Creating a Wooden Mould

For glass we have to create 2 types of moulds in which we can create glass peices.  The first is a plaster mould, which is formed around a clay model, then once cleaned, glass shards are place into the mould and melted to for your peice.  The second mould we have been working on is wooden!  This is a verryyy new but exciting material to work with.  Although I craft with my hands constantly, this felt very 'hands on'.  Using carving tools, drills and other such heavy machinary has always been a foreign to me, and I feel very proud at what I achieved!

March Madness

I haven't made many entries throughout March because it was a super busy month!  Helen and I spent most of our time in Uni doing ceramics and textiles work in preparation for our Exhibition.

After various meetings with tutors we finally got the go ahead.  We then had to organise the other exhibitors, getting their information, artists statements and work plans. Spaces were then given to each student and everyone worked really hard to get their projects completed before the set up date.

On the 28th March everyone involved (Kim, Steph, Miguel, Candela, Helen and myself) came to the Cellar Gallery at the main school and worked for 2 days solid putting together the finishing touches to their work and putting it on display.  Everyone was really dedicated and helped each other out.  Marjut was an amazing help with getting equipment together in order for us to make the space look really professional. 

Me

Kim

Miguel

Helen

Steph

Candela

On the 29th a reporter from the local newspaper, Savon Sanomat, came and asked us questions about our work and the exhibition.  We had our photos taken and it was published the next day, the same day as our opening night!

The opening evening was a huuuge success!  Kaisa arranged some funding for us so that we could put on a small spread.  The kitchen staff put together some amazing punch for us and we bought a few snacks.  Heikki, the head of the school, agreed to open the exhibition to everyone and did a really good job.  Well over 50 people came, which was a really big suprise to everyone! And the tutors gave us all flowers!

Kuopion Luonnontieteellinen Museo

Today we decided to do another thing we've been meaning to do and visit the Kuopio art gallery and natural history museum.  The art gallery didn't allow photographs so I don't have anything to show for that.  However, Kuopion Luonnontieteellinen Museo was amazing!!

The pride of the museum is the to-scale woolly mammoth, which is really impressive in person.  The way it is displayed, along with the music and lighting was really calming and I could have sat there all day!

There is a winter hall and a summer hall with various animals on display (a loooovely looking ostrich) and the mushroom forrest.  The mushroom forrest is actually the childrens play area...and was probably the most fun part for us 20/21 year old children...

There is also a brown bear who was very cute!



Get Your Skates On!

We decided to go ice skating today instead of the weekend so that Kim and Steph could join us.  I'm so happy to be able to say I have skated on a frozen lake, rather than a rink!  The track was 2km long, and after a little trouble working out how to get the blade onto the skate boots, we were ready to go!  Although a little shakey at first,  we all managed to get around the track and I only fell over once.  I bruised my knee, but managed to keep my dignity in tact because no one saw!  I just wish I had some photos of the afternoon, it was so fun!

It's Snow Problem!

Since arriving back in Kuopio, Helen and I have decided to finally do all the thing's we've been meaning to do!  This weekend, we walked on a frozen lake!  Lake Kallevesi surround the whole of Kuopio and during the winter months it freezes over, changing the appearance of Kuopio completely.  Everyone here adapts straight away.  In the summer, people swim and boat, but in the winter, they skii and skate!  It's amazing how everything changes so quickly, it really is 'snow' problem for anyone.

To make sure we were safe, we visited the part of the lake by the harbour, where many people gather on weekends.  There are 2 tracks set up and stretch quite far out onto the lake.  One snow covered track is for cross country skiiers, whereas the other has a cleared ice skating track.

Whilst on our walk we discovered that one of the harboured boats was open and contained a small cafe onboard.  After a pleasant coffee and doughnut, we found out they also did skate hire.  Thats next weekend's plans then!

I have had a GREAT day!

I wasn't really looking that forward today, after losing my lie in and having to go into uni for 8am again!  However, dispite this, I have had one of the best days! 

It started with two hours with Jari continuing some handbuilding ceramic work I started yesterday, and so far everything is going to plan!

Then we had a class with Merja on the pottery wheel, and although after 3 hours of work I still have no samples, it was a lot of fun!

Then this evening we went to the KalPa Vs Jokerit ice hockey game.  I HATE sports but ice hockey is actually SO good!  It was very intense and the players were so manly!  Inbetween goals there were a few injuries and fights which added to the greatness!  Plus to top it off, KalPa won! 2-1!