Adapting to the times

It seems this terrible virus will be around for some time yet.  We almost had it beaten in NSW but with an uprise of cases in Victoria the virus has travelled to our state too. It seems all we can do is keep ourselves well and follow the recommendations on social distancing and hygiene.  Mask wearing is becoming the norm.  Those who don't have a craft or hobby must be finding things very difficult.

Luckily I am well stocked with clay and glazes and can keep myself busy.  The one drawback is that my studio is rather cold and shaded but I rug up with a extra layer of clothes and a hat and I'm doing more handbuilding than wheel work.

I have been able to sell some of my smaller pieces online via my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AnnasCeramics/
and my Instagram account: @potterybyanna

I also have another commission to work on and the possibility of being part of a community exhibition later in the year.

I hope all of my followers are keeping well. Here are some pieces that sold recently: 

 A destash of buttons...

Percival has found a new home in the country

this Saddleback guy is with new friends in a suburban home

these bowls were delivered to a nearby suburb

So I am trying to adapt and stay well.  All the best out there. 

Heading interstate

While I still can't visit Queensland, my teapot can.
The border restrictions due to Covid19 on movement of people between NSW and Qld are still in place at the moment.  
Fortunately I am able to get to the post office to send off this commissioned teapot. I hope it's new owner enjoys it.

"Fern" wheel thrown stoneware with underglaze and clear glaze.

Staying at Home

Staying at home due to restrictions imposed by our government to help reduce the spread of Covid 19 seems to be working.  It has not been much different here as both my husband and I enjoy each other's company and have never been big on social gatherings. We are still able to do our weekly shop and our hobbies are home based and we can keep in touch with family and friends via phone or online video calls.

The general atmosphere has affected my pottery making as I just did not feel inspired to go to the studio.  The studio was also cluttered with materials that were to be sold for a fund raiser that was cancelled.  It took me ages to finally realize that by putting a few things outside and doing a huge tidy up I could clear my working space.

a few of the many boxes of materials cluttering up the studio

some of the old test tiles from my training days removed from the studio

The clean up extended to my house and I found this iconic children's book - Dot and the Kangaroo is an Australian classic written about a young girl who gets lost in the bush and is saved by a kind kangaroo.  In the story the kangaroo gives her berries to eat that stave off hunger but also allow her to understand what the animals are saying.  Wouldn't that be cool.

 Autumn in Sydney means that many of the camellia's start to flower.  This single one is one of my favourites.

 Just before the restrictions came in we made it to the nursery to get some compost and seedlings.  The cosmos have come to life with the drought breaking rain - they should have been flowering during summer but it was just too dry.  The marigolds starting flowering within days of being planted out.

I'm back in the studio at last and will be catching up on a commission and a few other pieces to fill the kiln.
Take care everyone - be patient with the restrictions and keep yourself and others well.

Rain at last

Over the last couple of weeks much of the east coast has received flooding rains... from one extreme to the other... while all the bush fires are either out or at least contained those whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed by the fires are still facing recovery.

One of my friends is bringing artists together to exhibit in a fund raiser to help. They are calling it Creative Coastal Appeal and it will be in the Ulladulla Civic Centre.
My work titled "2070" will be part of that exhibition in Ulladulla on the NSW south coast over the Anzac holiday weekend, 25 April.

If you live close by please consider attending....bring your friends and buy some art for a good cause.

EDIT: The show in Ulladulla was postponed indefinitely due to restrictions caused by the fight to limit the Corona Virus.  Fortunately, prior to this my friend took "2070" to another fund raiser at The Ivy Hill Gallery further down the coast where it sold.  So happy the bush fire affected potters I nominated will get the funds.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

to my Friends and Followers
I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
A Happy New Year would include an end to this current drought and the resultant bush fires. 
Stay safe everyone.

Christmas sales preparations underway

I have several markets and a PopUp Shop as well as my usual stockists to supply over the next month so glad my last firing went well.
Here is a selection of some current pieces.
I hope to be back in the studio tomorrow for more making....

small bud vase. white stoneware with 2 colour stamped design

Christmas Tree Hangers - porcelain and tissue print

Christmas Tree Hangers - Porcelain, gilding and glass beads

Second chance

This teapot was meant to go to the Sydney Teapot Show back in September however my kiln broke down and there was no time to refire it.
Once the kiln was repaired I was able to refire the whole load successfully.

So this one is now on show at the Hazelhurst Gallery Shop in Gymea NSW.
The design is inspired by the Bangalow Palm trees we have in our garden.

Wheel thrown stoneware teapot with cane handle. Scraffitto decoration. Royal Blue lid. 2019

Great result

The women running the Art For Bales fundraiser are still processing receipts, however the initial results are terrific.
I also made a donation to bring my contribution up to the price of two bales of hay.  Thank you to those who purchased my brooches.  Every little helps.

If you would like to help you can still donate directly to the charity - here is the link: https://www.buyabale.com.au/

Art for Bales fundraiser, sale day today and tomorrow

If you have an Instagram account please consider purchasing some art work for the fundraiser for drought relief, @artforbales2019

There are 200 or more artists, including myself with art works and pottery for sale. The sale is taking place over two days, 19 & 20 October 2019

Here are my small offerings - 3 porcelain brooches.
The green bird has sold - the cupcakes are still available
$15 each with free delivery within Australia

Teapot, kiln failure and Art for Bales

I am very happy with my entry in the Sydney Teapot Show. My teapot (only one due to my kiln failing at a crucial time) titled "Bluey" sold on day one of the show!

"Bluey" stoneware wheel thrown teapot 2019

That will help with the expense of repairing my little kiln!

The show will be open until the 20 October 2019 at the Kerrie Lowe Gallery in Newtown, Sydney.

If you are on Instagram please keep a look out for the fund raiser called Art for Bales 2019.  I took part last year and sadly their help is still needed as our farmers face another year of drought which also means more bushfires.  It all takes a toll on both farmers and the animals.

I will be selling 3 of my porcelain brooches so check out #artforbales2019 and my Instagram account - @potterybyanna.
The sale is only on Instagram and will go live from 19 October 2019.