Welcome back to the world of pottery.  It has been a busy summer, unfortunately not too much pottery was made. 
I did attend Robbie's summer pottery workshop and have a few interesting pieces to all to my collection.  I was able to produce 3 press plates, a raku vase (reminisent of a paper bag gathered at the top), and a salt fired tea bowl.
My pottery was on display this summer in Cavendish, PEI and CGV Gallery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON.  I appreciated the exposure and the positive comments my work received.  I continue to sell from my back yard pottery barn too.  Some of the sale items were purchased for wedding gifts, a farewell fruit bouquet vase/mug, 40th anniversary gift, and hostess gifts.  I am happy when my creations inspire others to express their generosity.  The barn was repurposed this summer to become my bedroom while I had some improvements made to my house bedroom.  The barn is just about ready to be put back into its function as a kiln room.   
On the horizon... I have a dozen large to x-large mugs waiting to be glazed.  I am also busy reclaiming clay creating my own butterscotch and chocolate revel clay.  When glazed it looks almost good enough to eat.  This I hope will enhance any food placed on the dishes.
Plans are underway for the Kountry Kraft Market, November 11 & 12th in Port Robinson.  I look forward to preparing for this annual event.  This anticipated show has been in existance over 20 years. 
A special shout out to my crafty buddy Jody Edwards for the fanstastic photos she took at the First Sunday Stroll in June.  Congratulations Jody on your latest magazine feature.  If you would like further info about Jody's night studies, her feathers, and her latest recognitions, just forward me an email.   Maybe I can convince her to link to my blog too.
Pictures to follow...but you've heard that before.
Enjoy your last hurrah with summer; fall is creeping in whether we like it or not.
Cheers,
Michael

First Sunday Stroll June 3, 2012

Just a day away!
June 3rd, rain or shine, Harold Black Park, Fonthill.
New items: wine bottle label bibs (6 one of a kind items).
Brave the rain and be a duck for the day.  I'm sure that the collection of crafters will make your journey a well-worth-it experience.
I am creating large mugs out of reclaimed clay.  I am thrilled with the way they are transforming.
I am also busy making signs to post in CGV Gallery in Niagara On The Lake.
Hope to see you this weekend.
Cheers!

May the 4th be with you!

Hello again!
This weekend, the 12th of May, I will be in Welland at Eastdale Secondary School with my accidental potter creations.
On June 3rd, the First Sunday Stroll takes place at Harold Black Park in Fonthill.  It promises to be a great event, rain or shine.  If you get a chance, come on over for a visit.

April is Springing...all over

Time for an update...

Empty Bowls, the fundraiser held in March for "Bethlehem Place", went well.  It is always enjoyable to see your own creations as they end up in the hands of appreciative supporters.  The bowls with handles were a big hit, as were the cutouts attached to the bowls.  The organizer of the event chose my bowl, the one with the dog "broach" attached.  High praise, eh?

Harwin Pottery is now being featured at the CGV Gallery, 158 King St. (@ the corner of Prideaux-Byron), Niagara On The Lake (4 doors down from Trisha Romance's Gallery).  Thanks George!  I wish you much success with this new location!

I will be doing 3 handbuilding and 3 glazing workshops this month at Rally Pac.  This is the workshop my siblings attend.  I will have a total of 30 interested potters just waiting to see what the clay, and a little creative energy, will create.

I entered a contest recently, sponsored by the City of St. Catharines.  It was "RED" the most basic colour.  Each artist was to interpret their own reaction to RED.
Here's what I entered...

Title: Ode to Canada: God keep our land, glorious and free 15 ½" x 13" Style: hand built pottery; red pottery clay, red under glaze, clear coat glaze
About the piece:

As a proud Canadian, the flag has been inspirational. The maple leaf, featured against the pure white background, speaks to me emotionally of heritage, country, family, and all that is dear to me. It symbolizes who we are as Canadians and what we are as a nation, glorious and free. This red maple leaf, on display each fall in all it’s glory in this Niagara Peninsula, is one of my favourite images. When it came time to depict my interpretation of "RED": An Exploration of the Most Primary of Colours, no other expression would do.

