tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165645212024-03-13T05:21:24.097-07:00Kathy's Pottery Diary - Zen and Art of Potter's Wheel Maintenance"Clay is molded to form a cup, But it is on its non-being that the utility of the cup depends. Doors and windows are cut out to make a room, But it is on its non-being that the utility of the room depends. Therefore turn being into advantage, and turn non-being into utility."
Lao Tzu quotes (Chinese taoist Philosopher, b.600 BC)fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-80274081527783469532010-11-28T07:40:00.000-08:002011-05-07T07:50:54.059-07:00Antique Town Dongfu 東埠<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtvmVO_rriTGNr-5HXjVVU3-gsaGwbQsSy4ZFt5ANTiVMwBoo0XjDR9ny_cGZJKMZ-b3HymHJ1SsqFsiC9J3XcqN05x_YnkTmk9lPWa3BNXpm6DNRlz8YVET1kLibLOSKdsRg/s1600/5114479550_ef510ccbea.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtvmVO_rriTGNr-5HXjVVU3-gsaGwbQsSy4ZFt5ANTiVMwBoo0XjDR9ny_cGZJKMZ-b3HymHJ1SsqFsiC9J3XcqN05x_YnkTmk9lPWa3BNXpm6DNRlz8YVET1kLibLOSKdsRg/s200/5114479550_ef510ccbea.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544628503966406978" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">In fall 2010, I went to China for a visit again. This was the 3rd time I visited China, and I have became quite familiar with cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Both my fiance and I couldn't really stand the noise, crowded space, and pollution in big cities for very long; therefore, we decided well in advance that we would head to the country side for an escape. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">It was in the small antique town called Dongfu 東埠 in Jiangxi 江西 we met one of the most memorable people in our trip. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Dongfu used to be one of the busiest cities in the Jingdezhen 景德鎮 area. It was the main port city where porcelains made in Jingdezhen began their journeys to the rest of the world. Dongfu is next to Kaolin 高嶺, the area famed for its natural material used in making porcelain clay. With modernization of transportation, today's Dongfu has long losted its shine and has been forgotten by the rest of the world. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Granny Sun lives in Dongfu 75% of her life so far. She is an transplant from Shanghai in the 1950's. When we arrived Dongfu it was obvious to the villagers that we came from a place nowhere near Dongfu. Granny was very excited when she saw us. An outsider herself, she felt akin to us who are truly outsiders. She volunteered herself as a tour guide for the day and took us around town. She spoke to me in Shanghainese which I can only comprehend partially. I understood her desire of speaking to me in her native togue because she is lonely most time. Her children are all married and moved out, and she is the only person who stayed in her century old house next to the 昌江. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">I told Granny I was interested in picking up porcelain shards in this area if I could, and it was one of my goals in this trip. After Granny heard my wish, she gestured us to follow her to the kitchen. In her antique cupboard, she showed us two tiny tea cups with marks of age. She dug them out from her garden where she grows produce for herself. I admired the cups for a moment and gave them back to Granny. To my surprise, Granny refused to take them back and insisted to give them away to us. I tried my best to either give the cups back or pay for the cups. Again Granny refused to take my money or the cups. In the end, I was able to give Granny a zitan 紫檀 purple sandle wood rosary to her as a momento. I still think about Granny from time and time and wonder if she is doing fine. I wonder if I would see her again. If you ever get a chance visiting Dongfu, please say 'hi' to her for me!</span><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nchim/5114475990/" title="_A183160 by nchim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5114475990_678eba1a66.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="_A183160" /></a><br /></span></span></div><div><br />P.S I will put the photo fo the two cups up asap! </div><br /></span>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-88573443551309624092010-09-05T09:30:00.001-07:002011-05-07T17:58:54.411-07:00Berkeley Potters' Studio Teapot Show in September<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPI0XD6pcwtNx2MpXi90XnkEf2pYA0a65-3kKSmW6xTyo4Xx3Ohbo-YEanD_RJqzuqCeEoYiYzJjzz5OXOij8v98a8gBoynVJ5mmT0tQWTy7ryRQj-9ySzMFyTHd_-GwSwiqTc/s1600/20100901_692_potterstudio.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPI0XD6pcwtNx2MpXi90XnkEf2pYA0a65-3kKSmW6xTyo4Xx3Ohbo-YEanD_RJqzuqCeEoYiYzJjzz5OXOij8v98a8gBoynVJ5mmT0tQWTy7ryRQj-9ySzMFyTHd_-GwSwiqTc/s320/20100901_692_potterstudio.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513468365947907698" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The pottery studio where I am a member of is hosting its annual teapot show in September again. I am not a teapot thrower myself but made a couple of unsuccessful ones in past. The reason I say unsuccessful is because I couldn't get the mouth of the teapot right yet; therefore, when pouring teas, water drips from the side of teapot unpleasantly. Anyhow, I do admire many teapot makers/artists in my studio. Some of the teapots remind me the tea party in Alice Wonderland. What do you think?</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqg7skUpDYn4uI-iqLIQdnARQGXQZAhKwU9xuXL1oXVgJ3r-EoZzBCmdKptPLYdbol8nLTXLEIKPqe3bqju8dgNgBtlzz_admsD7eafohV_O4ZYzreC6aGNa3zQZ928iZUS4F/s200/mad-tea-party-2.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513470711163092050" />fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-76123225446430126452010-04-11T08:15:00.000-07:002010-04-11T08:25:07.134-07:0013-year Old<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63227667@N00/4511120736/" title="13-year Old by KathyYLin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4511120736_1415d1cd25.jpg" alt="13-year Old" height="267" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As a complement to 16-year Old I purchased in Beijing, I made a 13-year old brother to keep her company. It is through sculpture I can see my style of creativity running freely. I have to admit that I am not a very potter on wheel, and after many years, I still have many technical faults when throwing on wheels. However, with sculpture, I can execute images in my head with precision. 