Celtic Stoneware Quaich

The Loving Cup

The use of the wine cup or Loving Cup at a wedding is an ancient tradition. By the 15th century it was common for the Celtic people to toast each other with a ceremonial Loving Cup. In Scotland this cup is known as a quaich, which comes from the Celtic word cuach, meaning cup. The Loving Cup ceremony also has its roots in Irish, French and Jewish cultures.

….All the sweetness life's cup may hold for each of you will be the sweeter because you drink it together. Whatever drops of bitterness it may contain will be less bitter because you share them. Drink now, and may the cup of your lives be sweet and full to running over!

Rain and humidity have dominated our weather this summer in NEPA and nothing is drying in the studio. I recycled this clay from my slop bucket a week ago. It's been on the plaster slab the entire week and I could barely wedge it today. It's still really soft and sticky.

I've been experimenting with some new ideas for photographing my work. It was about to rain (again) and the light was just perfect in the garden. I love this old oak stump. It's been on the edge of the garden as long as we've lived at this house. It acquires more character and moss every year. I thought the color went well with this porcelain bowl.

Bear Creek Pottery will be exhibiting in a group show at Marquis Art and Frame...

The opening reception will be on January 16th (5-8pm) and is part of the Third Friday ArtWalk. Joining me will be painter/photographer Kim Hughes and abstract painter

Ed Kastreva.
If you're in the area please join us and bring a friend for art, wine, food, music and fun....and if you don't want to walk you can always take the antique trolley to visit all the venues on the ArtWalk!

MARQUIS Art and Frame
122 South Main Street
Wilkes-Barre PA
570-823-0518
Exhibit Continues Through February 28, 2009
Gallery Hours Monday - Saturday 11:00-5:00pm

Porcelain bowls ready for glazing.

You may be familiar with my collection of "Mini-Mugs". They're cute little mugs made from just a half pound of clay that are the perfect size for that small cup of coffee or petite serving of wine.

A recent order from a customer in England had me throwing a series of larger mugs. These sixteen-ouncers are stacked in the kiln and are ready to be bisque fired tomorrow.

I guess I'll have to call these my "Mega-Mugs" !

Cone 6