Jay Jasper's Blog, page 46

Daddy Issues

Think you have issues with your daddy?

‘The Eye of Balor‘, tells the tale of an Irish giant, a prophecy, his captive daughter, some serious control issues, a late night rendezvous and a whole lot of famillicide! It was also featured at first solo pottery exhibit (which was pre-pandemic), ‘The Myth of Family, which you can learn more about here.

Raku Pottery Vase – Eye of BalorAccording to Irish legend

A race of giants, the Fomorians, were said to be among the early settlers of Ireland. They even had their own king, Balor. Balor was no ordinary giant king, as he was also the god of death.

Balor would have been an unwelcome patient at an optometrist’s office. He only had one eye. Imagine the frustration of trying to fit a pair of glasses for him. This would be the least of the eye doctor’s problems though, as whoever was caught in his gaze would die instantly.

Fortunately, giants weren’t big on seeing eye doctors.

And Balor kept his single eye closed until this terrible power was needed. Maybe he had a cool eye patch?

According to the prophecy, Balor would be killed by his own grandson. What was a giant cyclops to do? Imprison his own daughter in a crystal tower of course!

That way she can never have any babies and the prophecy would be thwarted.

A crystal tower apparently does not make a great prison. Cian, a minor god was able to find a way into the tower and Balor’s daughter found her self with child not long after. Imagine getting pregnant with triplets from your first sexual experience? That is what happened to Balor’s daughter, Ethlinn. It seems she had terrible luck.

You can see more pictures of ‘The Eye of Balor’ here.

Balor heard about the birth of his three grandsons.

But rather than passing out cigars he threw them into the sea.

One boy Lugh was able to escape his watery grave by finding refuge with Manannan Mac Lir, the god of the sea. The prophecy finally played when Lugh led the Tuatha De Danann (a race of Irish gods) into a battle where Balor would meet his fate.

Death by removal of his one eye.They Myth of Family Show Highlight ReelWhat do you think of ‘The Eye of Balor’ and the associated story?

You can check out another vase story that involves giants here.

Enter to win a raku vase, mug, and two cute little animals
to be drawn before the year wraps up!

Urning It

Not too long ago A friend of mine had some sad news.

Their 18 year old house cat had headed out on the rainbow road and her essence left this earth. From my past experience, when one loses a pet, it is like losing a family member. The loss of a pet leaves a hole in one’s heart and sadness in the soul.

My friend inquired if I had any urns that would be appropriate for pets as they wanted to purchase one. I had only made one urn before, but I volunteered to make them one. Looking past their grief, they suggested that I should be making them for others who have lost a pet. So while I was making an urn for their beloved kitty I made this prototype to add to the site:

I am really pleased with how this piece and and I will be adding it for sale and am in the process of making others. I hope to provide people with a beautiful, one of a kind, and affordable alternative in their time of grief to the commercial urns that are on the market. A cherished piece of beauty, much like the beloved they’ve lost.

Last Time

We asked our readers for suggestions of a colour to “help people find peace and comfort after losing a cherished four legged family member” and

Blue was the most popular suggestion

The experience of making urns is surprisingly beautiful, and of course a little sad but I appreciate that I am able to
bring a little bit of light to people in their time of loss.

What do you think of the blue urn?

Please let me know in the comments below.

Thank you for reading this post, and for all those who have lost a pet

may you find healing and peace.

Chairman In Charge 🐈

A message from our fearless leader and Chairman of Everyone’s hearts, Studio Kitty Extraordinaire

CHAIRMAN MEOWTo my beloved friends, fans, and devotees

I have asked the human minions to transmit this message to all of you lovely folks on my behalf. Last time, they had fun but I was none too pleased with their creation to honour me!

Can you believe the gall? To remedy this situation

I have instructed the stooges to create a NEW ornament in my liking so that I can use it as a true representation of me on the sacrificial tree.

Also kitty treats! Give me all the kitty treats!

they listened! (well sort of) Now this is much more realistic than last time!

Which is lucky for them as I had told them to portray me as the angel I am, and if they did not do so, I would be on strike at the studio until they did!

Your king watching over the work of the elves.So now that my Christmas dream

Of a sacrificial tree covered in swattable ornaments fashioned in my likeness is starting to come true, I would also like to wish for all your dreams for Christmas to come true as well.

I hope you are doing well and always remembering to praise me for my wonderful studio leadership (and soon the world!!!!)