13-year old is a good example of such execution. I dedicated this sculpture to my significant other who encouraged me to make the purchase of 16-year Old when we were in Beijing. :)<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63227667@N00/4510484071/" title="13-year Old by KathyYLin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4510484071_1970e857bc.jpg" alt="13-year Old" height="167" width="250" /></a><br /></div></div>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-89676508567353585272010-04-11T08:04:00.000-07:002010-04-11T08:15:24.359-07:006 Salt & Pepper Chess Pieces<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">With the unexpected success of selling the "My Sweet Home" salt & pepper shaker in 2009, I was encouraged to make more salt & pepper shakers, mostly for my own amusement. These 6-piece salt & pepper chess pieces are thrown on wheel with hand sculptured heads. </span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63227667@N00/4510487165/" title="6-piece Chess Salt &amp; Pepper Shaker by KathyYLin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4510487165_12bc044608.jpg" alt="6-piece Chess Salt &amp; Pepper Shaker" height="167" width="250" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >I like them quite a bit; therefore, I'm not sure if I am ready to put them up for sale yet. However, even if I do, I plan to put a pretty expensive price tag on it to deter people buying them unless they really like the set. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Material: Bi-Mix</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Temperture: Cone 10</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Glaze: Rose (?)</span></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63227667@N00/4510489965/" title="King &amp; Queen Chess Pieces by KathyYLin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4510489965_e07331462a.jpg" alt="King &amp; Queen Chess Pieces" height="500" width="334" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">King and Queen</span></span></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63227667@N00/4511133156/" title="Knight Chess Piece in Ceramics by KathyYLin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2296/4511133156_3ebd2667e8.jpg" alt="Knight Chess Piece in Ceramics" height="500" width="334" /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Knight</span></span></a></div>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-82935090051275981002009-09-07T16:00:00.000-07:002010-09-05T09:50:36.923-07:0016-Year Old - 鄭玉奎 中國 (798)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2783242852_26f390aa00.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2783242852_26f390aa00.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Before I visited Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympics,<br />I heard about the famous and over-priced art gallery zone 798 and was eager to visit it. My intention was for inspiration and not for collecting or buying because I actually know a trick or two of making my own craft/art creations.<br /><br />However, when browsing through various galleries and studios, I fell in love with this beautiful clay statue called 16-year Old. The gallery prohibited photos but I managed to take a shot with the help of my boyfriend (That's why the picture is a bit blurry). Looking at her, I can tell the techniques applied in making the 16-year Old are slabs, coils, slips, and no glaze. It ought to be very easy for copying, I thought. However, 10 minutes after stepping out of the gallery, I decided I should ask for her price because I am not sure if I can achieve the same level of perfection as her creator's anytime soon. The result of a price check: </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">very</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">expensive</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> by American standard. The gallery explained to me that The sixteen year old is the creation of a master Chinese ceramicist,</span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">鄭玉奎,</span></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> based on the image of his own daughter, and she is a limited edition work because nobody knows if Mr. <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">鄭玉奎 would want to make the image of his daughter again. </span></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Debating if I should spend the same amount of money enough to buy a round trip ticket to China, I listed all the things I like about her:<br />1 . Her graceful posture<br />2. Her lovely facial expression of a Chinese girl.<br />3. Her detailed Chinese top and<br />4. Her classic Chinese hair style.<br /><br />After examining her closely, I made up my mind that she is coming home with me to San Francisco. The gallery workers noticed my interests in ceramics and took extra care of wrapping her up with layers of layers of padding, foams, and bubble wraps. They were emotional to see her go as I was emotional to bring her home.<br /><br />The sixteen-year old now sits proudly in the entrance of my apartment. I called her My Sixteen Year-Old. The gallery did not forget to give me her birth certificate in case if she becomes a million-dollar doll one day. Fingers crossed. After the economic crisis in US this past summer, whenever I walk pass my 16-year Old girl, I always thought to myself how gladly I spent the money on her, rather than on some tanked mutual fund.<br /><br /><br /></span></span>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-23768255107195306242009-09-07T15:29:00.000-07:002010-04-11T08:04:09.972-07:00More Salt & Pepper Shakers<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">A couple of years ago I made a series of salt & pepper shakers for my own amusement. I even sold a pair at a Christmas holiday sale for $15.00. Recently, I have been making salt & pepper shakers again because I want to used up a bag of black clay that I am not very fond of (because the fiber is short, very hard to throw for my skill level). I used pinch pot method when making my earlier salt & pepper shakers; however, I found that throwing the basic cone shape on potter's wheel helps to speed up the process by a lot.<br /><br />Here are some end products:<br /><br />Title: My Sweet Homes (Sold!)<br />Material: Cone 10 High Fire Black Clay + Sodate-60 Slips<br />Glaze: None<br />Size: 1.75" x 1.5"</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63227667@N00/3781751562/" title="20090731_640_saltpepper by KathyYLin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3781751562_494f218f5e_m.jpg" alt="20090731_640_saltpepper" height="161" width="240" /></a><br />In December 2009, I sold this lovely salt & pepper shaker pair on Etsy.com. I have to say it was hard to let them go. I took a couple of photos before taking the package to the post office.