Marc McMillan

I did indeed tell her that she was right. No sense in denying she is smarter than me.

I'm similar to LeeU above. I find putting painters tape on the bottom with a code helps keep them straight. That number is duplicated on the carton if I have it boxed and ready to ship, the spreadsheet I take to the show, and On-line. While I do low fire (horsehair and saggar) that have a "fingerprint" quality to them, it is much easier to pull out the item with a number. It was my wife's suggestion very early on but I was foolish enough not to listen to her for a while.

They generally get a 'hard' drop into the trash can. I've been a lot better at culling them well before they get to that stage, however.

I would agree. Very strong. I just wish the show I did last weekend in an affluent area had better marketing or was in a better location.

awesome stuff. You are inspiring me to do some additional experimentation as well. Thank you, Marcia. Marc

I'm fortunate to have a very supportive family. Mom and Dad always want to see the latest work and comment on it. Mom often leaves with a piece to adorn her home (she has many) at the "I gave birth to you" price. Mom has contracted me to make things for her friends and has passed out cards as much if not more than I. Family members will take photos of ceramics during their travels to inspire me. During college I had an interesting conversation with my father on the topic of "what do you want to do?" I told him I wanted to write poetry. He thought for a while (perhaps thinking of his daughter who got a history degree but didn't go into teaching, or the other son who went to the culinary academy, but didn't become a chef.) He looked at me and said, "go into marketing. You can write on the weekend. Being poor is no fun." While I don't write much anymore I do get me artistic outlet with my pottery and I get to share it with my loving family. I had an aunt who passed away and she was the best. She was always very interested in my work. Some thought her comments and questions too abrupt or even rude, but I always felt she just asked the hard questions to get me to think deeper about what and why I was doing something. So...what is my family like? They are awesome! Don't get me started on how awesome my wife is..... Marc Mc

Garage here too. No vents - just fans and open doors. Never had any problems except the time a drycleaner bag blew onto the exterior of the kiln. Marc

I'm a fly fisherman so I have lots of fur and feathers on hand. I've used all sorts of hair including moose, and even some from my dog. All work well. I've found feathers to be tricky for me. Try to find a video done by Marcia. She used them to great success. Marc

I put speakers in my garage/studio so I can listed to music. It just helps me be in the mood to have fun at the wheel. Type of music you ask: basically everything except country and rap. Marc Mc

I always remember the following quote when this question comes up. I often find it interesting what other people call us. I have a friend who is a painter. She refers to what I do as art. Others who only buy "art" would more likely call me a potter....or craftsman. If I were to take the quote as a truism then looking at this forum and the discussion surrounding all facets of this art it would be hard to conclude we all don't work with our heart. Therefore, we are artists all. “He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.†― Francis of Assisi

lots of good input. I may have missed someone say it, but you can also find some pads that go between the bat and wheel head. They are a thin spongy material that help the bat grip better. You can usually find them at any online pottery source or local shop...usually listed with the bats themselves. Pretty cheap too. Or I've heard people make them with similar material they had on hand. good luck. Keep at it. You'll get those cylinders down. Marc

I thought I would allow you to learn from my mistakes (I did it on my skutt). Do not be overly efficient with your movements. I just started clipping off the wires from the elements with reckless abandon. Unless you have a perfect memory, this is a bad strategy. Take one element off at a time and rewire it. Otherwise you'll be spending quality time with the wiring diagram. Overall it wasn't a difficult process once I got bast my bonehead mistake. Marc Mc

Pottery Making Illustrated and Ceramics Monthly here, but now that I see the others you listed....great...more magazines to get.