With great catlike indifference while still waiting for all the kitty treats!

Chairman Meow

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Recently Rakued

Getting new pieces from the kiln

When I have a moment to relax, it’s always a nice boost to my mood to look over new pieces and follow the colours and shapes to see what interesting journeys they may take me on.

Recently we were able to complete a raku firing which means this beautiful new work will soon be coming to the site for sale, but before it does, I would like to invite you to be among the first to view it!

Here is a sneak peak! THE COLOURS AND CRATERS REMIND ME OF looking down on a water planet from outer spacePERHAPS LIFE EXISTS in the blue topaz waters of THIS VASE? If interested in more information on this vase, please contact us herewhat do you See? and how do you like our latest addition to the vase Family?

You can also take a peruse of all of our vases here!

do you like getting a preview of new works from the kiln before they are up for sale?

Keep up-to-date on new works by signing up for our newsletter here
(you also get an entry to win the vase below as well!)

Metalogical

As we found out in the
Alchemist’s Studio Survey,
Metallic is one our readers’ Favourites!so let’s take a look at some Metallic vases! Mary J. Vase
$226
Shipping Included In US and Canada
metallic is great for any time of yearThe Nephelai
$118
Shipping Included In US and Canada
Brunhilde
$68
Shipping Included In US and Canada
it can be reflecctiveHippolyta’s Girdle
$140
Shipping Included In US and Canada
and shapelySurtsey
$98
Shipping Included In US and Canada
A Morning On Mars
$120
Shipping Included In US and Canada
and metallic can even
be calming!Abalone Sky
$64
Shipping Included In US and Canada
Echo
$112
Shipping Included In US and Canada
So what’s not to love about a little metal for the holidays (or any time)!The Eye Of Horus
$140
Shipping Included In US and Canada
So here is to metal!

And more metal vases (and other colours too!)

Do you have a favourite
of these metallic vases? What is something metal that you love?

Click here and get your order in today to get shipping in time for the holidays!

Living With A Full ❤️️

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, White Pedestal Buddha Bust – $122
Shipping Included In US and Canada
deserve your love and affection.” ~ Gautama Buddha

To learn more about why I create Buddha busts, please click here

Let’s celebrate!

What is something that you
love
about yourself?

Click here to see more Buddha busts or
here if you’d like to get a vase of your own for free!

The Real Housewives of Athens Mug

Hi Sonja!

We would like to share
this new mug with you!

What do you think? “Oh it looks nice.

So am I on it???”Well no, not specifically but . . . “So, it’s a new addition to the Real Housewives franchise . . . and I am not on it?”well not
YOU specifically
but ALL the real housewives! Real Housewives of Athens Mug
Shipping Included in the US and Canada (including to your house, Sonja)
$48
in the the real housewives of Athens!“I can put my wine in it!”yes! now you’ve got it!What do you think of this new mug series?

More mugs can be viewed here.

If you don’t see one for sale in the colour you like,
please contact us and we can work with you directly.

When It’s Time To Get Fancy

“I dream with my eyes open.”
― Jules VerneSometimes it’s fun to play,so i will choose a goblet Gentle Red Goblet
$68
Shipping Included In US and Canada
Turquoise Rising Goblet
$68
Shipping Included In US and Canada
for my orange juice. SeaMoss Goblet
$68
Shipping Included In US and Canada
besides“At the end of the day, humans are merely animals behind their fancy clothes.”

― Kambiz Shabankare

You can see a few more of our new goblets here
and more will be on the way soon!

Goblet Throwing Day!what is something you like to do to “fancy” things up for no reason?

Get your orders in this week for shipping in time for the holidays!

On The Wheel Wednesday

“And the seasons they go ’round and ’round And the painted ponies
go up and down. We’re captive on the carousel of time. We can’t return we can only look behind From where we came And go round and round and round In the circle game. – Joni Mitchell hope you may have a peace-filled Day

Interested in a raku vase but not sure where to start? Try this

Heading On A Rocket Ship To Inner Space

“Knowing yourself is
the beginning of all wisdom.”

― AristotleSomething for the inner space explorerIntergalactic Buddha Pendant
$25
Free Shipping Included In US and Canada
may your exploring be fruitful and fun. Classic Goa Trance

Other jewelry pieces are also available here.

If you have questions about a particular piece of jewelry – or any of the work we do – please be sure to get in touch.