tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57826421074005387152024-03-19T04:59:56.075-04:00Taiko-Earth PotteryMy adventures in the process of creating fine bonsai pots and containers.Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-75978686708132452132014-07-17T21:54:00.001-04:002014-07-17T21:56:44.887-04:00A Few Photos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yep, I'm a slacker. Been too busy to keep up with my blog and I must say it is rather embarrassing. Oh well, at least things are going good so I won't complain.<br />
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In my busy summer schedule I thought I could at least share some of my photography. These photos are really fun for me. I love taking my stock pictures and spicing them up a bit. I get my inspiration from fashion magazine covers...go figure. I absolutely love the arrangement of color and mood that I see in the fashion world. Very dynamic.<br />
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This fun, yet limited venture keeps me in a good place with my pottery. It forces me to 'rethink' about glazes and matching them to feminine or masculine pots. The hard part is looking back at what I have done in the past. I can see lots of pieces, especially earlier ones, that were rather mismatched. Oh well, I will just have to chalk it up to progress!<br />
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Thanks for reading....<br />
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Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-20996576437279791922014-01-25T08:03:00.000-05:002014-01-25T08:03:55.986-05:00Aiming for Subtlety<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Reminiscent of a quiet, rainy mist, white crystals flow down below a sea of grey.</i></td></tr>
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I have been working a lot lately on trying to push my glazes into different directions. My hope is that this round of experimentation will help me to develop a more personal style, something that a lot of effective artists will continually strive to achieve. Instead of choosing more and more glazes and testing them each to the <i>n</i>th degree I have chosen a small select few and pushed them. How they are applied and how they are fired makes a huge difference.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Toasty hues break over a cream exterior. Perfect for Maples!</i></td></tr>
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Some of the most effectively balanced bonsai compositions are represented in pots with a quiet subtle glaze. Perhaps a buttery matt glaze...nothing too flashy. It should have a muted tone with more than one hue (color) in its overall visual makeup. In other words it should have a main color with other ones breaking through. I have been developing a group of glazes that do just that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This glaze has a narrow firing range but the possibilities for species representation are many...</i></td></tr>
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The best way to go about developing glazes to fit your needs as a ceramicist is to find qualities that appeal to you and push their boundaries. How else will you learn it's limits? Try changing their application and method of firing. I have found that it can lead to new horizons of discovery and direction!<br />
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Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-15700180823486317812013-09-21T09:54:00.003-04:002013-09-21T09:54:55.665-04:00Growing Panes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>No, I didn't misspell it... </i><br />
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The title of this post has relevance to the artistic nature of product photography and all the trials and tribulations that come from learning on one's own. <br />
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It has been a jagged journey from the beginning shooting with a small point and shoot and a sheet of craft paper. Back in the day I had not a clue what to do but I enjoyed the modest shots of my pots and the response was generally positive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUylweh6g46KlSto8y_9-SDo_f_EYe-e9Pf9YH7FardFxsCodB63E_0iwdF2BSsKNReAlc1tPgCnBqXkR4qv06nlnuDCajJKtgys3nUtDx4wy_jx9HgJJX_6yZe0Rksu5eWbghJZh5Ick/s1600/2009-169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUylweh6g46KlSto8y_9-SDo_f_EYe-e9Pf9YH7FardFxsCodB63E_0iwdF2BSsKNReAlc1tPgCnBqXkR4qv06nlnuDCajJKtgys3nUtDx4wy_jx9HgJJX_6yZe0Rksu5eWbghJZh5Ick/s320/2009-169.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from 2009...bad color saturation, ok lighting but not much resolution</td></tr>
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Notice the above photo. It is a pot that has the same glaze as the composition at the top and yet one can hardly tell. I now have a program that I use in post editing that helps me to get adjust the color saturation. This is a very handy tool to have. The light set up in these older photos and the exposure setting on my little point and shoot camera were in desperate need of controlling if I wanted to bring it to the next level...<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmBT199JEPHKz4MreX5bKOjx9I-5kzzHn-Sl0lCwT2QXvXDQ7gyFFQ35QU9TpYt2aTKdBpXivs58qG3CTl8AjhzLy8FTFv0kTqR3IK02AaBC06IHHlVgsQH87HeevyIhLKVPMfaSf9EVK/s1600/2010-130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmBT199JEPHKz4MreX5bKOjx9I-5kzzHn-Sl0lCwT2QXvXDQ7gyFFQ35QU9TpYt2aTKdBpXivs58qG3CTl8AjhzLy8FTFv0kTqR3IK02AaBC06IHHlVgsQH87HeevyIhLKVPMfaSf9EVK/s320/2010-130.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this shot was taken a year later in my light tent setup...not bad, but the setup still had some limitations<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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In 2010 I purchased a light tent kit that I used with lights and a backdrop. This is the 'Go To' method for a lot of potters. Overall I was very happy with this set up but I still had several issues with the lighting. Sometimes it was just too soft or too harsh and glossy pots where a nightmare. I have since figured out to keep tweaking the method individually for each photo. Very time consuming but worthwhile all the same.<br />
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I have since corrected these and other problems. A new backdrop method is being explored, one that doesn't scratch and leave ugly marks. I have also gotten a better camera and lens this year. This has made the most impact on my photography, but that is a story for another day. If you have the need for any suggestions with your product photography please feel free to drop me a line.</div>
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That's all for now...in the meantime keep changing those windows!</div>
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Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-55494843335958723962013-07-21T19:32:00.000-04:002013-07-21T19:40:46.655-04:00Taiko-Earth goes viral.....NOT!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pot was part of a set that was commissioned by the past president of the Bonsai Society of Florida. You can actually see how I glaze the pots in the video. (See link below)</td></tr>
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Many of you may know that there is a lot that goes into pottery. Science, proportion, and basic math all play their part in the craft of ceramics. In the name of education I was asked to share some of my methods as they relate to my business as a potter.<br />
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Florida's education is being revamped. New standards of curriculum have been released that give relevance to real world applications. Called </span><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Common Core</span><strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, </strong><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">this new methodology emphasizes parallels across different disciplines like math and science, or language arts and science.</span><br />
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This video was used by the state to show how I use proportions in my quest to develop glazes. The video is a resource for educators to show their students real world examples of cross curriculum relevance. Please check it out here: <a href="http://www.cpalms.org/CPALMS/perspectives_professional_MACC7RP13_RA_1.aspx" target="_blank">Rob Addonizio, Field Professional /Proportion/Glazing</a><br />
