More Issues with the Kiln!

Finally decided to work on my kiln.  Based on the installation  instructions, I called Skutt for some advice .  The touchpad replacement is pretty simple.  However, when I went to remove the wiring harness connections, the wire of one crimped connector came apart.  Apparently it was not crimped correctly at manufacture.  However, I thought oh! perhaps that was the issue with the E0 code!!!  I called Skutt again and technical assured me "probably not, but make sure you fix that crimped wire first before replacing the touchpad!"  So, tomorrow I will try again...I have my fingers crossed.

Road Trip

Yesterday, I went to a the Fine Ats Show in Scottsdale, AZ with Art Escape, a local artwork group to which I am member.  The Phoenix Open (golf) was going on too so we got stuck in some traffic!  However, it was worth it.  The show was great.   I actually bought two small pieces of art from a potter from NC, Vicki Grant.  Below is a shot of some of her larger wall pieces.  They are very organic.

 

I could only afford the two small 6X6 below.  I hope to make a third piece that will not be like them but compliment them.  Then I will install them as a set. 

Not the best pictures.  I will post another picture when I have them hung on the wall...

Great Courses - How to Draw

I have been thinking about taking a drawing class for a few years.  I have never had such training and thought it would help me elevate my art.  A summer course at the local community college looked interesting, but the commitment was 8 weeks of 3hrs four days a week.  Very intense and with my volunteer commitments it did not seem reasonable.  As a result I found an online course from Great Courses.  They were on sale ($49 vs $334!) so I bought the How to Draw and the Fundamentals of Photography.  With these courses I can work at my own pace, but I have to remain disciplined! Hmmmmmmmmmm...

BTW You Tube has lots of How to Draw videos like the one below.  However, the Great Courses course is 80hrs of video and it is presented by a full professor from the University of Washington.

Yuma Art Symposium

I am happy to say that I am attending the Yuma Art Symposium this year.  Unfortunately I have been unable to find anyone to attend with me...

I am looking forward to seeing the works of
Geoffrey Gorman.

Jason Hess, ceramic artist from Flagstaff, AZ

 
Craig Nutt, wood artist

Mi-Suk Hur

Good News!

After discussions with a local cermaic supply house and the Skutt technicians, it appears as if I can replace the printed circuit board in my kiln for a little under $300 and will not have to replace the $700 control unit.  I am waiting for the board and hope that after installation all is working again!  Cross your fingers!  I have...

2017 and New Inspiration!

A new year, new inspiration!  I have already signed up to attend the Yuma Art Symposium this February and DSLR classes at the local community college.

Last year I did no ceramic work and my kiln still remains broken!!!  However, it is on my list too find someone to repair it and fork over the $$$$ to get it done!

I also want to get back into welding and I am considering a class in the fall.

Last year I did do three paintings and  a found object piece that was in the Found Object Show at Tis.  Below is the fundraiser event for kids art in which I contributed the monarch butterfly piece.  It sold at the auction...

Kiln Not Working...

It happened in December...  I filled my kiln turned it on the standard program and a few hours latter checked on it only to see an E-0 error on the display.  After some research, found it was either a power spike or a complete display failure.

I was pretty depressed and the studio was cold so I put it out of my mind for the holidays and my road trip.  Now, I am back to it.  Unfortunately, I think I will have to call on some service person; worst case it will cost me $600 plus labor for a new display!!!  That is a hard pill to swallow!  I am very discouraged...

My goal this month is to find someone to troubleshoot the kiln and get my MIG welder set-up!

Mother Nature and Her Four Seasons...

I finished my latest painting "Mother Nature and Her Four Seasons".  However, it did not get accepted into the "Four Seasons" show.  I never received an email and had to send several emails and make a call to get a response.  When I finally did get a response; my work "did not fit in".  I can accept the rejection.  It is the non-response that bugs me!

I actually have a few more details to add, signature and final finish which will enhance the colors.

I'm Back! - I think!

After speaking with my youngest sister the other day, she pointed out to me that I have not enter a post in my blog in a long, long, long time!  It is true!  No excuses...

I have cleaned my studio and have a new project I am working, so I have come back to art and hope to have a productive 2016 even if I am getting a late start!

Below is a painting I submitted to the "Visions of Silence" PCA show in late 2015. (Not the best photo angle...)

Below is a companion painting that I need to complete by April 16, 2016 to submit to the "Four Seasons" show at PCA.  I will post the completed painting later.

As one can see, I am back!  :)