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63227667@N00/4510506945/" title="My Home Salt &amp; Pepper Shaker Packaged by KathyYLin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4510506945_96a5dda4d7.jpg" width="250" height="167" alt="My Home Salt &amp; Pepper Shaker Packaged" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63227667@N00/4511150702/" title="My Home Salt &amp; Pepper Shaker by KathyYLin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2112/4511150702_c36b616583.jpg" width="250" height="167" alt="My Home Salt &amp; Pepper Shaker" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Title: Abstract Animal Shakers<br />Material: Cone 10 High Fire Black Clay<br />Glaze: Cone 10 Peach / Orange Shino<br />Size: 1.75" x 1.25"</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63227667@N00/3781755088/" title="20090731_643_saltpepper by KathyYLin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/3781755088_837fc290c5.jpg" alt="20090731_643_saltpepper" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-59068758787354604482009-07-27T23:48:00.000-07:002009-07-28T00:53:14.614-07:00Shadow Puppets<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Today, I would like to talk about something that has nothing to do with pottery. Today's topic is about shadow puppets and its importance to Balinese art.<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63227667@N00/3738200588/" title="20090703_187_AsiaTrip2009 by KathyYLin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3738200588_ab4aed697b.jpg" alt="20090703_187_AsiaTrip2009" height="500" width="334" /></a><br />Antique shadow puppets in Neka Musem<br /></center><br /><br />Early July, I went to Bali for a friend's wedding and was on the hunt for an Indonesian shadow puppet. I always have a thing for shadow puppets and already own a pair of Chinese shadow puppets from Beijing. Looking for a Balinese puppet was simply adding one more to my collection and with the possibility of playing it with my other two.<br /><br />However, it was after visiting the well-respected Neka Museum in Ubud that made me realize how important shadow puppets are to both traditional and </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">contemporary Balinese art</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">. Balinese shadow puppets played a far more important role in the development of Balinese paintings, and it is the source of inspiration for many painters. In the first phase of Balinese traditional painting, one can often see depiction of figures with features almost indentical to shadow puppets. I suspect this style of drawings emerged from story-telling or religous text. Nevertheless, Neo-Balinese paintings still retain and extend the same style of drawings. Photos above and below demonstrate the similarity in facial features of a shadow puppet and a contemporary Balinese painting of two figures. Now, I look at my Indonesian puppet with a total different view. I'm sure I will still play it with my other puppets, but I will always think about the meaning of this puppet (though I doubted it is a real antique) and what it brings to Balinese art. I'm glad I went to Neka Musem, and I'm glad I bought the shadow puppet.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63227667@N00/3738200216/" title="20090703_180_AsiaTrip2009 by KathyYLin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/3738200216_4e09286483.jpg" alt="20090703_180_AsiaTrip2009" height="500" width="378" /></a><br /><br /></span></span>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-91758910686496946002008-07-28T13:32:00.000-07:002008-08-08T01:10:37.445-07:00Does this bottle look zen?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/2707831108_0702b70a06_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/2707831108_0702b70a06_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br />This bottle is one of my latest creation. I am pleased with how the dark stain turned out after the firing. I couldn't quite visualize the look when I glazed it and had tried a couple of technics before settling down with the final glaze. The glaze I used are shino orange for the body, and tamaku for the black stain. I initially used black underglaze for the stain but was not too sure about how it would look if covered by a white glaze (window clear glaze ran out that day). In the end, I switched to tamaku just to be safe. The creation of the flower decoration was actually an unintentional design. While trimming the pot, it moved and left a scar made by the trimming tool; in order to salvage the work, I extended the scar into a frame and made the design as it is today. It turns out nicely. I think.</span></span><br /></p>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-39169499629082686752008-07-28T13:10:00.000-07:002009-07-24T23:06:32.912-07:00Mr. Tofu in Flower Soup Bowl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2707014023_c1b739c6b5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2707014023_c1b739c6b5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I bought a Nikon D60 recently, so I have no excuse of not posting some of my latest work online. Last year I made a series of rice bowl with bright flowers painted with Amaco cone 10 underglaze. The end product exceeded our expectation; bright colors such red, orange, and yellow generally don't come out at high temperature firing; however, Amaco has produced a number of colorful underglazes that can withstand cone 10. I was lucky of getting these underglaze via a promotional offer. I paid $6 shipping and handling for 6 2oz. jars of bright red, orange, and yellow. I just checked the price online last week, one 2 oz. jar of bright red cone10 underglaze is about $6.00. </span></span></p><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/63227667@N00/2707014665/" title="tofu man in soup bowl by hsiaoyin, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2707014665_50ea5c0fd8_m.jpg" alt="tofu man in soup bowl" height="161" width="240" /></a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/2707828102_b9308855e3_m.jpg" alt="2007 Flower Bowl" height="161" width="240" />fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-38104002902107460702008-02-23T09:25:00.000-08:002008-02-23T09:38:34.501-08:00Pottery Wheel Maintenance<span style="font-size:85%;">It came to my attention that many people probably land on this page looking for a REAL pottery wheel maintenance guide. I myself from time to time run into wheel problem too. There are cases where the wheel pedal is too sensitive; the speed is not consistence; the wheel is making loud noise at high speed; and at one time, the electric cord seemed to leak power, and I got a mild electric shock while turning the wheel off (luckily, I didn't die from that...) I found some simple guidance regarding taking care of your pottery wheel from eHow.com. Here it is:<br /><br /><p class="Part0 Step"></p><blockquote><p class="Part0 Step"> <span class="label">Step 1:</span><br />Clean up well, after every session, as clay gets everywhere. Clay is easiest to clean up while still wet, so try to make wheel cleaning a