talking with Tina at the Eureka Craft.  She just came back from  the workshop by Ellen Shankin (my favorite potter) in Italy.  I wish I went.  I am sort of a hitting wall, and want to come out of the routine production.  I need a bit different shape, or something new.  I have stayed away from the Ceramic Monthly for a long time now, afraid of too much influence by other potters' work.  Talk with Tina made me think it is about to time to expose to workshops and other potters' technique, maybe.  She mentioned me about the 16 hands.  There is one in November. I am very tempted....

Kiln is loaded, but wait until Monday.  Too windy...

Testing mugs

Leaves are burning right now. It is definitely one of beautiful season in Rochester.


Flesh out of the kiln. I test the mugs with boiling water once a while to see any problem with the thermal shock.
They passed.

Thermal shock. If you pour water in ice cube, it cracks.  It is similar to that.  Sudden change of temperature makes the clay and the glaze to expand, if their rates are not the same, it cracks.
If you throw the pot unevenly, it may causes the thermal shock. If the clay and glaze do not fit, the properties of the clay, list goes on. It is good idea to put a spoon (metal) in a cup when pour the hot boiling water, and start with the cold oven. I usually put a dish in 355F oven as long it is room temperature (not from fridge), though.  I read somewhere that 400F is too hot.   I stop making the pie dish long time ago, as everyone bakes differently, and sometimes it broke beyond my control, but I replaced them anyway.
I am testing a white glaze recently.  I used to use the Vivika's white glaze until I start using the white stoneware and it started to crazing. I am not sure how I am going to apply it.  This glaze does not show any crazing on the current clay.

Good autumn day

Opened th kiln today. Another good firing.



Spend this afternoon at the Letchworth State Park. I am not exhibiting the show, starting tomorrow. I did once very long time ago, and it snowed and sales was very poor. I decided not after that. I don't think it snowed since..

Very warm and nice day. Walking in the woods and looking at falls. I am out of shape for walking for sure... Lethworth state park is known as "Grand Canyon of the East". This is very beautiful park. It rained last couple days, and the fall was spectucular!