Tuesday, 15 February 2011

Pottery in Paradise



This is a great class. The pottery industry on St Vincent was thriving for many years but now is non existent.The Caribs and Garifuna used pottery as ceremonial and everyday functional objects, many of their beautiful pieces are now housed in National Trust building in Kingstown. 
The group aims to rebuild the tradition.

My sketchbook with class notes, and above our first project pinch pots.
 I love being a student again.

The group out on the first clay dig in Lowmans. Hard work. This land is used to grow 
ground provisions.We didn't do too much damage. 


Bagging up. We filled about twenty bags.


Our tutor and master potter Mr Dyer. He makes decent tea pot. 
We also had to drag the bags up that steep hill.

The clay has to be soaked and all large stones
and organic matter removed





























Some serious clay preparation skills
The beautiful circle of seven ready to use. At this 
stage its down to the individual how coarse or
smooth you want your clay. I chose to sieve
mine twice and remove much of the stony, gritty
material.



As part of our course work we had to make collection of pots following a 
particular shape. This is actually a really difficult project as it takes
a lot of observation and control. I saw a few tears from some students as 
their pots were squashed because Mr Dyer was not happy with the forms.

My new project. Local clay hand carved vessels

Carved vessel drying. I love the stone colour.



Friday, 4 February 2011

Captain Guy

I joined a group of A level Art students from St Vincent Community College and their tutor the fine artist, business women and writer Vonnie Roudette on a visit to meet the amazing 90 year old Captain Guy.

Captain Guy with a tray full of nutmeg and mace

Coco beans

Ground coco beans


Raw coco butter


 Chocolate




Grinding dried breadfruit








Delicious breadfruit and coconut pancake



Students helping to prepare the land

Sorrell

Dried Sorrell

a cool drink of Sorrell at the end of the day

Captain Guy will be producing a how to cookbook,
his skills are invaluable. Please sign up and leave 
a comment and we will keep you updated