Helen Mason

It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of Helen Mason who died on August 22nd. aged 99 years.  Helen did so much for pottery in New Zealand with her writing and editing of the New Zealand Potter Magazine as well as helping young potters to get established. These two pieces of Helen's have been in our collection for many years and are used regularly as they are so fit for purpose.

More on Rice Straw and Other Markings

The top image is of Fujii Sensai wrapping a tokkuri (sake bottle) with straw before firing it in the Kamaka anagama.  The ring bottle is one of Estelles with hidasuki markings.  The platter is one of mine but the markings are fire marks on the clay through the constant flow of the fire over the clay during the very long anagama firing.

Hidasuki Rice Straw Markings

This quite large floral container was fired in our anagama using rice straw as a separator for three small pots placed inside.  We found that New Zealand rice grass produced these lovely hidasuki colours that are very similar to Japanese hidasuki effects.  We found the New Zealand rice grass growing on our property on the West Coast which was lucky as it does not seem to grow around here.

Another View of Old Barn

This view of the old shearing shed is from the other side - I must keep watch for a day when they are shearing when the place is open and there is some activity.  The top picture is of my old acacia with a rainbow appearing right behind.  The colours changed so quickly that I nearly missed them.

Interesting Old Buildings

It would be wonderful if old buildings could tell their history.  The old house has some remarkable detailing and it is a shame that it has been left to become derelict.  The shearing shed is still being used and, although quite old, is in good condition.  I will try and photograph the other side sometime when the lighting is suitable and post on my blog.

Early Slab Pieces

To fill some cold winter days I have been writing up some notes on slab building techniques.  To illustrate some of the possibilities I photographed these two pieces from the days before we started firing the anagama.  Unfortunately I am no longer making pots so that it is not always easy to show how the slab pots were put together but pictures like these may help.

Mid Winter

Mid Winter sunrise is always enjoyable as it usually indicates a sunny day even though it may be cold.  And the camellias make for wonderful flower arrangements - I especially enjoy these white ones.