Year of Creation: 2012
Value*: $67.00

Marching Ahead...LOL it's March!

Hello friends and followers.

Harwin Pottery has many new items since the last post.  The black clay items mentioned in the last entry worked well.  The clear glaze didn't like it though and came out cloudy.  When fired again it took on a green sheen.  Good thing I am partial to green!
I am busy making bowls and bowls with handles for an "Empty Bowls" fundraiser.

Some exciting shows and opportunities are on the horizon:

any day now, Harwin Pottery will be featured at the CGV Gallery, King St. (@ the corner of Prideaux-Byron), Niagara On The Lake

Wednesday, March 21, 2012 Empty Bowls Fundraiser, St. Catharines.  raising funds for Bethlehem Place... featuring 24 donated Harwin Pottery bowls

Saturday, May 12, 2012 ~ Eastdale Secondary School, Welland ... Eastdale Extravaganza (crafts,car wash, etc.)

Sunday, June 3, 2012 ~ First Sunday Stroll, Fonthill, ON   Harold Black Park

...and of course, chez Margie Villard, Charlottetown, PE.

When I locate my digital camera, I will include pictures as promised in my last blog entry.

Cheers for now,
Chimo

new year, new kiln load

Hello faithful followers...
     Just a little update to let you know what is happening with Harwin Pottery.

     The onsite Pottery Barn is open with displays of completed items and the kiln I use for firing.  Access is, as they say in the Maritimes, Open by Chance.  This means that if the van is in the driveway, then I am probably at home and can bring you on a tour.  The other means, which always works, is to call me to arrange a mutually convenient time. 

     Some of the new items I am working on include: black clay mugs and bowls; party plates with wineglass holders; "granite" clay moulded creations; a special order soup tureen ladle; and of course, the ever popular "accidental" creations. 

     I have had a few inquiries about "butter bells" but have yet to pursue that path.  If you have any other creative suggestions, please forward me an email.

Thanks for dropping by.  I'll post more pictures of finished items soon.

Happy New Year!

Mike

Cornwall, PEI, Homepreneur Show, Nov. 26, 2011

Never thought I'd be able to show in two places at once, but, thanks to Margie, I was able to accomplish the unthinkable.  Margie chose, displayed, and supported the sale of my pottery in PEI while I manned the tables back in St. Catharines at Parnall Public School.  The following photos display the pottery that is now only available in PEI.

meanwhile...in St. Catharines, the following  pottery was available for sale.

If you see anything of interest, or just have a comment, please drop me an email.
Thanks for stopping in to visit and view the updated photos.  Stay tuned...2012 should be my most creative year yet.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 

Kountry Kraft Show, Nov. 12-13, 2011

Kountry Kraft Show photos from the barn in Port Robinson.  It was a lot of fun to show here.  The originality of the crafts goes way back to the most classic designs.

I was the first potter ever in their 21 year history.  I really appreciated the special attention.  Sales were good and thanks to friends and neighbours who made the long distance trip to offer their support.

I know that this is one craft show I hope to participate in annually.

  A special thanks to the Dear family for their wonderful effort in presenting this show.  Also a shout out to Marie, Joe and Julie, Cheryl and Caitlin, Sue and Renald, Henriette and Carmelle, with special thanks to Gerda for letting me in on this little treasure.

Grace, Nancy, and Jim, your snowmen, tuques, coasters, and placemats were a welcomed addition.

13th Street Winery Craft Shows Sept 16-17, 2011



I have been collecting photos of pottery displays over the last year or so.  It is time to show you the displays and comment on the many opportunities that have come my way.

This first collection is the 13th Stree Winery Handmade Market Craft Show held mid September 2011.  It was a two day event, and very successful.  I was thrilled to have so many great comments.