It was an ordinary day. Cleaning the house again! Every Friday! Start in the second floor master bathroom and work my way down to the family room and then open the door to the garage and get rid of the vacuum. Some times I actually do a REALLY good job of cleaning. Hit all the window sills, pictures that hang on the walls and even the leaves of the many plants we have in the house. Vacuum the cat hair off everything and actually clean the inside of the many ceramic pieces that are spread throughout the house. Carol and I have a really nice collection of clay pieces that we have purchased while traveling or have bought or have been given by local artists. One of our favorite clay artists is our oldest son, Derek. While a student in high school, he produced a large quantity of very nice clay pieces, both in ceramic as well as in porcelain. The main difference between porcelain pieces and regular ceramic pieces is that the clay used in porcelain is more highly refined and purified. Consequently, porcelain is denser than a standard ceramic piece might be. Clay, when fired in a kiln to 930 degrees, becomes ceramic and if it is fired longer, to between 1,200 and 1,400 degrees, it becomes porcelain. Porcelain has a resemblance to the translucent surface of a shell. Clay that is fired beyond that, to 1,800 degrees is called Raku. After reaching the 1,800 degrees, the clay is then removed from the kiln while still glowing hot and placed in a metal container with combustible material such as sawdust, newspaper or dried leaves. After igniting the material, the container is immediately sealed with a lid. The fire quickly uses all the oxygen in the container and draws it from the pottery causing the wonderfully unique patterns of color and metallic luster. After about 15 minutes the piece is removed and immersed in water to "freeze" the patterns. Our favorite pieces we have on display throughout the house for us to enjoy on daily basis and for guests to see when they come to visit. Now, you know that I just have to share them with you on my blog, so here are some pixs of a few in the first of two editions of "Collections from the earth". It was another ordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
These are small ceramic finger bowls that were made by my son Derek when he was a high school student. Very whimsical designs. Just love them!
This small ceramic bowl was made by a student that went to Manheim Township High School, where I taught. I purchased many pieces from high school students while a teacher at the school. Made by J. Sauer.
This is a ceramic bird house that we actually have outside for use. We purchased it at an art show near Philadelphia. Made by artist Vivano Zinto.
Beautiful ceramic cookie jar made by Vivano Zinto.
A medium sized tea pot in porcelain made by my friend Jim Gallagher. Jim and I taught in rooms next to each other in high school. He is a fantastic ceramic artist.
A present from my wife at Christmas. She purchased it at an art show she visited with her friend Margaret. The piece is Raku. Artist is unknown.
This is a small functional tea pot that was made by Doug Schlemm who was a student I had in high school. I purchased quite a few pieces from students I had in school.
These a small ceramic cat holders that we purchased at a Pennsylvania Guild of Artists show at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster. We actually use them on a daily basis. Artist unknown.
These are salt and pepper shakers that we got at a craft show near Philadelphia. Something different that most people wouldn't have. We have them only for display. Artist unknown.
Small bowl that Derek made with muted earth colors. Good for a candy dish!
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