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The film was shot in my garage/studio. All the pots were constructed by me, but the trees you see in the beginning are all property of Mike Rogers. Thanks Mike Rogers, Tabinda Syed, Adam Santone and the film crew!</div>
Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-1853266994509886432013-05-04T07:49:00.002-04:002013-05-04T07:49:12.161-04:00'Plum' Tuckered<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These guys love a tree with chartreuse and yellowish leaves or blooms.</td></tr>
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Last weekend's firing was exhausting. What with trying to get the timing right on the reduction process and getting my kiln to even out and not go all 'bipolar' on me. Firing copper reds should be a right of passage for bonsai potters!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malphighias, black olives, maples, and even fukien tea would be a good fit.<br /></td></tr>
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Copper reds, plums, liver pinks, call them what you will, it is the thrill of the chase that fuels a potter's passion. Potters carefully plot scenarios for timing the beginning of the reduction process. They may ask themselves questions like: <i>'If I reduce now, will I lose temperature climb?' </i>or<i> 'Why am I getting good reduction here, but not there?' 'If my instrumentation shows a reduced atmosphere reading what it should be, why do I not see the characteristic visual signs of a typical reduction process?'</i></div>
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When I fire, I take tons of notes as prescribed by many a master. Hard fact is, every firing is different. Every kiln load is packed differently. The top portion may be tighter, the bottom looser, or vice versa. I may have different conditions in the primary air than last time which could also affect how my burners are functioning. All must be taken into consideration.</div>
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Well, since the results are still good with the color of this particular glaze, I will keep at it. I love the chase, the nuance, the learning. Potters that fire copper reds will definitely understand the patience AND the practice of using this glaze. My hope is there will be a bonsai enthusiast who can appreciate the glaze color too!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_MkAvJBn_bxizOiKM10Y5BDJ2ctZPuTbHlDJhX8Rgp8mUvhQBy8UVdUIrIw8Ul0TG9B9kMBE0_woJbhgGVCHnAWOX91BmnSp61wCjtIs72zyntJ8eEwWJP3zB2N8GR7jE7uQ-geGETSG/s1600/2013-025a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_MkAvJBn_bxizOiKM10Y5BDJ2ctZPuTbHlDJhX8Rgp8mUvhQBy8UVdUIrIw8Ul0TG9B9kMBE0_woJbhgGVCHnAWOX91BmnSp61wCjtIs72zyntJ8eEwWJP3zB2N8GR7jE7uQ-geGETSG/s400/2013-025a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look carefully you may be able to see some subtle texturing under the glaze.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-4137992636926043192013-04-22T21:25:00.002-04:002013-04-22T21:25:32.621-04:00A Campeche, Ilex, and Peggy's Sleepy Raintree<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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At our monthly bonsai club meeting this past Friday, I had the opportunity to photograph a few of one of my favorite customer's trees. </div>
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This first pic is a Campeche, also known as logwood or bloodwood; a name referring to its hard dark heartwood. This is a tropical ornamental tree that grows in the Yucatan and northern south america. It was used for centuries by indigenous cultures for many medicinal purposes, as well as for its lumber. Peggy chose this oval with a pale cream glaze, which I think is great choice. The pot is quite well suited to enhance the color of the trunk and cool grey greens of the foliage.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip95pcNv5Rd2eY_fUxUlMNV9su0I3yQG6B_Xr4mnTP0vh4q1ZOYuBFYUO72adUiJodXc0Pu9wTmi19Toogtr-bRhBIbjVekmI96HdBguP9JhRb1b_hyphenhyphen_g9nk79gxCEZ9q75NPaJoq4dYYK/s1600/peggy's+campece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip95pcNv5Rd2eY_fUxUlMNV9su0I3yQG6B_Xr4mnTP0vh4q1ZOYuBFYUO72adUiJodXc0Pu9wTmi19Toogtr-bRhBIbjVekmI96HdBguP9JhRb1b_hyphenhyphen_g9nk79gxCEZ9q75NPaJoq4dYYK/s320/peggy's+campece.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At around 30 inches tall, this guy almost didn't fit in the photo setup! Great tree though!<br />
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If you prefer cool grey green hues in a bonsai composition then this next tree would be a good fit. </div>
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This is an Ilex Shillings, or Yaupon, a type of Holly. I had to under expose the composition a full stop just so the colors of the pot came through. In my opinion, this pot matches the foliage and wood tones just superbly!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzFpV37Du4SqiHNf2zfa74FHZ_hzm6HYOEFJEok9i4ibcMIYTRXoNHud9fFIYekwLyJVtYZjLqqXuVPRFBB4EDZD2N4ajdAw9DoIp6nft-KGZIv8CTvN9aSJ8xfNJN8SEHCZSUSW3m5x8/s1600/peggy's+raintree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzFpV37Du4SqiHNf2zfa74FHZ_hzm6HYOEFJEok9i4ibcMIYTRXoNHud9fFIYekwLyJVtYZjLqqXuVPRFBB4EDZD2N4ajdAw9DoIp6nft-KGZIv8CTvN9aSJ8xfNJN8SEHCZSUSW3m5x8/s320/peggy's+raintree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Brazilian Raintree is popular tropical specimen for a bonsai. It features bi-pinnately compound leaves and a creamy green wood. An interesting feature of this tree is how the trunk grows. It can bulge and undulate, giving it a character all its own.</div>
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I want to thank Peggy for all of her support. She is a very active woman in our club and her attention to detail truly inspires me! Thanks again!</div>
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Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-57832807464017720082013-04-17T21:44:00.001-04:002013-04-17T21:47:40.216-04:00Mello Yellow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here is a lovely fake ash glaze that works really nice with texture. It has a lovely orange yellow hue to it, very well suited to many species for bonsai. It works great on masculine and feminine compositions, and it can be used to highlight form quite effectively.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGXNnPjFerYAOPotnTHVb00AOQiiS28Z305mlLcmgqsEi2rf8VnmgqUpXmUg9dz2hVrpxr6ow18KiWmCG2lRwpLtTY-rDaP04j6fwGsyAoNa2db66IGL2UDZDextEDVHzhfq_lqjGGNpS/s1600/IMG_3882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGXNnPjFerYAOPotnTHVb00AOQiiS28Z305mlLcmgqsEi2rf8VnmgqUpXmUg9dz2hVrpxr6ow18KiWmCG2lRwpLtTY-rDaP04j6fwGsyAoNa2db66IGL2UDZDextEDVHzhfq_lqjGGNpS/s320/IMG_3882.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you can see how the breaking of color from the texture enhances its form.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaUcE2cjoiFgUOJFa4P3tnMWAPTUuOK4cJSScIT6l2vx63So_VcUxiiFhWudiAtXQpkljs43-M6L6pj3FvAozK5VM48lG1e5iZMIIjhEKE48eYCecXSRJRshtmMzfBQNPxCDNJzcMRAfE/s1600/IMG_3816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaUcE2cjoiFgUOJFa4P3tnMWAPTUuOK4cJSScIT6l2vx63So_VcUxiiFhWudiAtXQpkljs43-M6L6pj3FvAozK5VM48lG1e5iZMIIjhEKE48eYCecXSRJRshtmMzfBQNPxCDNJzcMRAfE/s320/IMG_3816.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a new technique I have been playing around with. I love the folds!!</td></tr>
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Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-42485866096930917732013-04-13T22:14:00.002-04:002013-04-13T22:21:32.798-04:00Hibiscus for Bonsai<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjFch7OaQCg5q65STnab5hQMaWJejRoIaM4-RTN1FazzDnaOKB8fvFDZfiWcMI51R9hy8mds8bAvdK5tQt_Hwft39hiC6S4k8Yi7a1lXxq0JyrF_LoRw6XWblErxVeVaT-RPVW8YBrMQ2/s1600/IMG_3734_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjFch7OaQCg5q65STnab5hQMaWJejRoIaM4-RTN1FazzDnaOKB8fvFDZfiWcMI51R9hy8mds8bAvdK5tQt_Hwft39hiC6S4k8Yi7a1lXxq0JyrF_LoRw6XWblErxVeVaT-RPVW8YBrMQ2/s320/IMG_3734_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is one of my pots outfitted just perfectly for a customer's Hibiscus. It sports yellow flowers when in bloom which will really add a nice balance to the composition.<br />
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Its just kinda funny when things just work out, eh? No, I didn't expect this pot to turn out the way it did, but I am happy with the accident!<br />
