Jump to content

tbaa

Members
  • Posts

    47
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Recent Profile Visitors

1,321 profile views

tbaa's Achievements

Advanced Member

Advanced Member (3/3)

6

Reputation

  1. I came here looking for possible instructors, but this is just to share my thoughts on why I think teaching skills are important. Good instruction takes away a lot of the uncertainty when you're learning. Many clay/pottery classes are very 'try your hand at throwing' ..... you'll get the hang of it. Easier said than done. Four years ago I committed to pottery and set up a studio at home. the clay was the first challenge. My experience with an instructor a few years ago, made a huge difference to my centering and throwing skills. Marc Mancuso, who I took some one on one classes with in Boston, was extremely helpful in explaining what needs to done to that lump of clay, where to apply pressure etc. I dont wrestle with the clay anymore. Then I got a lot of input about clay bodies etc here on CAD. Also very carefully considered and well articulated. Clay body issues resolved. My experience with a glazing workshop in India was dismal. I learned nothing - not about materials, not about how some of these interact, and nothing about firing. Marc was great with glazes as well, but the materials and conditions and fuel are all different here. I have books, I've been on line and gotten a lot of advice. From some very experienced people. All helpful, but the materials and conditions remained a problem. I finally found a ceramicist who is knowledgeable about the materials and their chemistry, and helped me develop my first base glazes. Explained some of the nuances of firing, and helped me test a batch of glazes. I have learnt a lot, and though I have yet to fire these new glazes, I am prepared to do it with more confidence. The biggest problem turned out to be one of the feldspars - I recently tried to set up a small course for beginner potters at my home in the Himalayas, and had to call it off. The instructor I found is a very talented ceramicist, but unorganized, and without any "lesson plan". I know pottery cant be a rigidly timed or instructed class, but yes, strong teaching skills are a good thing!
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.