part of your normal maintenance routine. Pay special attention to the small space between your wheel mount and the spinning tray. </p> <p class="Part0 Step"> <span class="label">Step 2:</span><br />Wipe excess clay from the pedal of your pottery wheel when you notice that it is building up. A dirty pedal can be difficult to control and can lead to the destruction of your projects. </p> <p class="Part0 Step"> <span class="label">Step 3:</span><br />Listen to the motor of your pottery wheel; it should be almost silent. If you begin to hear humming noises, it's time for a good cleaning and oiling. Clay dust can build up inside the motor after a long period of use. Your local pottery supply shop should be able to tune up and maintain your motor for a reasonable price. </p> <p class="Part0 Step"> <span class="label">Step 4:</span><br />Cover your pottery wheel with a sheet or drop cloth, if you won't be using it for awhile. During prolonged periods of inactivity, you should plug in the wheel and work the pedal a bit, every month or so, to keep the motor maintained. </p> <p class="Part0 Step"> <span class="label">Step 5:</span><br /> Unplug your pottery wheel, or turn it off if you have an on/off switch, when it is not being used. </p><blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br /></span>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-27558717704328657932007-09-21T11:38:00.000-07:002007-11-28T22:53:51.112-08:00Xitang 江南古镇西塘 , China 2007<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIzFv6jI_sXCT-XXs5ZmuJJUZnIXi9Pe82S5ozWYGh9cJ_uwi4UPoNXhmQ202rnJbUjR0QvJ9SQjnRIB4gaSvwKKZfX8li9dIh0do9rM6IZ6KrikeeNffSKLnWlqC1fQpng5n/s1600-h/xitang.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIzFv6jI_sXCT-XXs5ZmuJJUZnIXi9Pe82S5ozWYGh9cJ_uwi4UPoNXhmQ202rnJbUjR0QvJ9SQjnRIB4gaSvwKKZfX8li9dIh0do9rM6IZ6KrikeeNffSKLnWlqC1fQpng5n/s200/xitang.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112760334406379090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I took a day trip to Xitang during my two week long vacation in China in September. I had been wanting to visit Xitang for a long time now. Xitang is one of the famous water towns between Suzhou and Hengzhou; it's lesser known to foreign tourists and is better preserved in architectures and local culture. The slogan of the town reads, "Xitang is a thousand year old town that still lives."<br /><br />Xitang is about 50 minutes south of Shanghai and can be reached by train from Shanghai South Train Station. Xitang itself does not have a train station; therefore, most tourists usually join local tour groups from Shanghai, and travel to Xitang by tour buses.<br /><br />The transportation we took to reach Xitang is more down to earth. Before leaving San Francisco, I did some extensive research on transportation options, and I learned that there are express trains going to a city called Chia Shan. From Chia Shan, there are direct bus lines or taxi to Xitang. Taking public transportation avoided schedule constraint; therefore, this was the best choice to go.<br /><br />Xitang Old Town is quaint and relaxing. Residents who live next to river canals for generations seemed to have adapt an easygoing way of living. Over the years, Xitang has became more and more touristy; most of the houses in old town are now converted into hostels for people to stay overnight. Although Xitang Old Town mainly derives its revenue from tourism, strangely, it hasn't being commercialized. My friend and I were eager to buy ourselves T-shirts that reads "Xitang" on top but cannot find any. Local handmade goods, food do not bare any mark or indication of their origin "Xitang". After talking to some shopkeepers in the town, we learned that very often, customers dislike the town's name to be part of the souvenirs (strange, isn't it?); therefore, artists and shopkeepers remove Xitang from their products to please customers. One shopkeeper told me that he suspects people who came to Xitang to buy their goods and resale them elsewhere. I have to say this is really a little town that doesn't know how to promote itself. Its neighboring water towns, Zhouzhuang, and Tongli are already world famous and attract tourists from around the world.<br /><br />To be honest, I love Xitang because of it's lack of tourists. We arrived around noon, and the person who was in charge of Old Town's admission fee was not even there to collect our entry fee. The town was pretty empty; only a few local tourists, shopkeepers, and art students doing still-life drawings. We wondered around in the town for awhile, crossing a number of bridges, walking thru a number of narrow alley ways. Bridges and narrow alleyways are two unique architectural features of ancient water towns in the coast of China. We found a tea house next to the canal to take a break; the interior design of the tea place was trendy; the tea was definitely overpriced; and the table we got wasn't really next to a window. Thinking back, I regret we didn't insist on leaving; we were tired from a day's travel at that time.<br /><br />Very soon, night started to fall, and we had to catch the last train heading back to Shanghai from Chia Shan. Before we left, we took a boat ride in the canal. Inns, restaurants, and boat keepers started to turn their red lanterns on; all the sudden, the canal is lined with beautiful lanterns. That's one of the most lovely images I have seen in my trip to China. Xitang is known for its view in dusk and dawn. I wish I had extra time to spend here.<br /><br />On the way heading out of Old Town Xitang, we saw stores starting to close down. This is another thing that really amazed me. Instead of closing up gates and lock doors up, closing up a shop in Xitang is done in a classic way: Shopkeepers moved one wooden board at a time to cover up the entrance, until the entire door is covered by 5 or 6 wooden boards (vertically), and then, they locked the door. Although I was born and raised in Taiwan and read enough classic novels about Chinese culture, this was the first time I saw something like this. Xitang is indeed an ancient town that's alive.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NXV5xu53RKR9wKxB-OJmQEV8bLQ7rw8NrqvCySrSMkd4sO80nDttWyOuATqWXtD2sOeMrFwTk_znnrjmRQySW0QX6nrNV8bfd9YrUwBaLZVPdLJUtodQ801KRxT1wO9woh3g/s1600-h/1408461965_2f49a4ff23_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NXV5xu53RKR9wKxB-OJmQEV8bLQ7rw8NrqvCySrSMkd4sO80nDttWyOuATqWXtD2sOeMrFwTk_znnrjmRQySW0QX6nrNV8bfd9YrUwBaLZVPdLJUtodQ801KRxT1wO9woh3g/s200/1408461965_2f49a4ff23_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112774074006759010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-1167096963956116142006-12-25T17:18:00.000-08:002006-12-25T17:38:49.460-08:00Crucible Holiday Sales $$<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/593536/2/istockphoto_593536_one_hundred_dollar_bills.