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Afterall, if the shoe fits...<br />
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Thanks for viewing!</div>
Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-32785301227000438192013-04-12T19:04:00.000-04:002013-04-05T20:01:28.089-04:00Kusamono Time!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhsTjczWMmF7pwyGKlsKQViHZSdITUk6W0mZZvlcIx7ihiB6f3EDDE3H2sdSMOf_bHYjlY_rC2saPFVA8fCUwAxJuaOfmoROBCj1ibJAzOgLFPoB1zlW7HAeWgRv38z1npppdF6bK3aEE/s1600/noname.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhsTjczWMmF7pwyGKlsKQViHZSdITUk6W0mZZvlcIx7ihiB6f3EDDE3H2sdSMOf_bHYjlY_rC2saPFVA8fCUwAxJuaOfmoROBCj1ibJAzOgLFPoB1zlW7HAeWgRv38z1npppdF6bK3aEE/s640/noname.jpeg" width="425" /></a></div>
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I would like to take time to thank Owen Reich, Kusamono and Bonsai artist for this lovely photograph. He chose this particular pot of mine for his planting of Viola and Acorus. The color of the pot has nice oranges and greys giving warmth and unity to the composition.</div>
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Great job!</div>
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Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-18641421428508560512013-04-03T22:33:00.000-04:002013-04-05T20:00:41.779-04:00Artistic symbiosis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfidIWLakUrxSREcEdxIx1cmIWNGgrE3PicARg8E_wTBMsHs48S41rzx6ogGeQuekrUIJz5Q8ktv5a7Ym76hLnUKhyZ6CoW6So1Ormct-eOeb5MO_bRMm5ZEKJLixD2zTyLgoXQEQxt38/s1600/IMG_3733_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfidIWLakUrxSREcEdxIx1cmIWNGgrE3PicARg8E_wTBMsHs48S41rzx6ogGeQuekrUIJz5Q8ktv5a7Ym76hLnUKhyZ6CoW6So1Ormct-eOeb5MO_bRMm5ZEKJLixD2zTyLgoXQEQxt38/s640/IMG_3733_2.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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Symbiosis is defined as the intertwining relationship of two different species. I admit to using this term metaphorically but I think it fits the bill in this bonsai. No doubt it is a rather untraditional combination, one that invites several second glances. Like a pair of faded blue jeans or an old rusty ford pickup, this guy has quite a bit of visual appeal.</div>
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A few things I like about this composition are the interplay of form with the lower trunk. Lots of movement. This helps to bring out the character of the tree and give it personality.</div>
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The color works well too. When this photo was taken I had the luck of having new spring foliage. The chartreuse hue of the leaves balances nicely with the pot color. Even in the shadows of the folds of the pot, the color relationship is very harmonious.</div>
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I know that there will be critics who see this tree as too different, but I beg to differ. A close look at the artistic elements in the tree, trunk and container will reveal the caliber of bonsai artist Mike Rogers. </div>
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Traditionally tempered, yet artistically assertive.</div>
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I look forward to working on more projects with this artist. As a potter, this is the epitome of </div>
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opportunity, being able to see my work used in the most effective and artistic ways.</div>
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Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-26381240466478610532013-02-20T20:57:00.004-05:002013-02-20T21:07:37.658-05:00Odds and Ends<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midrange clay body with glazes from some of my favs: Bright sky blue, <br />
Panicoli's Pale Blue Matt and Panicoli's Fake Ash to name a few.</td></tr>
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Been back at it. This last round of pots gave me some unexpected extra room in my small 40+year old electric kiln for a few small accents. The photo above is from the commissioned set of 24 accents that I made for a retailer in the northeast. After looking at my kiln shelves before the bisque firing I noticed that I could get in a few fun extra kusamono and accent planters. The dark brown clay I chose has a bit of iron and manganese in it. The clay really helps pop out a bit of extra contrast from under the glaze.</div>
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Here are some of those funky kiln space fillers:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cracks are intentional, both on the rim and on the surface.</td></tr>
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These guys are really rugged and fun to make. I really enjoyed jigging with the texture.</div>
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Here are some smaller guys looking for a pinch of moss to brighten up a three point display. Perhaps a bright green color in the center could work nicely with the dark brown clay?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvGQSFWjHYPaOwu42tpZdBAuRy7PUSkhpZjHVl6WI6FI0HDVDuI9b0eVuQItw0tX_o-OQyOe81jsY-ZwmxjT3_m8m6pkYOP6Nx2j5Hv-p1yNW4IdivPX9-JgSYEbnUIJ1qFExmVtgUgEJ/s1600/IMG_3476_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvGQSFWjHYPaOwu42tpZdBAuRy7PUSkhpZjHVl6WI6FI0HDVDuI9b0eVuQItw0tX_o-OQyOe81jsY-ZwmxjT3_m8m6pkYOP6Nx2j5Hv-p1yNW4IdivPX9-JgSYEbnUIJ1qFExmVtgUgEJ/s320/IMG_3476_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each little 'rosette' has a rounded cavity and drainage holes.</td></tr>
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In this next set I added a bit of height to the moss rosette idea. They will fit the same basic design purpose but perhaps with a different pot/tree style. </div>
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Personally, I enjoy the wabi sabi character of these guys. They are a joy to make; imagining them in finished, planted up in a three point display is were my creativity lingers....</div>
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Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-67796993512774806522013-02-07T19:33:00.000-05:002013-02-07T19:33:11.174-05:00Recent Pairings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbssYmfD86DXV506N2gMtO3QCFQYiPqnzQRiUkOc9KiEFYSNdPouRwoNpfLyUoqKHJlyisuxJ8Vq_09n10g7TFf0fWeltPbPYwvOvsgMl2PqG_mTkgR3WqBqMtZUro_r8P9Bw-WavZcua/s1600/IMG_3401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbssYmfD86DXV506N2gMtO3QCFQYiPqnzQRiUkOc9KiEFYSNdPouRwoNpfLyUoqKHJlyisuxJ8Vq_09n10g7TFf0fWeltPbPYwvOvsgMl2PqG_mTkgR3WqBqMtZUro_r8P9Bw-WavZcua/s320/IMG_3401.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
As a bonsai potter, I sometimes find myself more concerned with the way my pots look on my display, then I do with the way they look under my customer's trees. Taking time to look at them in combination with a tree as the main subject can be a very humbling experience.<br />
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The first example, above, is a Malpighia, a shrublike tree also known as Barbados Cherry. Not a true cherry, it has small pink flowers that turn into green, then bright red pea sized fruit. In a few months, with some careful leaf reduction, this composition will look even more effective. Some carefully planned shots with smaller, tighter foliage, and flowers/fruit, and we will be rockin'!<br />
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In the next photo, I have a Chinese plum, just at bud break...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fGaGvHrww1jNxYiiSaLA-PRmErqAQD5YssOHVO-CobMTOMypzTbIoYAUDYOUxGbl3DzWAP3HbLkgV9L9NLZA4tNRNBTscdOtbCjAxXrrs9rRK2v9m_MCOtFBc9NAzmp14G74nRjngT3p/s1600/IMG_3399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fGaGvHrww1jNxYiiSaLA-PRmErqAQD5YssOHVO-CobMTOMypzTbIoYAUDYOUxGbl3DzWAP3HbLkgV9L9NLZA4tNRNBTscdOtbCjAxXrrs9rRK2v9m_MCOtFBc9NAzmp14G74nRjngT3p/s320/IMG_3399.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This tree has personality! I love the ominous mood brought on by the trunk, looking ready to strike. The owner/designer of the tree has a great artistic sensibility!</div>
