First week

l love being back at Gladding McBean! I can't believe it's been 8years since I was working here. Now I can enjoy the work I love and I don't have to clock in at 4:50 AM (early to beat the heat) but if it gets too hot, I can close up shop! Summer in Lincoln, CA + being next to a 40' kiln firing to 2,200 degrees can get a little toasty. The old kiln I'm working in provides good insulation and a unique place to work as it was probably built in the 1890- early 1900! There is a build up of salt glaze on the walls that they would add to make the pipe waterproof because wood firing couldn't reach hot enough temperatures to do that.

I have a CD with a presentation that I've done called The History and Art of Gladding McBean with lots of photos both current and historical. It is available as a CD right now (works on a computers) for  $15 (inc. shipping) but I'm working on a DVD version. I will try to learn how to sell things through the blog but you can contact me through my email jeancross1948@gmail.com.

As Artist in Residence, GMcB will provide my materials: clay, pipe, slip, glaze and will fire my work.  GMcB may use my photo, photos of my work in their PR. I can then sell it or give it away. I am hoping to do a lot of work for the City of Lincoln. The mayor wants me to do a life size statue of our founder, Charles Lincoln Wilson! We will see.

This past week I set up my work space and am about 2/3 finished with an 18" plaque and two table bases out of clay pipe with grapes carved into the surface! They will take 3 weeks to dry and then will be glazed. I will post photos as work is finished.