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/593536/2/istockphoto_593536_one_hundred_dollar_bills.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">No doubt X'MAS is a good day to catch up on writing because there is nothing else better to do. Yes, I would like to talk about the Crucible holiday sale 2006. I earned $125 selling hand-made pottery ($40 are contributed from sympathetic friends and coworkers.) I am still in awe of the excitement of being able to participate in an event like this. Some of the items I love so much that I feel glad they didn't sell. A couple of my creation found good homes and people who genuinly like them. Some of the pieces ain't so luck; I'm still quite upset at the woman who only bought the big Blue Blue Checker (see previous posting in archive) but not his bother. I don't think my dear Blue Blue Checker bowl will last very long. Sigh...<br /><br />Here is a list of items I sold:<br />1. Dip me in Chocolate (set of 2)<br />2. Big Blue Blue Checker<br />3. Soda Fired Salt & Pepper Shaker<br />4. Porcelain "My Home" vase<br />5. Mini Salt & Pepper Shaker in persimmon glaze<br /> 6. Originally, Milki's tea cup with black underglaze (gladly, Mark has it now)<br /> 7. Raku rice bowls (set of 3)<br />8. Raku plate (with a crack, and I didn't take a photo of it.)<br />9. One pair of earrings (jewelry always sells...)<br /></span></span>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-1167095272756247362006-12-25T16:52:00.000-08:002006-12-25T17:07:52.766-08:00Anonymous Four<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/575/1576/1600/756819/2006110004_sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/575/1576/320/476349/2006110004_sm.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> I'm not going to tell you what have happened to these four yet. Their fate has been sealed when they were fired in kiln, and subsequently, at the Crucible art sale. This photo was taken when they are still in their purest form, even before the first bisque fire. There is this timeless feeling and touch to the 4 unfinished vases. At least, this is my perception. The anonymous four humming quietly in my bathroom, waiting for their debut. Some have happy endings and some don't, just like real lives.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-1164703371143348612006-11-28T00:28:00.000-08:002006-11-28T00:42:51.156-08:00Rome, Italy (Fall 2006)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/1600/rome.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/320/rome.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">10 Things I remember Rome the most:</span></span><br /><ol><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">cobblestone is slippery.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">It's a million dollar moment to see an old face in Rome when you are soaked in rain and had no dinner.<br /></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Shoes and leather goods are indeed cheaper and higher in quality in Italy.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">A woman can spend her entire life's saving in no time.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Once Italians know you better, they are very passionate and friendly.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Traffic and air pollution is not as bad as some have described, especially if you live in Asia before.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">gypsies and pickpockets don't function very well when the weather is bad.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">You can bargain with shop owners the Asia way. Italians are very much like Chinese in this regard. Calculators, hand gestures, and you got a deal!</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">"Professor" who works at the conciege desk in InterContinental Roma is actually a very warm person if you tell him you remember him from 3 years ago. He opens up to you right away.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">You need quick eyes and sharp elbows when outlet shopping in Rome. Roudtrip taxi ride would cost you an arm and a leg to begin with.<br /></span></span></li></ol>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-1164699886145061072006-11-27T23:38:00.000-08:002006-11-28T19:36:53.560-08:00Rediscovering...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/575/1576/1600/83751/2006110008_sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/575/1576/320/593334/2006110008_sm.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Just when i thought all the childish ideas were gone, something like this came out of my mind and hand without warnings. The child in me came out and danced with my fingers. "What a surprise", I said to myself. "It has been a long time!"<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I found pure joy when making this little clay puppy. I designed it on paper first; however, I usually don't expect the final product to be like the initial draft. This one comes fairly close to its original design. I love the cuteness of the piece, but I am afraid it won't survive through the first bisque firing. Tail, neck, and ears, are fragile parts of this clay animal.<br /><br />The little puppy is bone-dry now, but it is too precious for me to send it to the kiln yet. Things from childhood don't often make into the real world.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/575/1576/1600/1927/2006110007_sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/575/1576/320/584496/2006110007_sm.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/575/1576/1600/650300/2006110010_sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/575/1576/320/260237/2006110010_sm.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />~~Kathy<br /></span></span>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-1164702102518960982006-10-20T23:44:00.000-07:002006-12-25T17:12:32.776-08:00Paris, France (Fall 2006)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/1600/pyramid.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/320/pyramid.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I meant to write about my recent trip to Europe for awhile now. I'm afraid that if I don't put down my thoughts soon, the so-called recent trip would become very vague soon. My friend Ludo, who I stayed with in Paris, has also made a comment about not seeing my writing here. Thus, I am churning out at least 1/3 of the travel journal here now.<br /><br />Paris is always an exciting city to visit, no doubt. This is my second visit to Paris; my first visit was 13 years ago when I was in my teens. My trip to Paris this time is totally different from the past: 1) I am traveling alone. 2) I am staying with a local. (yes, my friend is French.) 3) I have $ to spend on myself!<br /><to be="" continued=""><br />*MORE DETAILS TO COME...........