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And to finish this post, I wanted to include another tree from the same artist. When I designed the pot, my focus was to make an expressive, primitive soft cornered rectangle. I wanted to put some folds in the walls and show lots of texture. I was shell shocked when the artist bought the pot and used this tree. A Buckthorn, from south florida, fits the bill very well...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcFIqaytGb4XdPaBlgqPRGAxjJnxNq4v8CEFe1rs8e2hq_8SKlHykqwTskjl6xvmZweDp0RMgXa6zcCAJsaNK_TfhzXA5g2heqVbisLafGW6yl_gCChc6TX_JCQfrgDV3PfRD2z19ioiF/s1600/IMG_3426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcFIqaytGb4XdPaBlgqPRGAxjJnxNq4v8CEFe1rs8e2hq_8SKlHykqwTskjl6xvmZweDp0RMgXa6zcCAJsaNK_TfhzXA5g2heqVbisLafGW6yl_gCChc6TX_JCQfrgDV3PfRD2z19ioiF/s320/IMG_3426.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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This tree, albeit a rather unconventional design, holds it own in terms of visual balance. To see it in my photo does it no justice. Making a fun expressionistic pot is one thing, but it takes a master bonsai artist to choose it for just the right subject!</div>
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-70593075052215576302013-01-16T23:01:00.001-05:002013-01-16T23:01:32.878-05:00Getting it Just Right...for Now!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Thought I would post some pots of my last few batches. These pots represent the culmination of months of testing and retesting to get just the right color for an unglazed container. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYP3udOywxZWkFQz07hDJ2YZKYbNBqmKkXyI93B0lEUt3MLlD9VfxZAZM59VEOTpRgVYQIQ7-IL3ViDNm00dmXbfgwBRz1-qUYTkYVerYYFl0YEffGjU5TvKK80sN_nCLXo-b9TrkcyAmv/s1600/IMG_3280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYP3udOywxZWkFQz07hDJ2YZKYbNBqmKkXyI93B0lEUt3MLlD9VfxZAZM59VEOTpRgVYQIQ7-IL3ViDNm00dmXbfgwBRz1-qUYTkYVerYYFl0YEffGjU5TvKK80sN_nCLXo-b9TrkcyAmv/s320/IMG_3280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are someone steeped in the art of bonsai, it may come as no surprise to you that the best way to dress up a pine, juniper or other tree of the deciduous variety is to choose an unglazed container. Unglazed bonsai pots imbue an addition of subtlety and character that the glazed pot can overstep. Color in a glaze, even one somewhat matt and soft, will draw too much visual weight from the viewer, and away from the tree. Since pines and juniper don't have any colorful displays such as blossoms to balance out a vivid glazed pot, it is just more visually balanced.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqD_rS1BjUIRKkII9VmLuMr95RremS5Z9HfcQNnVuNTfF9h3KF10StPjJFQXfwlsqDK0spIHw2SB_S45jKqXrT4DuZR1Xyipt3Bw8iYvnJ-Yn_w8lxPOR88E_AuIY2dhP2xA1qjlDh93s/s1600/IMG_3284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqD_rS1BjUIRKkII9VmLuMr95RremS5Z9HfcQNnVuNTfF9h3KF10StPjJFQXfwlsqDK0spIHw2SB_S45jKqXrT4DuZR1Xyipt3Bw8iYvnJ-Yn_w8lxPOR88E_AuIY2dhP2xA1qjlDh93s/s320/IMG_3284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Japanese potters of Tokoname have been making beautiful unglazed pots with the warm brown and sienna tones most gracious for trees of this variety. The color comes from the clay that they use to make their pots, and many a bonsai artist has chosen these pots to help achieve a well balanced composition. Rich earthy hues are well matched to the bark of a pine, or even the uncovered sinuous undulations in a jin. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqJKHHzgp5jp_EpfbE25EfcHIWQHiqjv_AmP2wjR7tsoQCi046KYAvzPyebqqZaRgtIwKYBT4hRoJJSUCMMeDEuxIUpTlCxns-Ohyphenhyphen51pTl47tbZU9sII-a7kOnxVBDrxaXA0IdCcLHqQt/s1600/IMG_3308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqJKHHzgp5jp_EpfbE25EfcHIWQHiqjv_AmP2wjR7tsoQCi046KYAvzPyebqqZaRgtIwKYBT4hRoJJSUCMMeDEuxIUpTlCxns-Ohyphenhyphen51pTl47tbZU9sII-a7kOnxVBDrxaXA0IdCcLHqQt/s320/IMG_3308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Recently I have made it one of my goals to attempt to match this color with oxides and washes, and it has worked pretty well, for now. Matched with the right temperature in the firing process, and applied in the correct manner on the right clay body and it works. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSnQrAE8exAdQTNop165Oz-YJKRYtughumTUGrfuI_ICteOTb9f8JoWpbncuv-MsBI9qDp42A-C5iUmmGf0vDuM1ZP2AalBC0aGKx8pTnfvhjr1QUULK81ne2wxmTv7ayTAsvge2XjSTj/s1600/IMG_3198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSnQrAE8exAdQTNop165Oz-YJKRYtughumTUGrfuI_ICteOTb9f8JoWpbncuv-MsBI9qDp42A-C5iUmmGf0vDuM1ZP2AalBC0aGKx8pTnfvhjr1QUULK81ne2wxmTv7ayTAsvge2XjSTj/s320/IMG_3198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thank you for taking time to look at my pottery. If you have any comments, bonsai related or otherwise, please drop me a line...</div>
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Cheers</div>
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Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-82253913071395286502012-11-10T19:35:00.000-05:002012-11-10T19:35:38.223-05:00Interesting Glaze Combos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7WS-54eaQHGJf7EUcSzgZ4Jkreo2lALctizPSBDOScsUJ56Rw0RJ4wgPJWyAp7kCyzBNyHlhX8eL3C_rs-1Etm0wljNuyuYZHaLVcF5pEKrgZyDz48J47w99ZZbYbW4W5QoLGEB_7OSJ/s1600/IMG_3159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7WS-54eaQHGJf7EUcSzgZ4Jkreo2lALctizPSBDOScsUJ56Rw0RJ4wgPJWyAp7kCyzBNyHlhX8eL3C_rs-1Etm0wljNuyuYZHaLVcF5pEKrgZyDz48J47w99ZZbYbW4W5QoLGEB_7OSJ/s320/IMG_3159.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cobalt in the top glaze breaks out into shades of grey brown and light blue!</td></tr>
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Being someone who is always looking for something different to cover my pots with has its ups and downs. I never seem to get there fast enough and when I do, I am still left with more questions than answers. <div>
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Spending countless hours pouring over articles, recipes, and anecdotes, I find inspiration. Perhaps its the color of a glaze or the way it breaks so languidly over the surface that draws me to investigate further. I wonder what vessel would warrant such a provocative treatment. I consider a possible clay body. Iron rich? Porcelain based?</div>
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Then on to the cross referencing. I have the idea of what to try, but what about specifics? Should I spray, dip, or pour? How thick to mix for specific gravity? I know that these are the details I must test myself, but the more questions answered now, the further I will get on with my own results.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hoiksRfU777Cd6LQxOK6fVXGn1HZDXHwgMvKHFk2zPHZl_84-2c9mxzJ2zZNaCIeGl2imW-n-FZGBNzddMjd9iD_7mcsSrc6FeWKxi1OTPnGFxaB_fwQ2OsRX2OB2JDoeq_FTRq27bSk/s1600/IMG_3158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hoiksRfU777Cd6LQxOK6fVXGn1HZDXHwgMvKHFk2zPHZl_84-2c9mxzJ2zZNaCIeGl2imW-n-FZGBNzddMjd9iD_7mcsSrc6FeWKxi1OTPnGFxaB_fwQ2OsRX2OB2JDoeq_FTRq27bSk/s320/IMG_3158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I take many notes, copy recipes and revise where necessary. Sure, I get the scientific process. These present ups and downs of their own. But my biggest challenge is timeliness. There is just not enough time in the day!</div>
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These are three glazes with the new glaze underneath, the orange color. The white body is a half porcelain body and the other a iron rich one, both from Highwater. The underglaze has some unique qualities that flux out the overlying glaze. It is this unique effect that entices me.</div>
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Under a matt glaze it holds firm, but there is some color variability that interesting too. I know that if there is too much visual interest then it can take away from the subject, so at the moment I am looking into using it with some accent pots. Here it is under a matt glaze attributed to Don Reitz. I look forward to trying this on my midrange manganese and iron clay. Stay tuned....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This combination of glazes has some crystals at the top where it was thickest. </td></tr>
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Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-90447908155363069432012-08-29T21:25:00.002-04:002012-08-29T21:27:19.397-04:00Great Tree and Container Combination<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0NhhxIBjR3IZzBMmAhyphenhyphenlljIeP7dgDpwMTbjuppycp4u0Oxsq_vIWKT_q-NjtVbTEW4y6VQ_eufb3MZUOo2VP6L4R-TwQjta4FaVfFfOyzFnpd4rIJOQ6nKrLfRf0kUeuh7lBPtgkCPu_/s1600/Excambron_Taiko_Pot_4_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0NhhxIBjR3IZzBMmAhyphenhyphenlljIeP7dgDpwMTbjuppycp4u0Oxsq_vIWKT_q-NjtVbTEW4y6VQ_eufb3MZUOo2VP6L4R-TwQjta4FaVfFfOyzFnpd4rIJOQ6nKrLfRf0kUeuh7lBPtgkCPu_/s320/Excambron_Taiko_Pot_4_11.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
