… the tiles are transformed.

The reds came out especially nice, and the shinos did too. I think I’ll be able to pick a few favorites out of these to add to my color palette.

I got a couple of glaze sample kits from Coyote Clay, and am firing about 45 test tiles as I write this post. I am testing the Coyote glazes along with some other glazes that I had on hand. This is what the tiles looked like when they were loaded into the kiln. I am always amazed at how flat and powdery glazes are, until they are fired and transformed into glass and color. This firing also includes a bunch of other stuff including frog items, a sushi set (pictured) that is being refired for (hopefully!) a more attractive color, a whole bunch of spoon rests and some other fun stuff. It is threatening rain, I think the monsoons are starting. Oh, how we need the rain! I just hope it holds off for another hour or so, until the firing is done.

This week, I am in Southern California, attending a professional skills program in dispute resolution - my other non day-job pursuit. The program is excellent, and an added perk is the view from the school, located in Malibu. Mediation sometimes keeps me away from the studio, but it is an important part of my life. My ultimate goal is to own a private mediation practice and a ceramics business, side by side. I can’t think of a better way to earn my living.

Here’s the view from patio at the school cafeteria.

A couple of weeks ago, I sold a mug to a co-worker. When I delivered it, he excitedly picked the mug up and grabbed the handle. He looked at me and smiled, “Wow! I can fit three fingers through the handle, that’s good!” It was then that I realized this guy has huge hands. He stands about 6′2″ tall, and is just generally a big-boned guy. I bet he seldom, if ever, comes across a cup or mug with a handle that he can get all of his fingers through.

I remember that when I gave my Dad a mug for his birthday in March, he comfortably fit two fingers through the handle. I could stick all four fingers through that same handle. I don’t know why the light didn’t come on that day, but it didn’t. After the occurrence with my co-worker, I started paying closer attention to the hands of the people I came in contact with, in all of my different walks of life (only a potter would understand!) and realized there are a lot of men out there with large hands who might appreciate a mug with a handle made to their size.

So this week, I set out to make some man-sized mugs. I threw larger mugs than I normally do, and affixed wide strap handles to them. Now, I can fit my entire hand through these handles in the leather-hard stage. I am anxious to see how much shrink I get out of them. When they’re finished, I am going to take one in to my co-worker to see how it fits his hand.