post mexican (me) and pre columbian (designs) hitch hikers

OK. I've survived Mexico.  I've survived the cold virus. I've survived the cultural shock and the alienation of not knowing the language and the realization that a wall won't stop 80 million people if they decide to head this direction; that all it will do is provide a rest stop on the way here.

Here then, are the hitch hikers that made it into/onto my pottery this week.

Stoneware Platter 16" diameter. 

lid for jordan's cabbage urn.

Oaxaca Holiday; Christmas and the radish festival at the zocalo and el centro.

Mision de los angeles hotel, Oaxaca. High desert river valley. Perfect weather.

Me in Mexico city. Sick, tired, and determined to have the worst travel day ever. Air is brown, keep a close eye on the currency.  Don't step out of line.

Zocalo and el Centro packed with thousands upon thousands of people. Vendors everywhere. The festival grows by the hour.  City and state of Oaxaca exist as a continuum.   Bought pink kitty at the radish festival, but lost her to a little kid in an art gallery on the walk back to the hotel. 

Carnival set up in the park next to one of the many state owned churches and cathedrals.  

Diners and crowd at the radish festival. So many architectural concepts turned inside out because of the climate.  Waiting rooms are public; literally open to the street.

Pan American hwy rte 190 Oaxaca.  The traffic patterns do figure eights on straight highways.  I had to look both ways all the time after my first close call crossing the streets.  Highways were one of the few places you could find a smooth surface.  Outside mexico city, I can remember only two brief expanses of poured concrete walking surfaces.  

Pedestrians crossing.

Innumerable police at festival. Crowd well behaved. No drunks yet at 9 pm.

Fall Recap; studio sale

Tube Sculpture. J. Staskal

for the second year in a row, one of John's sculptures sold at open studio.  Thanks to Mark and Erin who make good friends at the market. and at home. Power to the Pokes.

Stoneware. Supplicant Finial.

Jordan pounced on this one. He has good taste in all things.

Studio packed with drying ware.

Cold weather is a determinant in my business. Space heaters don't always stay ahead of the cold.

One or two final kiln loads before holiday.  taking last second orders.  wheel sounds like it is on its last legs. I'll enjoy a change to something new, but the simple elegance of the Randall wheel is marvelous in operation.

Night time companions; fall cleaning

Work table with painted vase.

I noticed this composition while watching the middle innings of the baseball World Series game 7.

I slept through the last three innings, but waked soon after the game ended.

Cubs win.

Painted vase.

I make a few of these each year, usually in the fall.
I'm now started considering white space, which turns  pattern into design.

Tube man sculpture.
The light colored areas show dust, so no wonder - fall cleaning.

Lidded Jar, Stoneware. Shino Glaze. circa 2000.

This piece lives outside on some shelves.
No water damage from freezing since it has a convenient crack on the bottom.
It got a quick swipe during fall cleaning.

Steaming cup.  Mid range stoneware.
Lives in the studio. 

lake keystone, oklahoma

We drove twenty miles to lake keystone.

Lake Keystone Panorama looking SW from sand beach point.

Sand Beach Point.

Life. Glorious life.

A new leaf  unfolding from a runner popping up in the middle of an oil sands layer.

Most shoreline looks like this..

The campgrounds/access points are moderately populated by RVs.
Aging facilities.

A Tale of Two Brooms

Once Upon A Time

(in Tulsa) (OK) USA

 there was the need

for a decorated halloween 

with pumpkins and candles, 

with candy and lights.

The children would come.

With dark and with cloud,

the signs were favorable

for a spectacular fright.

"Shall I tell you a tale

of gore beyond truth?

Or

will you dance for your treat?"

If you only have candy,
I'll take not a step.
I hunger for seal, 
which makes me feel like dancing.

Well all be delighted

if you dance with a broom. . .

You'll be notorious.

Like RBG.

Mugs now available.

"Trust? My ass."

Hard rain tonight.  Its our turn to soak

Spoke with an attorney today about estate planning.  Its not enough to put me off my food, but it sure ruined my sleep.  Its an awkward type of punishment, to be sure: knowing that the vultures are always there, circling; and it makes life as a complete and coherent statement unlikely.

 Here are the paintings in progress today.

"Far North"

Oil on Board

30" x 24"

wip

412 East of Enid
Oil on board
wip

Three buffalo
oil on board
16" x 20"
wip