Here is one my pots from 2009 that was potted up with an Escambron, a deciduous tropical tree. In my opinion, this pot was a good choice in regards to its style, color, size and shape.<br />
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As a bonsai potter, it is always a thrill to open up your kiln and see your finished pieces. Sometimes you are happy with expected results, sometimes happy with unexpected results, but there is always a joy or element of surprise.<br />
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When I opened the BSF magazine this week I was met with another surprise, seeing such a beautiful subject in one of my old pots. The owner is a great designer and his work is evident here. The tree has a greyish cast in its trunk that I feel helps to unify the subject to its container. The style of the tree, with its feminine curve is well matched to the pot: both are predominantly feminine, but the depth of the container and the girth of the trunk work very well also. After all, both feminine and masculine features usually are present together in bonsai compositions, but good compositions have a balance. They are usually predominantly feminine OR masculine, with smaller qualities of the other.<br />
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I am alway overjoyed when I see one of my pots under a beautiful tree especially when both tree and pot are paired so well. This is no exception. Go Mike!</div>
Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-89937086695804845412012-06-17T00:29:00.001-04:002012-06-17T00:40:34.972-04:00Time out for Commissions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have to say, as busy as last month was with making new stock and filling out orders, this month is going to be twice as busy.<br />
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This year's BSF show was a big success so I am not complaining. Sales were very well and I made some new contacts and took orders for many custom pots. Now that I am off for the summer my time is filling up fast however. I am building a new storage/kiln shed twice the size as my old one. In it I will finally have enough room for all my dry storage of glaze materials and other regular stuff that is taking up too much room in my garagio. It is going to be a large project that I have procrastinating for a couple of years now, so I will be doing various stages of construction during the day and making pots at night. Don't get me wrong. Being busy is good, so long as I get everything done before the fall!<br />
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Anyhoo, here are a few short shots from some of last month's commissions...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI-GYylyokR3yBxwHW95_4mvQu3lLGffAHNITGDc-eSoPj_jRhgamMDw1MWMnQNL3BIpDiZQHNdG6gn5Mjd30lId07F4BEbxBkeJDuz05xh9xiql9cEeYQ7k4w5QtM_BSinc-O8F9tx29/s1600/IMG_2326.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI-GYylyokR3yBxwHW95_4mvQu3lLGffAHNITGDc-eSoPj_jRhgamMDw1MWMnQNL3BIpDiZQHNdG6gn5Mjd30lId07F4BEbxBkeJDuz05xh9xiql9cEeYQ7k4w5QtM_BSinc-O8F9tx29/s320/IMG_2326.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A large deep oval with VCAA green glaze and cracked texture....</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mjGVkX8-Ul0/T91RexZlj-I/AAAAAAAAD7g/ritEgk67Wyw/s1600/IMG_2316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mjGVkX8-Ul0/T91RexZlj-I/AAAAAAAAD7g/ritEgk67Wyw/s320/IMG_2316.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another large pot for the same gentleman shares the same base glaze as the previous one above....</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hvNjVSbhF00/T91XPfzzj7I/AAAAAAAAD7w/Gaf5T_2CrSA/s1600/IMG_2314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hvNjVSbhF00/T91XPfzzj7I/AAAAAAAAD7w/Gaf5T_2CrSA/s320/IMG_2314.JPG" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here, same basic dimensions AND base glaze with cobalt for a different customer.<br />
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<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></a>Well, thanks for letting me share. I may do a few blog entries about the progress of my projects in a few weeks if I have any energy left!</div>
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</div>Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-3490271371925970242012-05-11T20:03:00.001-04:002012-05-11T20:04:37.536-04:00Just for the taste of it...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For those of us who like to experiment in pottery, I can think of nothing more alluring than that which can be created by textural effects. Gouges, cracks and crevices, filled with colored oxide washes, can really add a lot of character to a bonsai container. But it is not this alone that I am happy with, rather, the way in which it is done...<br />
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If you like the natural, unbridled use of the patterning in the example below, you may know what I am eluding to.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SlarscMsekUFtoAgUf1kWjU_MyaGgsBN4PuXy2Iw4fQH0OZq5V24cYlestSwMyHFH3t8O_g2NY69dG6rPK_Nz6R9OJuaSpHBO36D12EfcqcGlZVIvf4Gh5-YA9NaBapk-y8gjseTxTWx/s1600/2012-047a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SlarscMsekUFtoAgUf1kWjU_MyaGgsBN4PuXy2Iw4fQH0OZq5V24cYlestSwMyHFH3t8O_g2NY69dG6rPK_Nz6R9OJuaSpHBO36D12EfcqcGlZVIvf4Gh5-YA9NaBapk-y8gjseTxTWx/s320/2012-047a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There is a lot of subtle color variation in this pot. Some repeated patterning, but nothing too fussy. </div>
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Here is the other side:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs67eYbklrpbOYUQgSFVQ_19zLFcqUOzq6R56jfxUDgevcqzYVMzHd5XlvRwLwvHkHE5_PlWMH1WDZhnUzm4_e3ksRhrVOa9Yk8OWXvZs50JGc9Yupk-HbSoFkoTsceuCkpGg2yxVHw-1M/s1600/2012-047b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs67eYbklrpbOYUQgSFVQ_19zLFcqUOzq6R56jfxUDgevcqzYVMzHd5XlvRwLwvHkHE5_PlWMH1WDZhnUzm4_e3ksRhrVOa9Yk8OWXvZs50JGc9Yupk-HbSoFkoTsceuCkpGg2yxVHw-1M/s320/2012-047b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't feel as if I have mastered this technique. Instead, I consider myself inspired to keep looking for nuances to exemplify, patterns to express.</div>
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This smaller example has a some intentional marks added on the right side of the pot that I placed to in increase the wabi sabi look...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tVHUs9Lo_TEi-daxPIwwmo4akSzdYargYBJmeOw4U0YnPYKLqjNxgrEUwXUGUGvHJ4RhoVs-aVLPjqFCPrTmQ4WqFmMVt06Vo3oDDVdTsu2STI6F859vMFDv2OVRBBSTPFQokEe0Olo_/s1600/2012-040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tVHUs9Lo_TEi-daxPIwwmo4akSzdYargYBJmeOw4U0YnPYKLqjNxgrEUwXUGUGvHJ4RhoVs-aVLPjqFCPrTmQ4WqFmMVt06Vo3oDDVdTsu2STI6F859vMFDv2OVRBBSTPFQokEe0Olo_/s320/2012-040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are several tree species that have this pot. For my taste, bucida spinosa (dwarf black olive), and Fukien Tea come to mind.</div>
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<i>I would love to know what you think. What's your particular taste??? </i></div>
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<br /></div>Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-34512448825344462492012-05-05T21:16:00.003-04:002012-05-06T09:19:42.456-04:00Artifact Completed:' A Learning Experience'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHM-rNPsYYdFaSg-cORJ9LmGvYqyxWj-0F1qqZF6bAC0HoxfaxAMfKtIQCFuQBa_pVtxlqIxyywOeyn18lsxmgNI4OSgzaEPPZAwtL2yEvBaFF7lT70oZBJ1SNc6mpKsWN5s0jQ2fjjLX/s1600/IMG_2297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHM-rNPsYYdFaSg-cORJ9LmGvYqyxWj-0F1qqZF6bAC0HoxfaxAMfKtIQCFuQBa_pVtxlqIxyywOeyn18lsxmgNI4OSgzaEPPZAwtL2yEvBaFF7lT70oZBJ1SNc6mpKsWN5s0jQ2fjjLX/s320/IMG_2297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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At this year's Bonsai Society of Florida state convention my art concept pot will be sold at auction. This aesthetic design was a concept piece that was conceived with the idea of representing the growth that can be achieved through the learning of failure.</div>
