Feeling LOST!!  Take a Workshop!

As I’m in an in between world at the moment – half in the USA and half in Australia – I’m feeling a little lost and am trying to make some connections in the USA.  ‘

I recently saw this announcement on Instagram and decided to sign up!

I’d seen Myra Douglass’s work at the Texas Clay Festival and loved it!

eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Myra Douglass

Myra was teaching the workshop and it was at Eye of the Dog Art Center, which is a big hub of potters in the Texas area, so it was a win/win as far as learning/connecting.

Eye of the Dog Art Center is an amazing place run by Billy Ray and Beverly Mangum.

eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Eye of the Dog Art Center is located just outside of San Marcos, Texas.
An entire group of sculptures sitting in the bleachers, welcome you as you enter.
eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Eye of the Dog Gallery
eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Sculptures on the grounds at Eye of the Dog.
eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Sculptures on the grounds at Eye of the Dog.
eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiringeye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Entry way to main studio.
eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Studios of various ceramic artists.

The Mangum’s are very collaborative in their approach to fostering the talents of up and coming young potters.  Such a great model for the arts, especially ceramics!

It’s a very welcoming place with a big sign welcoming potters in the studio!

eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Excellent! I feel welcome already!

Myra’s workshop covered the creation of works and the treatment of the surfaces for atmospheric firings, specifically woodfiring in this case.  It was really awesome that she gave us great information on vessels, techniques, and slip application to ensure a successful wood firing – everything from the form, the clay, the texturing, and the glaze/slip to use.

eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Myra demonstrating carving.
eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Myra’s collection of woodfired pottery gave us excellent examples of what to expect and then she explained how to go about achieving similar results – so helpful!
eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Myra’s beautifully thrown and altered flask.
eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Myra is a great teacher and made the workshop fun and interesting for all levels of potters.
eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
The workshop accommodated throwers and handbuilders.
eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Woodfired examples.
eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
These are the handbuilt vessels that I made!
eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
This is the thrown tulipiere vessel that I made in the workshop.
eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Myra also discussed the final and laborious part of a woodfiring – cleaning up your vessels!

I’ve participated in numerous woodfirings in Australia at Murwillumbah Potters and it can be a great way to meet other potters.

Myra explained the process of woodfiring at their amazing wood kiln – looks very exciting!

eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Wood firing kiln.
eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring
Myra is explaining the kiln and the woodfiring process.

As part of the workshop, we will be able to participate in an upcoming woodfiring! I’m really looking forward to that!

So if you are interested, go take a workshop and check out the Eye of the Dog Art Center!

The class was great, the facilities wonderful and Billy Ray and Beverly are gracious hosts and serve a most magnificent home-cooked lunch!

Peace out, potters!marian williams pottery