I am ignoring the Metro traffic by living near a Metro train station, and a single bus away from college. The traffic pretty much makes bus and car travel take about the same amount of time – maybe 15 minutes longer by bus. Also, riding the bus is fun, except for the sometimes unfortunate levels of humidity.

I read a few books in September and October, and then I started drawing on the bus. Here's my first drawing (on the back page of Garth Clark's American Ceramics – sorry!):

Then I moved on to a lined notebook, just illustrating ideas that come up when I think about making pots. I have no idea if these will affect my work in clay.

Drawing on a cross-town bus? I put my bag on my lap, balance my sketchbook (or whatever) on top, and try to keep my hand and my page riding the same wave.

Though I seem to be becoming a bus-spotter, don't worry. I've always been that way.

Virginia in Virginia

I'm unloading my pots, and my favorite Fox McGrew cup is already full of tea.

In August, we moved to Virginia for me to teach Ceramics and Drawing at Northern Virginia Community College. So far, so good! Here's a snapshot of our developing studio scene:

Our resident Mermaiden constructs a magical device.

And with it, we cut a Perfect Circle.

Throwing bowls.

Trimming bowls.

And glazing!

This is not a mirror, just a mirror image pair of Bailey electric kilns. 

Here are some brightly-colored, student, cone 6 tests from our first firing. Represented are Fake (Faux) Ash, Bill Schran's Blue Crystal, Marilee's Lava, Will Levi Marshall's Chartreuse, and Panama Red (in oxidation). The nicest surprise is that the crystal is working well in a regular firing, with no hold and controlled cooling to 1500 degrees.