<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10 Things I remember Paris the most:</span></to></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span><ol style="font-family:verdana;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Subway Line14 is newest/fastest subway line in Paris.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Frog Brew in Bercy sells pina colada that tastes like sour milk.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">First Sunday of every month can save you tons of money if you are a museum-goer.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">When shopping for fabric in Paris, you got to know the unspoken rules. (I still didn't figure out how the entire thing works.)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Lyon Mussels & Frits is great! They use Le Creuset to server you your food, and don't forget about unlimited fries.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Berthillon has the best ice cream in the world! 5-start for their wild strawberry ice cream.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Cashier at Louvre can give you a hard time when you try to get rid of Euro coins.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">People who work in the post office near Bel Air are very friendly. They found the cutest baby lamb stamps for my postcards.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Giverny, Vernon is one of the most beautiful towns I have ever been so far. Monet loved it, and me too.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Getting VAT in CDG is impossible. The AMEX counter has lazy clerks who purposely delay the refund process to make people late for their flight. </span></li></ol>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-1153685006735270262006-07-23T12:33:00.000-07:002006-12-25T17:15:44.203-08:00Soda Fire<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/1600/july20060014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/320/july20060014.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:webdings;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span><span style="font-family:webdings;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Project: Basic Salt & Pepper Jars</span></span><br />Clay Type: White Sleeper (cone)<br />Glaze: None (soda kiln)</span><br />(**UPDATE: SOLD)<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> <span style="font-size:85%;">Soda firing, like salt firing, is one type of vapor firing. The piece I have here didn't have any glaze on and was fired in a soda kiln. The final look of the piece is this clean semi rough (like an orange-peel) surface. Without a close look, some may think the piece has not gone thru its glaze firing yet. Salt and soda kiln produce effects ranging from the characteristic orange-peel texture covering the entire external area or partial flashing. The result usually depends on many different factors: the way a kiln is packed, the amount of soda is applied, and the amount of vapor produced. According to a fellow blogger's article <a href="http://potteryblog.com/2006/01/what-is-soda-firing.html">http://potteryblog.com/2006/01/what-is-soda-firing</a>, soda firing was first introduced in Germany in the 13th century. However, many believe that the technique was already around since ancient time. This is the first time I have a piece fired in soda kiln. I would like to see what a difference soda firing would make if there is glaze to interact with soda. However, in the meantime, I like to know there is an alternative for glaze firing, when I feel lazy to glaze.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><br /></div>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-1142060447553797482006-05-30T12:57:00.000-07:002007-05-06T07:48:50.536-07:00For the Sake of Salt & Pepper Sakers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/1600/saltpepper.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/320/saltpepper.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Project Name: Salt & Pepper </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">Saker<br />Type: White Sleeper (cone 10)</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Glaze: Shino</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />Description:</span><br /> <span style="font-family:verdana;">This pair of salt & pepper jars are pinch pots. The shape of the design is foromed by paddling from the sides using a flat wooden tool.<br /><br /></span><br /></span></span>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-1145946698412830302006-04-24T23:20:00.000-07:002006-05-28T11:52:05.843-07:00Bangkok, Thailand 2006<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/1600/wat_pho.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/320/wat_pho.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bangkok, Thailand 2006</span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >My friend, Ana, has being living in Bangkok for 7 months now. Unlike most Thai, Ana spent all her teenage-hood in Maryland, and completed her B.S. in the States. Her final decision of moving home came after a mental and physical breakdown, a result of years of hard work for the Thai Embassy in D.C.<br /><br />I haven't seen Ana for 3 years. The last time I saw Ana was right after my mother's passing. I remember how awful I felt, and it was very comforting when Ana came to visit. Ana is one of my closest friends.<br /><br />I have been wanting to see Ana for awhile, and after a mental and physical breakdown myself, I decided to back my bag and headed to Bangkok.<br /><br />Most people who visited Thailand would advise you not to spend more than 3 days in Bangkok because Bangkok is just another big city, with noise, pollution, bad traffic. I choose to believe in Ana, and she believes 6 days is not even enough to cover Bangkok. She is right.<br /><br />After a 24-hr plane ride, I arrived Bangkok, Thailand. It's hot and humid, just like what Ana has told me. April is the hottest season in Thailand, and I arrive just in time for the famous Songkran festival.<br />Songkran Festival is one of the four new years Thai people celebrate. During Songkran Festival, people all have water buckets, water guns, water bowls, ready to pour water at anyone and everyone.<br /><br />Davis Hotel Bangkok ( Sukhumvit soi 24) is the hotel I stayed, and it sits in a neighborhood so-called "Bangkok Beverly Hill". The hotel is nice and quiet, and a 15 minutes walk can get you to the nearest Sky Train station, Phrom Phong. Due to hot weather, most people choose to pay 35 baht for a quick taxi ride from sky train station back the hotel; however, I am so used to walk around using my feet (and being cheap at the same time); I walked from the train station to my hotel on the first day of Songkran. Ana was home studying and doing her midterm. I was not warned about the water and its quantity. Kids and adults all lined up in the street of soi 24, with their weapon in hands, ready to fire at me. Because I was obviously a tourist, people were very gentle to me, and most people asked for my permission before dripping water on me. Thai people are nice. I like them, and I think they like me too.