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Our state convention entitled 'A Learning Experience', will feature many avenues for learning in this fine art of bonsai, with spectacular headliners, world class exhibits, and awe inspiring presentations. So, knowing that I would be custom designing a pot for the auction, I decided to create a culminating represention a culmination of what I have learned throughout these past few years as a 'noobie' bonsai potter to present.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji975k1-XbBgN7oi0dEgDTbvTSWfpY-0gdjy8958-eraQLKgibdfpAwBnOJ331VMKSvcffbg1DTzo0987wEQUYMi-obSAZBjamLIYGePFuB4fWe7zRjC7W328Nd42seC0OkhAhdTwT2N98/s1600/IMG_2295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji975k1-XbBgN7oi0dEgDTbvTSWfpY-0gdjy8958-eraQLKgibdfpAwBnOJ331VMKSvcffbg1DTzo0987wEQUYMi-obSAZBjamLIYGePFuB4fWe7zRjC7W328Nd42seC0OkhAhdTwT2N98/s320/IMG_2295.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you look closely you will see intentional cracks, broken off pieces, and other faux surface features. These were par for the course in the design, as I wanted something to represent that which has taught me and steered me in this craft. Ask anyone who has been with me and they will tell you about the many times I have lost a pot in the kiln to these defects. The thing is, if I had not failed, I would not have learned from these mistakes. <i>Why did it crack? Was it too dry? Why did it warp? Was it fired too hot?</i></div>
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These are the pitfalls that have been tempering my spirit and bringing about my hard fought victories as a potter. Sure I got plenty frustrated at these situations, but I now cherish them, for they have taught me well.</div>
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Here are some detailed shots...</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioah5C8CG2FFjdPrLuxFdKccYX0X6wxbKqFG2AZkUvnZUiUw26M3zCcpGSTtW8O-BmwVhPHCQ39-OJoAHjmLu0pkNiF3BAot4FkeoQKKLYMKdaBV4wwHbqmGTB5PPfK3XPu0TRUXblTEwF/s1600/IMG_2307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioah5C8CG2FFjdPrLuxFdKccYX0X6wxbKqFG2AZkUvnZUiUw26M3zCcpGSTtW8O-BmwVhPHCQ39-OJoAHjmLu0pkNiF3BAot4FkeoQKKLYMKdaBV4wwHbqmGTB5PPfK3XPu0TRUXblTEwF/s320/IMG_2307.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dark patches on the serpent represent popouts, a <br />
problem from lime in the grog, an additive in the clay.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmD903B2rI65qu3HOSxsF09BtySVxU55TZU1nNELIY_OElwyGIfUG0tjA6oqWM3Sfs0xgY9J8An4ATwaJ3CQ8Vmb4qdPLPMS0ROLKps0Vx1_1_KCkzf91SHJHqjm9oAn-yjQgQjxEeoOq/s1600/IMG_2308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmD903B2rI65qu3HOSxsF09BtySVxU55TZU1nNELIY_OElwyGIfUG0tjA6oqWM3Sfs0xgY9J8An4ATwaJ3CQ8Vmb4qdPLPMS0ROLKps0Vx1_1_KCkzf91SHJHqjm9oAn-yjQgQjxEeoOq/s320/IMG_2308.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are the intentional break offs that i incorporated into <br />
the design. This can occur when the clay does not dry evenly.</td></tr>
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Making this piece was a challenge in itself. It was the third attempt and I am quite glad it turned out as it did. Plans are to encase this in a handmade curio box for safe keeping. <br />
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Stay tuned, more to come....</div>
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<i>Rob</i></div>
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</div>Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-82777668018171970232012-04-20T16:21:00.000-04:002012-04-20T19:10:25.669-04:00Make Mine Unglazed Please...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdclujok792dyUYsuOneImnnQqHxSTxEs8WDRbmjeSHEg54sUCHN-Bz5gKCbzozdCv2SVMDKQibPIfHHj9wbjCEGq81de6Yc-qI29RfYyPtvejPO023wlD4isiRoK19s4jStvCNwUaT6q/s1600/2012-023a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdclujok792dyUYsuOneImnnQqHxSTxEs8WDRbmjeSHEg54sUCHN-Bz5gKCbzozdCv2SVMDKQibPIfHHj9wbjCEGq81de6Yc-qI29RfYyPtvejPO023wlD4isiRoK19s4jStvCNwUaT6q/s320/2012-023a.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rough belly with a stripe under the rim for balance,<br /> this 10 inch wide pot is well suited for a medium large pine.</i></td></tr>
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Pines, Juniper, Cedars- these guys like the warm tones of an unglazed pot. Here are a few examples of some from my last round that I have to enrich the bark of evergreens. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTO4vxApN8YsLGjHExIDBhoZ_YzlbfPG4f8jI5C6SdQxjSmexpq6Fee33-sBnO02MQJKUCG0RV6CyMXGNGFKKkCU2Cff3sWaQq2PBjk5O4Wx8v8c1tMQF_Gyhq31VsD03Wo9jUxh3BOsrH/s1600/2012-024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTO4vxApN8YsLGjHExIDBhoZ_YzlbfPG4f8jI5C6SdQxjSmexpq6Fee33-sBnO02MQJKUCG0RV6CyMXGNGFKKkCU2Cff3sWaQq2PBjk5O4Wx8v8c1tMQF_Gyhq31VsD03Wo9jUxh3BOsrH/s320/2012-024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pot is a bit smaller, in the 6 inch range, <br />
has a different rim treatment.</td></tr>
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I use a copper and iron wash to bring out the texture with these unglazed pieces. I have to use a good deal of reduction (kiln atmosphere) get the dark brown just right. Here is another unglazed pot. I am using a buff clay with the same oxide wash. A different looking pot, this one is about 4.5 inches across.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmghYsf5P6gFJwSZDHryCOF5J1FfqB_iWuuGpuxBNwGUz7VG7SORYgjJKEjH39dShoKfTGVE9ppUl9WcXVK2llTaAVwe_i9wcTyhmlBwAhCtlfCMYOvmQjjN1knA2nYn_2tFEJrqyLOXT/s1600/2012-026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmghYsf5P6gFJwSZDHryCOF5J1FfqB_iWuuGpuxBNwGUz7VG7SORYgjJKEjH39dShoKfTGVE9ppUl9WcXVK2llTaAVwe_i9wcTyhmlBwAhCtlfCMYOvmQjjN1knA2nYn_2tFEJrqyLOXT/s320/2012-026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Being somewhat smaller, this could actually be used for shitakusa.</i></td></tr>
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This pot was constructed by cutting apart a large oval ring and then reattaching it into a smaller one. The seam, which you can see here in the photo, has been embellished with stamps to make a good seal. I like the look of this as the front, but the other side is fairly plain. The bonsai artist can decide which they prefer, depending on the style of the subject that they have.<br />
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<br /></div>Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-78580742514597963352012-03-07T20:48:00.000-05:002012-03-07T20:48:36.159-05:00February's Harvest: Experiments in Copper Red<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJicuPVy2sB7qdxNwDU9JOlGDRTWkT79om7KbuMcvQW_mcBa1ST1rJIEq43V098kvpS8W42Za0WDYmjzo8CvEO_oPwm21ZCs97WtevfFd9cdJtV6QRKEzNtaTQav6qfgE76xnAiIvYxhA/s1600/2012-016a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJicuPVy2sB7qdxNwDU9JOlGDRTWkT79om7KbuMcvQW_mcBa1ST1rJIEq43V098kvpS8W42Za0WDYmjzo8CvEO_oPwm21ZCs97WtevfFd9cdJtV6QRKEzNtaTQav6qfgE76xnAiIvYxhA/s320/2012-016a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Geez, I guess I won't win any points for being timely last month. My latest round of pots seemed to take forever! As usual, my day job, demands of family and fatherhood took center stage. I did make some rather good investments that helped me finally win over the elusive and problematic copper red glaze.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3cdDyGNIetpHz-32gNoMbIey3UAtK2b78z531UGImE0y6w7O6EBRRhhLahKTDkTf7BJioyqZncv_Qb2rE7OcU3NolCGOPamTzyNttP8S9snnAbAG0OCWYnw5ApaZ_87UGKkr9ALOd_eI/s1600/2012-017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3cdDyGNIetpHz-32gNoMbIey3UAtK2b78z531UGImE0y6w7O6EBRRhhLahKTDkTf7BJioyqZncv_Qb2rE7OcU3NolCGOPamTzyNttP8S9snnAbAG0OCWYnw5ApaZ_87UGKkr9ALOd_eI/s320/2012-017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The most important piece of equipment that I have now in my gas firing arsenal, is the dual digital pyrometer. When I fire my updraft kiln, it is very hard to control temperature differential between top and bottom zones. Now with this pyrometer, I can make changes to the kiln and instantly see the results.<br />
It is a must have for kilns of the same updraft design.<br />
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The other important investment that I made was purchasing John Britt's book on high fire glazes. It was a very helpful addition to my ceramic study library. I really love the details and firing schedules for the different recipes and effects. Can't thank you enough John!<br />
