Clay Connections, part 2

Last night, Nipigon held their first annual Relay for Life event to help raise funds to fight cancer.  The organizing committee should be commended for their willingness to start a new tradition in our area that will benefit so many people.

“Relay For Life is an inspirational, non-competitive, 12-hour overnight fundraising event that brings you and your community together to celebrate life and fight cancer. Relay has a festival-like atmosphere that your family, friends and co-workers can enjoy regardless of age or fitness level!” (Canadian Cancer Society)

To help raise funds before the event, I experimented a bit with some clay that was found behind my house (Clay Connections, pt.1).  I had hoped that the clay would survive the firing, but I never expected to discover some beautiful, natural patterning that would be exposed with a bit of heat.  Some of the prettier pieces were made into necklace pendants that were sold to raise money for Relay for Life:

I didn’t create a large amount of these pretty little pendants, because they were merely the result of an experiment.  Fortunately, now that I know some of the possible designs that are hidden in my backyard clay, there is a new way to raise money for a worthy cause.  Over the next little while, I plan to harvest plenty of clay so that more pendants (& other trinkets) can be made to sell for charity.

What’s nice is the added bonus of sharing some local colour.  Red Rock is aptly named; some beautiful rock formations that frame our town boast gorgeous hues, accenting our landscape with fiery brilliance.  Highlights of our local colours are now echoed in the lovely streaks of the clay pendants.

I was pleased to benefit from the advice of several potters at today’s Pottery Fair, hosted by the Thunder Bay Potters’ Guild.  By sharing their expertise, I learned about a variety of possible firing techniques, clay bodies and glazes.  I also enjoyed watching the demonstrations while my children participated in activities for kids:

Brad Hominick

Noël Keag & Ally

Jake Black

This project may seem like such a meagre contribution to help raise funds to fight cancer, but every little bit counts.  Each and every person who is affected by this horrible disease deserves to be blessed with hope.

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