Pots and pics

I considered missing the Potfest in the Park this year - while I still quite enjoyed last year, I felt as if I might have seen it all before - but in the event I took me + three (two sons and one girlfriend, Emma).  It was pretty good, actually - some very attractive new pottery, a renewed appreciation of some of the stalwarts, a big tree which I had somehow failed to notice before (though goodness knows how).  We managed to turn up at a point where the band were stopping, possibly for the day, which was a source of disappointment for both sons - the band is a part of why we come.

Emma left with a number of goodies, so the trip must have been worthwhile.  I left with only one - not because I couldn't have filled a few empty shelves at home, but because empty shelves at home do not exist to fill.  The house is in a more chaotic state than ever at the moment (various causes) and I'm acutely aware of that - my purchase will hang on the wall (of which there is still some unfilled).

While the potfest was better than I expected, the annual competition to a theme (this year 'From the Sea'), did not seem to be as inspired as usual - good stuff, but not lots of good stuff.  There were however delightfully corny puns in the titles of some pieces, none of which I can remember (probably all for the best).  Here was my favourite piece from the competition (can't remember the artist, sorry):  

There was a fun little game (on the tv?) that the boys used to play an age ago, called Alien Fish Exchange.  For whatever reason, this rather wistful specimen reminded me of that.

Today I went to see the Bolton wing of the Python Open at the Gallery at St Georges House.  Well, I'd been already, but I wanted photos to show.  I should say straight away that those photos that are by me are not at all straight, so if any of the artists look and feel that things don't seem quite right, sorry, that'll be down to necessary cropping.  I don't seem to take many pics that couldn't have gained from judicious use of a spirit level.  Maybe I was built on the slant?   

Misplaced by Angela Fox - Bolton winner

It's a high standard of work and very varied.  I've shown a number of pictures here but there are plenty more works hanging, not to mention ceramics, sculpture and one of Kate Bufton's lovely paper sculptures.  Finishes today, technically, but curator Emma Kelly says it'll be up for a short while longer.  I won't be able to get to Warrington to see the other north-west show - my loss.