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Here are a couple more pieces from the batch....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiE3EVwT-7-f9u8SPfCPIR9qCyyRw0JemMLeQcPoKeGvKm91ybe0XHisFRJMm-sz7vZ7iyfkttiZMSZSuXYbh2J7-A-WB97W5psmgy6SkZtmVDS4oqXnfRuKYstWY-hWXgZaBzTuTno57/s1600/2012-012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiE3EVwT-7-f9u8SPfCPIR9qCyyRw0JemMLeQcPoKeGvKm91ybe0XHisFRJMm-sz7vZ7iyfkttiZMSZSuXYbh2J7-A-WB97W5psmgy6SkZtmVDS4oqXnfRuKYstWY-hWXgZaBzTuTno57/s320/2012-012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Small pot with plum, blue and purple effects. Love that variation...</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrSrnNdtstkS889jgYfPHUp6LDQJEN5nrPlczygKLajrRZ8Q4_W4jSZh8sH69C9hv6n3kfH5zpcrYG6eEoUKLDpf-yeFDJkAC1vleM592BE5O_9vLm_xTxj2Ini-_vrUSBdHG3iO6r1dl/s1600/2012-010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrSrnNdtstkS889jgYfPHUp6LDQJEN5nrPlczygKLajrRZ8Q4_W4jSZh8sH69C9hv6n3kfH5zpcrYG6eEoUKLDpf-yeFDJkAC1vleM592BE5O_9vLm_xTxj2Ini-_vrUSBdHG3iO6r1dl/s320/2012-010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gotta love that color!</i></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although I am quite happy with the results from this firing I can only hope to duplicate a small portion of it again. As I have heard said in ceramic circles, potters are only as good as their last firing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-31816768612916055542012-01-20T20:27:00.001-05:002012-01-29T21:06:11.131-05:00Pots for a gentleman...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
As a bonsai potter, making commissioned pieces for customers can be a challenging, yet rewarding way to stay afloat between shows. I thought I would share a few lines here in the blogosphere of my experience with this last custom order of pots...<br />
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The client chose a couple of designs from my web page and added unique dimensions to fit his trees. The first pot is an oval of medium width with rope feet and trim. The second is a hard edged design with similar width and depth in its interior.<br />
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Here are some shots of me working on some of the different stages of construction...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYT5PZ30GnrcGqS6-AiZRT55m4o4Ki5F0EMc7gSMKAGz-2kQc9KBji8gpdKBn_9HQkhgRvesBFN3NHTtZ3TxZYjRBZSVhtIuzgdYjao8MsyKyYsWzowyOTnQYQm4PEeOiIZ4iyTx3FpAh/s1600/IMG_1876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYT5PZ30GnrcGqS6-AiZRT55m4o4Ki5F0EMc7gSMKAGz-2kQc9KBji8gpdKBn_9HQkhgRvesBFN3NHTtZ3TxZYjRBZSVhtIuzgdYjao8MsyKyYsWzowyOTnQYQm4PEeOiIZ4iyTx3FpAh/s400/IMG_1876.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>wedging the clay to prepare for throwing</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>centering and opening up to form the walls on the oval</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUth7j_fzYRSgjPR3BUvwEUVANoEMjH1RrnnPmhhcVTTUHkFUpLGzqFrszi6qzfcuTOJ3jeX-W8-reuZzhUaoZ1cihERJ-CqwFz83jDb4U3e9G-ATx3DyVirfysAXC4fElhZGX3Ovvz2h/s1600/IMG_1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUth7j_fzYRSgjPR3BUvwEUVANoEMjH1RrnnPmhhcVTTUHkFUpLGzqFrszi6qzfcuTOJ3jeX-W8-reuZzhUaoZ1cihERJ-CqwFz83jDb4U3e9G-ATx3DyVirfysAXC4fElhZGX3Ovvz2h/s400/IMG_1848.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>cutting slabs for the rectangle</i></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, here is how the pots turned out. I was quite pleased with the subtle character of each piece. By now they are enjoying their new digs up in the northeast, probably awaiting a bit of spring fever!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tbp6oHII-vo/Txjd8dgloPI/AAAAAAAAD0k/H08SaHnO-Wg/s1600/2011-195A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tbp6oHII-vo/Txjd8dgloPI/AAAAAAAAD0k/H08SaHnO-Wg/s320/2011-195A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The hard edged rectangle was styled from one of the pieces still on my website. It was constructed entirely from slabs.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWb8gcYNCrI/TxjeFCDzWII/AAAAAAAAD0o/7FkI5z8gZNQ/s1600/2011-194B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWb8gcYNCrI/TxjeFCDzWII/AAAAAAAAD0o/7FkI5z8gZNQ/s320/2011-194B.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Both pots have the same glaze; one that features a lot of visual interest when fired in a reduced atmosphere in my kiln.</i></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The client told me he was very pleased with his latest shipment and I am glad my pots have found a happy home!</div><br />
</div>Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-46443603112999022882012-01-10T21:54:00.001-05:002012-01-11T19:56:35.540-05:00Waves of Expression?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywJY0SxvrxhFQNSpC0OSyJ1sWKNT5K0H1c9Ad17pHLvZ5oSpWPMhHPWSfE3aUlekuJc6Cqdnvh9pChIsX40pJgwFj8t9gU001ubkoG6mArkK03b9stX9S6LdHSO4fSphQW1cRvcLnuZ7a/s1600/2011-236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywJY0SxvrxhFQNSpC0OSyJ1sWKNT5K0H1c9Ad17pHLvZ5oSpWPMhHPWSfE3aUlekuJc6Cqdnvh9pChIsX40pJgwFj8t9gU001ubkoG6mArkK03b9stX9S6LdHSO4fSphQW1cRvcLnuZ7a/s320/2011-236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I absolutely LOVE learning and developing new techniques. This last month I have been doing some experimenting on a new method that I find rather addicting. It creates lines and patterns and gives great highlight to form and provides areas for holding glaze. I tried it on several pots, simple accents, kusamono and some bonsai containers in glazed and unglazed pieces.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is another example in a smallish round, well suited for kusamono....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4_ngMa1vvS5obD0K8-8ehBph-zhju_9szm7MKORxTAaUPUdGPO_kpv41vkkkDPeq61_rjOYdVYJlqbPbRXXSim29VUA9s97BlHhwPqBcYNFnmqIBTrQQkEp9Vv9_2sBd8JfXM0DLceuK/s1600/2011-232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4_ngMa1vvS5obD0K8-8ehBph-zhju_9szm7MKORxTAaUPUdGPO_kpv41vkkkDPeq61_rjOYdVYJlqbPbRXXSim29VUA9s97BlHhwPqBcYNFnmqIBTrQQkEp9Vv9_2sBd8JfXM0DLceuK/s320/2011-232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would like to developing this style a bit more, especially for kusamono forms. For a bonsai pot, I tried some unglazed forms, like this one best suited for a rugged pine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOA5vVo_z26ewZdUdz1abqGrD3-b_aJXUoxKB6g09Jbkrb06r9wX6LDAkbiMD_bB6vphYEJcNhJiwZvdKWx3YUKmxgvj5_EItW4-pZ3YhmykqRPoIfgFE0w20VS-pPfe3BKqkzchHTANF/s1600/2011-237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOA5vVo_z26ewZdUdz1abqGrD3-b_aJXUoxKB6g09Jbkrb06r9wX6LDAkbiMD_bB6vphYEJcNhJiwZvdKWx3YUKmxgvj5_EItW4-pZ3YhmykqRPoIfgFE0w20VS-pPfe3BKqkzchHTANF/s320/2011-237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Time will tell if the bonsai crowd enjoys this particular surface treatment, but in the meantime, at least I can have some fun, keepin' it fresh! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-42067529998468764262011-12-14T20:59:00.002-05:002011-12-14T21:14:51.640-05:00December's Chill<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I never like having to wait to fire pots. When your pieces are ready, and you have enough to fill your kiln, it is too hard to wait! I mean, for me, one of the most satisfying aspects to being a potter is getting to see them finished.<br />
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This month is, as usual, the busiest time of the year. Several important things kept me busy with school, and, well, the pots couldn't get fired. When I do a firing, it takes a full 24 hours including candling, firing, and a back firing slow cool, so, I guess it just kept being put off.<br />
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Anyway, here are some from the group of 34 that I chose to share....<br />
