Snow Day = Clay Day

I woke up this morning and rushed to the window...we were supposed to receive a lot of snow overnight and an unwelcome storm. I was disappointed to see the whole farm covered and it continuing to come down....I was planning to start the first day of my apprenticeship with potter Joy Bridy in WV. After a talk with Joy over the phone we confirmed it would be best to reschedule. The roads in her town would most likely not be plowed until the next day, and even though 100 lbs of clay in the back of my trunk helped to weigh down my little Kia enough to get me through my driveway, it most likely wouldn't be the smartest decision to make the hour drive to WV. I was anticipating the day with her, but with some encouragement and time I realized "what a great moment to finish my studio set up and make some pots!" 

I immediately got to work bringing shelving in, boards, reclaiming my clay, and sat at the potters wheel with a big smile. I could hear the wind gusts as it carried large fluffy snowflakes passed the windows surrounding me in the studio. It isn't the warmest room in the house, but that view is worth it! 

With the company of my pottery pitbull Chance, I got to work. The clay was cold, but the warm water in my bucket kept my hands toasty and my heart happy. A quick glance at my computer showed me I had a message from Joy talking about how weather like this makes her think about the feet of her pots. Recording the day and the event on the bottom of her pots. It brought back a memory of my aunt's collection of antique redware by Lester Breininger, who would write messages about the day and the scene that surrounded him while he made the pots. Moments such as "bumble bees are buzzing" or "picked raspberries today."

Not only was today a big snow day but it was also the first day I experienced my studio....the start of a new beginning and a new influence to my work. Funny how a change of plans may begin as a disappointment and quickly become a blessing.