Discovering the Teacher Within: My Haystack Experience

I’m so happy to share that I’ve discovered something new about myself — there’s a teacher in me!

First, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Haystack Mountain School of Craft for giving me the opportunity to lead a workshop this summer. It was a bold move on their part to offer a teaching position to someone like me — a studio artist without formal teaching experience. Although I’ve given a few demos and helped out in community pottery studios, I’d never led a full workshop before.

I’m proud to say that the two-week session went incredibly well. Judging by the quality of work my students produced and the warm, collaborative atmosphere we created in the studio, I’d call it a success. So, how did I manage it?

Surprisingly, I think my previous jobs played a huge role. Working as a Japanese tour guide, construction project manager, and restaurant server all taught me how to communicate clearly, manage time, and stay organized — all essential skills for teaching. I also channeled the energy and techniques of my high school and college teachers — thinking about what made their classes engaging and impactful.

My students were incredible. We had a wide range — from beginners just learning to throw on the wheel, to seasoned studio potters with over 30 years of experience. Regardless of skill level or age, everyone came eager to learn and applied my techniques in their own unique ways. They worked day and night, each producing 20–30 pieces over the course of the workshop.

We completed nine kiln firings (four bisque and five glaze) in just ten days. By the final walkthrough — open to all Haystack participants and the public — we had an impressive body of work on display. I’m so proud of what they accomplished.

A very special thanks goes to my studio assistants, who went above and beyond their required hours to support both me and the students. I truly couldn’t have done it without them.

Another highlight was getting to know the other faculty and their studio members. We had glass, fiber, graphics, metal, and wood studios — each pursuing incredibly creative and imaginative work. Since most of us are primarily artists, we connected instantly, and I’m happy to say I’ve made lasting friendships.

Haystack’s campus is breathtaking — nestled in nature with views of the Atlantic Ocean, walking trails, and fresh coastal air. The weather was a perfect escape from the summer heat of Atlanta, staying around 65–70 degrees. With limited Wi-Fi and cell service, I found myself more mentally focused and at peace than I’ve been in a long time. I’m already missing this place deeply.

The food — served three times a day by the school — was also a delight! Each meal was thoughtfully prepared, often featuring global flavors and ingredients. Lobster night was a highlight (I’ll confess — I ate three gigantic ones!). I also loved an off-campus trip with my students to visit local potters, explore galleries, and hike through the beautiful Maine landscape.

Before attending, friends had told me, “Haystack is a life-changing experience.” Now I understand why. As a studio artist, I’d forgotten the value of being in a creative community — of sharing, learning, and being surrounded by people who love what they do. Seeing what others were making and hearing about their ideas reminded me why I fell in love with clay in the first place. That kind of feedback and shared enthusiasm was something I didn’t even realize I was missing — and now deeply appreciate.

Lastly, I want to thank everyone I met during Haystack Summer Session 4, 2025, for welcoming me so warmly and encouraging me along the way. This experience will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Bottom of Form

one eyed alien series

Ever since childhood, I have always been fascinated with the idea of lost civilization or UFO.  One eyed alien series is a symbol of reminder that we are not alone in this universe.   I feel that is a wonderful way to start your morning!  

Princess series

The princess series blossoms in an explosion of colors, patterns and whimsical artifacts.  Inspired by the colors of spring you might find birds, butterflies or fish hiding somewhere in the scene.  The interior of the cup is often finished with a happy bird or fish that is only reveal after the last sip of your morning coffee or afternoon tea, to solute the beginning of a day full or promise or to congratulate work well done.  In this world rife with styrofoam and the transient, these unique cups offer lasting inspiration and intrinsic value.  

First glaze firing

Until today I have used my home kiln for bisque firing only.  I have, for the first time,  glaze fired my kiln!   I manually programmed my kiln to "slow cool" for better result.  They said that it would prevent pin holing, reduce stress to the ceramic wares and support better glaze crystallization.  I knew everything was going to turn out well but being little OCD about things like house hold appliances, I  worried about the glaze melting or pots exploding into pieces in the kiln.  Opening the lid of the kiln after 12 hours of firing was almost like opening a Christmas gift in my childhood.  Much to my relief everything in the kiln turned out well.  However, there is a slight yellow-ish mellow hue to the normally very white porcelain.  I wonder if this is part of the slow cooling effect.   I was planning to glaze fire my kiln much later but the deadline for submitting some items to this gallery was this Friday.   I am glad that my kiln works well and I got very nice result!   Thank you to those whom gave me great advice and info!  I am l looking forward to experimenting more with this process to see how I can achieve the best results.  

Best of Show - Sandy Springs Art Festival 9-14

I like participating in art festivals especially when the weather is perfect like this past weekend (sunny, low 60s - high 70s with low humidity).   I love talking to my customers.   Not only do I receive great compliments but also ideas and inspiration.  I feel the more festivals and shows I do, the better my work becomes.  It was a very nice surprise to receive the "best of show" at Sandy Spring Art Festival.    This was very encouraging to me.  Thank you all to those who came to support me.  It was very successful.   Now I am eager to get to work and creating new pieces!

2nd bisque firing

My 2nd bisque firing went successful.  After replacing the defective thermo couple sensor, firing went smoothly without error code or anything.   It took approximately 16 hours and interestingly enough my basement studio didn't get as hot as the last firing.  I guess having the lid locked tight maybe have something to do with the temperature.   I will do another bisque firing next week before the upcoming art festivals.   After that, I would like to try my first glaze firing.   I love having the kiln in my home!   And I love my L&L kiln!

My first electric kiln

Eversince I broke about 20 delicately carved tea candle jars (green ware) while taking them to the studio to bisque fire from my home, I had this wish of acquiring an electric kiln in my basement studio.   One day when I visited my clay shop (Davens Ceramic Center) I found a great deal that I could not pass up on returned L&L Kiln, the cadillac of electric kiln (so I heard).  It was a brand new condition.  I got so excited and saw this opportunity as a sign.  I bought the kiln right then and there.  I had to update my old electrical fuse box to a new breaker panel and that was costly.   Davens people came to set up the kiln in my basement right away.   I hooked up the vent system and everything was ready for test firing.  The test firing went very well.  It took about 16 hours and as one would expect when you have a kiln sitting in your basement with up to 2200 F temperature,  my entire basement was like dry sauna at a gym!  I can't wait till cold winter days to have it going on.  With the success of test firing I decided to do my first bisque firing.  I have preared kiln shelves with "kiln wash" which prevents glaze damage to the shelves, situated greenwares on them and programmed the kiln to "slow bisque" setting and started it.   I went to bed then.  Next morning I saw the error code on.  It turned out there was a minor malfunction in my Kiln. One of the thermocouples was not reading the temperature right so the error code came up. I called manufacturer's technical support right away. On top of receiving great advice, I had the president of the company came and visit my basement studio to take a look at the kiln this Saturday morning(8/9.14). Lucky me, he was in town for a few days for ...his business. The problem was easily solved. I am so happy and honored. It is so rare to experience this level of customer service these days. Thank you Mr. Lewicki. Your company is not only producing "Kilns Built To Last" but also building lasting relationship with your customer. I am so glad that I have chosen the best kiln for myself!     Despite the error code, the bisque firing went successfully.  I was so happy.   I brought all my pieces to my other studio(no more worries on breaking things) and glazed them all.     I will eventually would like to try glaze firing at my basement studio too.   I will let you know how that goes.