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Here is a shohin sized oval in a shimmering green glaze-<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqViRHWsyVeRvzMYDRqvVWt-D3CJEKtqH8DQ4FCjAEWSW5TEUDcbogXYvRo9yVpZ3ut1KWbvz7DqG9UI5soBNKcsy_UoBQ7-aNb3YH9xIig77Wk6iAnvIA-b7bYd9b8dciT26Hzw6ocnQX/s1600/2011-188A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqViRHWsyVeRvzMYDRqvVWt-D3CJEKtqH8DQ4FCjAEWSW5TEUDcbogXYvRo9yVpZ3ut1KWbvz7DqG9UI5soBNKcsy_UoBQ7-aNb3YH9xIig77Wk6iAnvIA-b7bYd9b8dciT26Hzw6ocnQX/s320/2011-188A.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This primitive style pot below could be used for kusamono, (in Japanese this means 'grass thing' I actually made a smaller one too, in the same style..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1qddRIhX981leItGCTugmJAbpZvrXNBQn2bQtzhJuedUacawsXoIZ3QJMP0ROiGzAoOaRAo67kvGAytG4f7uWhmEfOkXvALZZthXhPZOziBrvtOHTrAhaLuRUkgLmLyHLm0-R8YcYvcn/s1600/2011-181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1qddRIhX981leItGCTugmJAbpZvrXNBQn2bQtzhJuedUacawsXoIZ3QJMP0ROiGzAoOaRAo67kvGAytG4f7uWhmEfOkXvALZZthXhPZOziBrvtOHTrAhaLuRUkgLmLyHLm0-R8YcYvcn/s320/2011-181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This medium sized oval below has very subtle glaze that is very sensitive to temperature and atmosphere. Even the slightest amount of reduction gives the copper a pinkish cast. The crystals come out in the firing down slow cool...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPONWNyPl6Ms7TTnCzTyL-mm9jST7ut4_U4bMlQhaYZ0UL5x8E4z9V1fwS778G1i4JqywWx4GC9Frqyack4P8uCXN1ZdGYoxpYEsH_1_EPy015KZrJ7QlBskgX6Fz_pX1Jtn6QzgjrHCQ/s1600/2011-197A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPONWNyPl6Ms7TTnCzTyL-mm9jST7ut4_U4bMlQhaYZ0UL5x8E4z9V1fwS778G1i4JqywWx4GC9Frqyack4P8uCXN1ZdGYoxpYEsH_1_EPy015KZrJ7QlBskgX6Fz_pX1Jtn6QzgjrHCQ/s320/2011-197A.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This last pot uses a thin application of a glaze that promotes blue crystals from copper. I put in some throwing rings to hold the glaze and highlight some texture...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>and oh the firing...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For my potheads...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had a bit of a time evening out the top and bottom of the kiln. The bottom was at least a full cone's cooler than the top. Usually, when I fire in reduction, I just close up the top damper, with my eye on my oxyprobe, to put in a little more heat down lower in the kiln. That worked o.k. for a while, but it was complicated because I still wanted to keep a somewhat oxidizing atmosphere throughout the firing. I opened up the bottom peeps and that helped too, but by the time the cool down started the top was already ^8 at 3:00 (my end target). So, when I tried a final soak with the top port slightly covered (oxyprobe reading .02-.03) there was not enough wiggle room in temps to allow the bottom ^8 to fall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I suppose I could have stayed up longer to find the sweet spot which would have allowed the bottom to come up, but it was getting quite late, and I wanted to start the slow cool. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well thanks for taking time for let me ramble. I am just glad to finally get this load done and fired so I can have them ready for the KAWA Joy of Bonsai convention next month. Come and see me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Now, does anyone wish to place bets on how long it will take me to get this load priced and updated on my website?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-44334636480123095642011-10-06T15:18:00.001-04:002011-10-06T19:17:22.509-04:00Beauty and the Beast<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">September came and went and between keeping up with my teaching job and my priorities of family and fatherhood, I somehow managed to put together a large load of pots and fire them this past weekend. Besides producing 24 bonsai containers, I also tested some 30 or so glazes and measured, recorded and fired them for specific gravity. <i>For those non-potter folk, specific gravity is a measurement ratio of water in a glaze, and its solid components.</i> For kicks I decided to test my new cone 9 and 10 glazes in this firing of a hard cone 7. I knew that most of these from the test batch were not going to end up on my pots at the lowered temperature, but I wanted to see how they turned out. Believe it or not, one of the glazes actually looks better at the lower temp. <br />
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The pot below is glazed with Varigated Slate Blue, fired to a hard cone 7, with 8 at the 3 o'clock position. Cooled VERY SLOWLY, it provides a lovely, satiny finish that in my opinion, serves the form well...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaINO3cjdu-bP6JRoT104MaoZnaf2EBETTCw7lV7MS86crM7XIi799LpAdCWPDENwpXoN5o7Gtc2H4JNqeGvTGfdqjx3cJiWcU4kOx5jnPOsob7NeSQGg8MZVJzt6nHrWTmaEK1SV3xLy/s1600/2011-158a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaINO3cjdu-bP6JRoT104MaoZnaf2EBETTCw7lV7MS86crM7XIi799LpAdCWPDENwpXoN5o7Gtc2H4JNqeGvTGfdqjx3cJiWcU4kOx5jnPOsob7NeSQGg8MZVJzt6nHrWTmaEK1SV3xLy/s320/2011-158a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>I also experimented with some expressionistic elements. Being a fan of abstract expressionist painting and sculpture, I started to look for inspiration. In ceramics I looked up some of the works by Paul Soldner, Peter Volkous, and Don Reitz. These guys are well known for being true champions of experimentation and improvisation. In this pot you can see some playfulness.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3n2U0ZaqQlbhH9uMB7l5tYEmxQD2Z7kG9aKR-eSG1NUOc9zUajtfLvx6J7fSWJFRXY3L_t5Gsh9rQd4D6vASeBZqUIw1w6Ww1K5pfdy4i5eUHfkeX7-orp7-ThUNQfuWVn21wlagboem/s1600/2011-155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3n2U0ZaqQlbhH9uMB7l5tYEmxQD2Z7kG9aKR-eSG1NUOc9zUajtfLvx6J7fSWJFRXY3L_t5Gsh9rQd4D6vASeBZqUIw1w6Ww1K5pfdy4i5eUHfkeX7-orp7-ThUNQfuWVn21wlagboem/s320/2011-155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, I know it may be a stretch for some to see a tree in this pot, but it is still one of my latest favs...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Who knows, perhaps it will one day hold a literati style pine with great gnarly texture to match? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I enjoy both of these different styles, and in fact I really enjoy both of them together. Perhaps I should do some more work developing both opposite styles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Any comments?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5782642107400538715.post-64855896374439652682011-08-18T21:41:00.003-04:002011-08-18T21:41:58.708-04:00A Glaze to Call My Own?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXXk8jRjKZPD2Nl1GjR3p-RIck2_fP4J2A_oZ4yjzvd3lHJ3a3CwF2hxE2G_fowrwqGu_Eo8uQ6NPbICEhxMGWbTk0b48qGloxV_ljdWDff6OViqJXyPsCq20Tf01B4SVIkT3lZEpWsoM/s1600/2011-122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXXk8jRjKZPD2Nl1GjR3p-RIck2_fP4J2A_oZ4yjzvd3lHJ3a3CwF2hxE2G_fowrwqGu_Eo8uQ6NPbICEhxMGWbTk0b48qGloxV_ljdWDff6OViqJXyPsCq20Tf01B4SVIkT3lZEpWsoM/s320/2011-122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is an ash glaze that I made creating by combining Oak ash and a high iron clay. On this particular clay it gives a nice yellow color. I enjoy the rivulets from the glaze and the pooling effect, a common feature in many glazes of this particular type. <br />
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The recipe is a high fire glaze. I originally tested it at cone 10, and worked well so I mixed up a large batch and used it on these few pots. The firing went well, but by accident, the pots were fired much higher than I was shooting for. Apparently when I was trying to even out the temperature at the peak of firing, I overestimated the amount of time that it would take, and the kiln went well past cone 11. I ended up loosing 6 other pots to the kiln gods. They had over fluxed and the glaze, not this one, ended up fusing to my kiln shelf. I had to get the ol' hammer out....%#$@(^&%$!!!!!<br />
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Surprisingly, this glaze held up, even in the higher temperature. Here is another example with it on a small oval pot...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0A1njyNfYl9EM_5nROCuH_rz0n0ATjxsxWPUbY_l9_5M4SP1OuETi-WYLdmbCEQAncLIEFkBaGNmLqndCLf4UbPk8Jkaq-k0jzFBhntt4Y8vjZCLQbJztSD0e2ldJsPJ9R1KAimgp5KT/s1600/2011-124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0A1njyNfYl9EM_5nROCuH_rz0n0ATjxsxWPUbY_l9_5M4SP1OuETi-WYLdmbCEQAncLIEFkBaGNmLqndCLf4UbPk8Jkaq-k0jzFBhntt4Y8vjZCLQbJztSD0e2ldJsPJ9R1KAimgp5KT/s320/2011-124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh well, at least I know now that this glaze has potential to <i>take the heat</i>!!!</div>
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Rob Addonizio from Taiko-Earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05498808803192042081noreply@blogger.com3