Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “Harlan”
I work seven days a week in my studio from sometime in September right through to May. That is usually enough. Leaving the studio is a very good idea, because after a long stint I get a bit comfortable; a bit lazy and a bit …well, dull. If you value your career, and your dignity, leave. Just walk out and …
I have been asked frequently to explain how Morgan glaze works. Truth be known, I don’t know all that much, except that I like it. I am also asked why I can like a glaze like Morgan, and at the same time like a glaze like my HH celadon. The celadon is following in the traditional steps of Song Chinese …
There are very few benefits to a long winter. For this potter, who gets spring fever easily, one benefit is getting lots of work done. I spent a whack of time working with one of my ship hulls, some Murano glass rods and new digital lights. I also strayed into the mystery land that is my Morgan glaze… I had …
I have been making ceramics for almost 50 years. I used to do a lot of weekend workshops all across Canada encouraging potters to use and enjoy porcelain. In almost every workshop I was asked to make one of these large platters, because the method is a little unique, and takes some practice to do it well. I have to …
We moved to Lonsdale, Ontario in 1973 from Calgary, Alberta. I found this little jewel of a village by accident, and have enjoyed it for over 40 years. Moving from a big city to a hamlet would be setback for many, but not for us. From day one, I felt really at home. An old village, and old home, and …
The main challenge still exists for a person who makes functional wares. That task is to make an object that not only functions well, that is, does its job, but is beautiful and meaningful when it is not being used. It is not easy. On many occasions I have had artists ask me if function ever got in the way …
I have been working for a few months towards a good firing, and now it is almost done. I finished loading the kiln and lit the burners on Friday the 13th. 13 is a good number for me. I was the 13th Saidye Bronfman Award winner, and that award meant a lot to me… peer award by peer jurors… that …
I’m working on a project that might make a difference to our kids and grandchildren. The lamp that I am building has a mirror in it, and when finished will support three iris shades. It, with four other iris pieces will make a collection that will be raffled off to raise money for science. We are trying to persuade the …
When I turned 16, my parents gave me 16 silver dollars and a good party with cake and friends. Both of my parents said that I should save the 16 silver dollars. I tried. The real highlight of turning 16 was when my girlfriend, Joanne Brooks, gave me a surprise of 16 kisses. I remember wanting to be 70. Fifty …
We live on about half a hectare [a big acre], or half a city block, with about half of it in gardens. Lonsdale is a hamlet in Eastern Ontario on shallow soil and limestone. We have about the same number of dogs and cats as we have people…about thirty-five. Maureen loves flowers. She has a memory [that I envy] so …