Morning Walk

Although one of my dogs gave my digital camera a bit more character with some teeth marks early last year, it's still trucking along. I am finding that some camera finesse will be required to post pottery on etsy. Therefore,  I am carrying my camera around more in an attempt to understand it better. This morning, I put it in my pocket when taking the dogs out and found some natural inspiration. Living in western North Carolina for six years has made it difficult to see the subtle beauties that Kannapolis has to share, but if you look, it's been there all along. 

   Morning Glory seed pods with a shadow.

In the shadow of a grass blade, I found these tiny mushrooms.

Plant with frost. 

Wrens on a Branch

I have tried painting wrens again with a black underglaze. I then carve details and texture. These two little ones are on a deep casserole dish. I wasn't sure how to make the best handles for a dish, but I believe I will do it a little different next run around. 

I prefer this wren over the other one. It's painted on the other side of the wall. 

Dewey

Here is one more photo of Dewey. I like how she fades into the shadows. She is so pretty.

Growing

My time has shifted towards my science teaching classes in the last couple of weeks. So far, I have enjoyed reading my science teaching methods text. The general theme I've encountered discusses environments where learners can grow through inquiry-based instruction, where they are aroused to ask questions of the natural world as a means to understand and comprehend reality. As a teacher, I must have a desire for growth and betterment. 

I shy away from technology aspects of science while my concentration in ecology draws me to be outdoors. The relationship described by my course text concerning science and technology resonated with me: 

Science and technology are seen as compatible and necessary to the development of science literacy....However, they are different enterprises. The major aim of science is to understand nature, whereas the major aim of technology is to create devices and systems to assist society. 

I have also been reading about subjects in American History that are overlooked because they may portray U.S. historical figures as flawed. I am overwhelmed with the responsibilities presented at having a part in shaping so many adolescents. 

My comforts are my geology course assignments, my two dogs, and clay. I continue to find myself dreaming about what to carve into the white slip during my school readings. 

I found some pictures of my two dogs, Dewey Dell and Fender, that show how they have grown in the last year and a half. Fender is taller and larger chested than Dewey is, now. 

Dewey on Perry's lap with her baby collar on asleep.

Fender's belly was swollen with worms when we adopted him. Dewey is looking so adoringly at him.

Fender looks healthier and a little bigger. 

Dewey and Fender wrestling for a stick at a music festival, Birdfest, in South Carolina. 

Swimming at a pond. Dewey is a champion swimmer. She will keep on and on, getting all sticks tossed into the water. Fender claims the sticks as his find when she is closer to shore. 

Three Boxes

Here are some more boxes that I've decorated. I need to continue and work on the form of the boxes. I throw closed pieces and then carve them open. 

Hanging Guitar & Laundry

This linoleum print is 4x3 inches. This is the smallest scale I worked with so far. The size makes the carving of the details a little harder, but the results are so little and irresistible.

 

Prints

Both of these prints have dimensions of 5 x 7 inches.

 

This print is of a train depot in west Asheville, NC.

These spiders lived in the corners of the bathroom at a house I rented a room in. Nobody at the house owned a vacuum (and the broom was never put to use towards the spiders), so they just stayed there. I put one of the spiders in a cup and drew it by looking through a magnifying glass.