<br /><br />During my visit, I stayed away from the backpacker neighborhood altogether. Having hearing stories about ethnocentric farangs stepping over local people and their culture, I swear I am going to travel like a local and avoid tourist traps. I have great respect for this country and their people. I learnt to speak a few words in Thai, such as "thank you", "yes", "no", and general greeting. People responded nicely whenever I tried to speak Thai to them. Mutual respect is will received here, at least, I didn't get ripped off by taxi drivers when Ana was not around.<br /><br />Ana and her family treated me like a family. I was taken to various local hangout and restaurants for food and snacks. I did my homework before going to Thailand, and armed with Saveur Magazine, I was able to take Ana and her sister out for a treat at Baan Khanitha, a famous restaurant ran by the top female chef. I'm glad I had Ana with me, otherwise, I would most likely end up ordering Pai Thai. Ana and her sister managed to order what they think is the best, food that I have never seen in the States, even in California. I couldn't name any of the dishes I had except Chiang Mei sausage which very very yummy. Ana told me that a friend from Chiang Mei used to make it at home in Maryland. I wonder how could I missed out on that.<br /><br />On the third day of my visit, Ana's family took me down on the south west coast of Thailand, to go to the beach. The place we are heading has the shortest distance from Burma, this is a virgin beach where no backpackers can get to on their own. The resort we booked is supposed to be new, but it turned out to be more like a hostel. The inn keeper apparently lied to Ana's dad and promised more than what "the resort" can offer. I feel guilty for troubling Ana's family so much. It was a ~5 hr drive from Bangkok to here. Soon after arriving the beach, Ana's sister became alarmed about our surroundings, she noticed that many Burmese are in the area, this is not safe, especial we are three girls together. At night, we locked the door tight and watched Thai soap opera together. I learnt to watch Thai Royal news and was able to enjoy watching Korean TV series "大長今" by reading Chinese subtitles. Regardless the lack of local infrastructure, I enjoyed this adventure, and I had really good sticky mango rice Ana's mom prepared. <br /><br />My visit to Thailand was really too short. I kept believing I had one extra day in Thailand, and Ana has to constantly remind me when day of my flight home. I spent all my money on a couple of massage sessions before I left Thailand. I ran out of money and have to ask Ana to lend me some in the end. I am such a lousy traveler. I have to pay Ana back the money I owe, and this gives me a good reason to go visit her again soon. I have to pay Ana back her money, right! :)<br /><br /></span>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-1141600969279220402006-03-05T15:05:00.000-08:002006-03-10T23:02:46.770-08:00Confusion<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/1600/march2006_0010_snapshot.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/200/march2006_0010_snapshot.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Project Name: </span>Confusion</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Clay Type:</span> Stoneware Sleeper</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Glaze:</span> Window Clear, Leslie's black undergalze (cone 10)</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Description:</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">This piece is again done in sleeper stoneware clay, fired to cone10. The black imprints are made from a paint roller with specific pattern carved out. The diffused black underglaze, under window clear glaze, looks fuzzy, yet unique. I wonder if this piece is a break through of my existing work.</span></span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/1600/march2006_0009_small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/200/march2006_0009_small.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: right; font-style: italic;">Its sister piece awaits to be fired next week.</div>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-1141599949583731612006-03-05T14:58:00.000-08:002006-03-10T23:04:25.906-08:00Blue Blue Checker<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/1600/march2006_0006_small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/200/march2006_0006_small.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme Name: </span> Blue Blue Check</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Clay Type:</span> B-Mix (cone 10)</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Glaze:</span> New Blue, Leslie's blue underglaze, C.Ball Turquoise Blue, Window Cl<span style="font-size:85%;">ear<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/1600/march2006_0008_small.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/200/march2006_0008_small.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Description:</span><br />Blue checker bowls. This is the shape I have been practicing in the past few months. I added 1x1 square to each of the rice bowl for decoration. Squares and checkers are the theme of this project. I am experimenting adding decorative pieces to my work. I think they turned out okay, but I am not overwhelmingly satisfied with the look. The interior C.Ball Turquoise blue is one of my favorite glaze so far.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span></div></div>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-1141599088433701562006-03-05T14:36:00.000-08:002006-03-05T14:58:30.660-08:00Tea Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/1600/march2006_0015_small.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/200/march2006_0015_small.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Project Name:</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Tea Time</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Clay Type: </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">Stoneware Sleeper (high fire)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Glaze: </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">Green Celadon, Green Oribe, Waxy white, iron oxide (cone 10)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Description:</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The trio tea set is made of white sleeper clay. The clay body is very similar to porcelain, soft and smooth, hard to control in throwing, comparing to recycled clay. Nature is the dominant motif in this project, presented by sun, water spiral, and mountain carved on each piece. The choice of glaze reinforces the theme, with light green celadon on the outside, oribe green in the inside, and ocean blue glaze as a result of waxy white overlaying oribe green. The carved symbols are washed with iron oxide prior to applying the glaze. This is a cute and lovely set. I hope it could be inspirational.