News
Thank You!
As the year comes to an end, I want to thank everyone who has supported B. Cronk Ceramics this year and since the beginning. Whether advice, words of encouragement, new owners of my work, or admirers of my posts, I have appreciated every bit. It's been a wild ride and 2022 has been no exception. I'm looking forward to what 2023 brings in the new studio and new markets I hope to get accepted into. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Time for a break
2022 has been a busy year in many respects. Yesterday I wrapped up my last market for the year and I am ready to take a break. I don't yet know what "taking a break" is going to look like for me. I'm not one to be idle, but I have ideas, and much of it has to do with focusing on projects for myself. Here are a few thoughts I have, and none of them are about pottery. Meditate more (longer). Many years ago I completed the five levels of The Heart of Warriorship Shambhala Training and over the...
How I Measure a Successful Market
This coming weekend, The Farmhouse Project Holiday Market at Senate Garage in Kingston, NY will be my last market of the year and will mark my 18th market of 2022. After the weekend, I'll take some time off, but will also reflect on what I want to do differently next year. Every market and event is different, with some being better than others. I've already started thinking about what I consider a successful market, and it doesn't all come down to money. First, I think about how I feel during the event. If other artists are excited to be there,...
Kiln and Studio Update
Last week I did it, I called Alpine Kilns and ordered a larger kiln. I'm a ConeArt devotee, and I'm going from 3.3 cubic feet of kiln space to 7 cubic feet. When I first posted about wanting a larger kiln, I received a few messages asking if I'd consider selling my current kiln. Here's the thing...my current kiln isn't going anywhere. It's staying in my tiny home studio and will still get plenty of use. The new kiln is going to my new studio! I've been putting off sharing the news, but as of last week, I officially signed...
Kiln considerations
My head is swimming with information about voltage, amps, phases, elements, and cubic feet. For the past couple months I have been researching kilns and trying to determine the best size for an upgrade. Since 2016, I've been running my work through a 3.3 cubic feet kiln. The kiln at its widest point is just under 18". While it is limiting, it has served me well and is fairly easy to load. I am about to run my 400th firing this week. As I've gotten busier, a larger kiln seems like a worthwhile and needed investment. And an investment it...