Dyche Designs Studio

I spent the holidays painting the concrete floor in my studio and rearranging the setup in the hope that I can hit 2019 with a burst of creative energy. It's shaping up and I'm happy that I took the time to do it.

I even found time to throw a few things and test out some Dirty Girl Bats that I purchased.

Ceramic Pods

I've found myself drawn recently to exploring the idea of pods as wall hangings.  This is one I recently glazed. 

 

 

Glazing for the most part is my nemesis.  Hoping that this one turns out ok.  Below are a few other pieces I've been working on.

 

 

Clay Creations

I thought I would share a few of my most recent clay creations in different stages of completion.  Below is a pitcher, an owl and a couple of organic sculptural pieces that I hand built.

I am currently debating whether to add texture to the vessel or whether to keep it simple . . . can't decide.

A few pieces that have had glaze applied.  It's always so difficult to predict what color they will turn out.

Then there's this spikey bowl that has been bisque fired and is now ready for glaze.  I can't decide what color I would like it to be.

What have you been up to lately?

Getting My Glaze On

With just ten days to go before I fly to the UK I've been trying to finish up all the ceramic projects I've been working on. 

It's so hard to stop creating and concentrate on glazing as clay is super addictive.

Above is a small hand built hare and below is a celtic plaque I've been working on.

 

Behind the celtic plaque is my first hand thrown bowl.  I can't tell you how excited I was when I created it.  The first thing I'd managed to make on the wheel that looked anywhere half decent.

I've also been making some owl plaques to hang on the wall.  Just waiting to see how the glazing turns out.

I turned my back for two seconds and then had a major 'OH-NO' moment when found Connor sitting amongst some of my newly glazed work.  Thankfully cat hair burns off when fired!

He's so inquisitive, loves to check out what's going on . . . and talking of what's going on, what's been happening in your neck of the woods?

Claytastic

You may have noticed that I've been a bit absent lately.  In part it's because I have had no 'words' but also because I've been getting my 'clay on' at Whistle Stop Clay Works.  I just finished a six week class with my instructor Heloise and have had so much fun.  Those who warned me that it was addictive were right.  I've signed up for an additional six weeks of studio time so I can continue creating. 

 I love that exploring a new medium opens you up and exposes you to new possibilities . . . . .

. . . . . and it's the perfect tonic for the winter time blues.

New Adventures In Clay

Last year I felt as though my creativity had stagnated so I thought trying a new medium might get the creative juices flowing again.  I decided to dip my toes into the world of clay and recently started a six week pottery class to learn some of the basics.  With two lessons under my belt I am still trying to figuring it all out but am having so much fun in the process.  There's something deliciously tactile about working with clay and I'm excited to see how my love of texture transfers into this new medium.