<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/1600/march2006_0004_small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/200/march2006_0004_small.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-1141598110502887982006-03-05T14:27:00.000-08:002006-03-05T14:36:30.470-08:00Scar<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/1600/march2006_0013_small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/200/march2006_0013_small.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Theme Name:</span> Scars </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Clay:</span> recycle mixed clay (high fire) </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Glaze:</span> matt black, matt white, clear clay, black underglaze </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Item 01:</span> Surface Scar </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Description:</span> </span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />This is the first piece made for theme "Scars". It's a representation of emotional scars people bare in the duration of lives. Some of the scars never heal; some of the scars are more visible than others. Nevertheless, our internal wounds and scars define who we are, and how different we are from one another. This is the first piece made for this theme.<br /><br /><br /></span></span>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-1140422539315542252006-02-19T23:27:00.000-08:002006-03-10T23:02:00.830-08:00Nine Sons of Dragon<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/1600/baxia.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/575/1576/320/baxia.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;" >Baxia, photo taken in Gulin, China.</span><br /></div> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span lang="ZH-TW" style="font-family:NSimSun;">古人云:「一龍生九子,各不成龍。</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family:SimSun;">」</span></span><br /></p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><br />"Dragon has nine sons, each is unique, but without the full form of a dragon." <span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p> <span style="font-size:85%;"></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><style></style>HAOXIAN</span><br /></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">A reckless and adventurous dragon whose image can be found decorating the eaves of palaces.</span><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >YAZI</span><br /></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Valiant and bellicose; his image is seen on sword-hilts and knife hilts.</span><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> <style></style><span style="font-style: italic;">CHIWEN</span></span><br /></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Chiwen likes to gaze into the distance and his appearance is often carved on pinnacles.</span><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> <style></style><span style="font-style: italic;">BAXIA</span></span><br /></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Baxia is a good swimmer and his image decorates many bridge piers and archways.</span><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> <style></style><span style="font-style: italic;">PULAO</span></span><br /></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Pulao is fond of roaring and his figure is carved on bells.</span><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> <style></style><span style="font-style: italic;">BIXI</span></span><br /></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Bixi is an excellent pack-animal whose image appears on panniers.</span><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> <style></style><span style="font-style: italic;">QIUNIU</span></span><br /></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Qiuniu loves music and his figure is a common decoration on the bridge of stringed musical instruments.</span><br /><style></style></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >SUANMI</span><br /></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Suanmi is fond of smoke and fire; his likeness can be seen on the legs of incense-burners.</span><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> <style></style><span style="font-style: italic;">JIAOTU</span></span><br /></div> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Jiaotu is as tight-lipped as a mussel or a snail. His image is carved on doors.</span></span>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16564521.post-1140310792651294362006-02-18T16:57:00.000-08:002006-02-18T16:59:52.663-08:00Muscle Memories<p style="font-family: verdana;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> Any good athlete is required to have flawless muscle memories, without it, one will lost his/her precision in performing to a sport’s perfection.<span style=""> </span>Muscle memories have been mentioned fairly often in the past few days, ever since the opening of 2006 Winter Olympics in <st1:place><st1:city>Torino</st1:City>, <st1:country-region>Italy</st1:country-region></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: verdana;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p> Throwing vessels on a potter’s wheel also requires muscle memories.<span style=""> </span>For formal ceramic students who have gone through rigorous trainings, cylinders, bowls, and plates, the three basic forms, are to be made repetitively.<span style=""> </span>Perfection and precision are expected, and these values do not come without muscle memories.</span></p> <p style="font-family: verdana;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> In pottery class, we train our muscles to remember a certain posture, a certain movement, a certain pressure exerted.<span style=""> </span>With these memories, one would be able to produce high quality pieces, effortlessly, and timely.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p style="font-family: verdana;"></o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Before I start doing pottery again, I didn’t know I was actually starting myself on a new sport. I have to say, my back hurts, and my muscles do not have good memories. Yet, I love it.</span></span><br /></p>fOrget AboUt PaSthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18427651555447445369noreply@blogger.com