8.17.2018


Woodland Creatures 2018 Series


Have you every had life lead you in a direction that you may decide to ignore and a persistent urge keeps edging you back a little harder each time?  

I was 16 years old in high school, when I made my first clay sculpture, it was an owl about 12" tall and it won best of show.  Many years have passed since that first sculpture, so getting back to this type of work was a welcomed adventure.  Especially since my first experience worked out so well.  Since I picked back up on making pottery, I've dabbled over the years making snails, hedgehogs and bunnies, occasionally adding new creature.  

At the beginning of the year, I decided to set a goal to dedicate a block of time to expand my skills making sculptures. This journey began in May when I dedicated three weeks to making just sculptures.  Since snails, hedgehogs and bunnies were familiar forms, I started making them first.  Once I got started everything fell into place and The Tortoise and the Hare was made along with other bunny scenes. 


The Lion and the Mouse came next. 

Late in the day a new idea of a tea party with a bunny, cat, turtle and frog came to be.  This is one of my favorites.


Each afternoon I would turn the parts I would need for my next days projects. The ideas just flowed in and I worked each day as long as I could standup.   

In the evenings I would search for storybooks to pair with my sculptures.  I came across a book about a hedgehog and the next day I made hedgehogs with mushrooms.  Many of my sculptures where made before I found books which made the search for books difficult, especially when you prefer to purchase a hardcover book. 


Week three came fast, it was so hard to stop and turn off the creative ideas that were coming to me faster than I could produce sculptures. I was running low on inventory in the sales shop and functional work needed to be made.  I felt forced to stop.

Making these sculptures was so much fun and really felt like play, which made my functional work all of a sudden seem like detention hall.  I can't wait until my next devoted sculpture time slot.  

This has been an unbelievable journey for me and I have enjoyed every minute.  

You're invited to an exclusive sculpture show here at Thomas Pottery.  Bobbie has created over 45 sculptures of woodland creatures in this 2018 series. Come see how she has combined her creativity of sculptural art and literture.  Read about the journey of a box turtle in the Grand Canyon, find out what Mrs. Hare's juicy secret is, or why hedgehogs need hugs.  All storybooks are beautifully illustrated and written by talented individuals and are included in the purchase of the sculpture.




Saturday, September 15th
Reception & Preview 9:00 - 10:30
Sculpture Sales 10:45 - 5:00
Sunday, September 16th  11:00 - 4:00
On-line Preview Sept. 1st - 15th
Purchase On-line Monday, Sept.17th

7.17.2016

Saturdays in Seagrove - Hands on Activity

Saturday July 16
Exciting day at Thomas Pottery as participants made their own woodland mushroom.  Many signed up before the date and several joined in the fun on that day. Three sessions were offered, starting at 10:00, 1:00 and 3:00.  Each lasted about an hour and a half.

A welcome and short orientation, most importantly the location of the restroom, was the start of each class.  Introductions were made including our two kitty cats, sweet little Opie and grumpy cat Susie.  Next, an overview of the project was discussed as we looked at some finished mushroom caps.  A demonstration of the steps to make the piece followed as I showed them how to cut the clay at a 45 degree angle, scratch the surface and apply slip to the area to be joined.  Many design decisions was yet to be made.  Pottery tools and patterns were available to each participant along with step by step instruction.  As I explained  how to apply texture to the clay using wooden rollers, sponge stamps and simple rubber stamps, I suggested which patterns they might combine together or use exclusively.  The texture tools available to be used was unlimited, ranging from items found at a yard sale, to things found in the kitchen or purchased from a craft store or from the dollar store.  I am always amazed at the choices and how participants combine different textures.  Inspiration is glened from each session as we each create unique mushroom caps.  Once the pieces are finished and all the edges are wiped smooth with a sponge, they are placed on a drying rack.  A small slip of paper with their name and glaze color is put with their piece.  The final steps to finishing the pieces is left  to me.  The wet pieces will take about a week to dry and will be fired twice.  The first firing is a bisque firing, which will burn out any remaining moisture and organic material from the clay.  Once the piece has been bisque fired the glaze color is applied and re-fired at a higher temperature which will melt the glaze onto the pot.  When the pieces are finished, I will contact the participants so they can schedule a time to pick up their piece.  Copper posts are included as the stand for the mushroom cap.  The finished piece is a lovely garden ornament to be enjoyed for many years.

Feel like you missed out on an opportunity?  No you haven't, plan your own private Clay Party by calling ahead.  Schedule your event in the morning, have lunch at a nearby resturant or bring a picnic and spend the rest of the day in Seagrove taking in more pottery than one can imagine.

3.20.2013

2013 Spring Kiln Opening

Saturday, April 20  •  10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Sunday, April 21  •  1:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.

Our Spring Kiln Opening is the welcoming of a
new season. During Spring and Summer, our
pottery reflects the season with patterns of
basketweave, flowers,  and birds.  Woodland creatures, planters and garden ornaments are made
especially for this event.  You'll find a larger selection of our piney teal glaze.


Shop our gallery while enjoying refreshments in
a relaxing atmosphere. We will be offering studio
tours throughout the day. Seasonal produce,
eggs and plants will also be available from
Thomas Pottery Farm. 

 Learn how we fire pottery as we unload the kiln.
 Saturday, April 20th at 11:00 am
 Sunday, April 21st  at 2:00 pm

Toad House


Weathered Bronze Finials


3.11.2013

Art Student Demo

Here are the finished pieces from my pottery demo to Lee Senior Art students last Wednesday. These pieces are just about dry, not fired or glazed yet. Look forward to their next visit.

2.21.2013

Finials


New Finials (Pineapple, Acorn, Artichoke)
Freshly made, not fired or glazed yet.
Finials are a perfect way to add instant style to a garden. They are ideal for topping gateway columns to create a much more formal entry. You can add them to pre-existing posts on an ordinary wood board fence. Larger finials, particularly those with a great deal of detailing such as pineapples can stand alone in planting or upon a pedestal to raise them up a foot or two for visibility.