My pottery studio is being redone!  It is located in the old pole barn which previously was the furniture factory for Griffith Tabletop Furniture.  Here is a post that I did previously on the barn and my studio.  Click here.

Now in Australia a “barn” is called a “shed”, but to me, this can’t qualify as a “shed” as it is too huge.  So I will refer to it as a barn, ok?!

Due to a roof cave-in last year and the decrepidation of the side building, a redo HAD to happen!  Wind, rain, and dirt came in like a hound dog and it was not great for working.

If you click on the little pics, it will bring up a larger size pic and a slide show.

The roof had caved in on the side part of the barn. Ronnie got the tractor and tried to lift and clear the debris.
The old silo and the upholstery side of the barn needed to go!
A side view of the side to come out.
This is the side of the barn with the old upholstery shed-falling in on itself!
The side barn is coming down.
Here’s a view of the inside of the old upholstery building-great shelving!
Demolition of the side building that was falling in.
Big hole in the ground – old cistern?
Two old cisterns were found-empty and caving in.
A before of the barn side.
Lots of workers, timber, excavators, noise, nails, dogs, and no pottery being made!
At the back of the barn, the stairs to the old tree house were rotted out-even Sam was hesitant to walk on them!

So, finally, this week, the work began.  The progress has been amazing!

Plexiglass panels and tin up!
Plexiglass panels and tin up!

One of the final things to come down was the old silo!  Here is a pictorial of that event!

Silo – only thing left standing!
The excavator is ready to topple the old silo.
Here she goes!
Going!!!
Gone!!
Peter Taggett on the excavator! Job well done!

However, because of the noise of the excavator, tin crashing down, hammers, chain saws, and yelling of guys – I had to spend my time cooking, not potting.   Keep ’em fed and Keep ’em working.

Feeding of Men!!!
Feeding of Men!!!

I come from a long line of cooks that can cook for a crowd and especially a crowd of guys working.  As a kid, some of my favorite times were the lunches in the field during harvest and the big lunch spreads for the cowboys when working cattle, so this type of cooking is in my blood – weirdly, it is fun to me!!!

Lunch...Feed 'em and keep 'em working!
Lunch…Feed ’em and keep ’em working!

I did bisque fire my big pot and angel during all this hubbub and hopefully will be able to do a glaze firing soon!

bisqued ware
bisqued ware
Bisqued Big Bowl
Bisqued Big Bowl

IMG_5167

The end result is going to be a gorgeous barn and work area!

Peace out, my lovelies!

Marian