[Qotw: Participants Question Pool For Future Qotw's]

10 hours ago, Pres said:

Finding a topic is tough at times.

 

Hope you & anyone else with some imagination keeps doing this. They are fun to read (& answer). I  haven't been able to think of one to contribute, but maybe someday LOL

 

[QotW: Do you draw a line in the sand about technology when it comes to your studio or anything Ceramic?]

Interesting how the discussion quickly centered on 3D printing! I like what Tom noted about how much technology we use in the first place, and have ever since we figured out how to light a fire. I had never seen anything 3D printed and had a terrible time even grasping how you could end up with a physical dimensional object. My potters' guild had a meeting at the University of New Hampshire ceramics studio (literally a year ago) and I was introduced to these pieces. They were the first ones that one of their student's had successfully printed after many weeks of study, designing, trial & error etc.  I do not find them cold or empty or "too-too" computerized--I am in awe that this can be done with clay via some weird process via some weird machine! And I am grateful that I won't be drummed out of the club because I use commercial materials, use mostly pre-programmed programs in an electric kiln, and have no clue what a si:al ratio is (and, gasp, don't care either). At one time, W.G. Lawrence's Ceramic Science for the Potter & Daniel Rhodes Clay & Glazes for the Potter were my bibles and I actually knew/practiced the stuff! Does lacking that knowledge (now) make me not an artist? You bet your sweet bippy it does not.  My cognition/memory retention is shot to smithereens due to minor (relatively speaking) TBI. Doesn't change my motivation, taste, ethics, vision or desire to satisfy Self and others with what I make; as such technology is just a tool and one I'm grateful for. I'd love the chance to use a 3D printer, at least as a starting point-that Simpson piece is luscious!!  I ain't scared of no bot overlords.

[QotW: Do you draw a line in the sand about technology when it comes to your studio or anything Ceramic?]

I'm not feeling wordy this evening. In response to the query, no-nothing off limits that doesn't hurt me/anyone else should I choose to use it.

[QotW: Do you draw a line in the sand about technology when it comes to your studio or anything Ceramic?]

2 hours ago, liambesaw said:

unless you count anne geddes

not  a chance !!!!!  please, say it isn't so!

[QotW: What form of measurement do you use when making pieces, and what sort of preplanning do you do?]

One of the first things I did when setting up my studio was to make a tracings of a kiln shelf (half round) on kraft paper and  foam core. I then used the "guides" to measure and select the best sizes for a set of tall utility shelves, a small shelving unit, a utility cart, and drying boards (dry wall) that were all "calibrated" to hold 6 shelves worth of work.   I also used my templates to figure out how much of what type of pieces I could fit on a shelf. The coordination, as a production process assist, has served me well and I never have to guess about when I have enough to fill the kiln. I am a slow worker and it is a large kiln, so that is important for planning and serves as a motivator to get it done, since it can be a long wait until the next load is ready.  

[QotW: What is the silliest thing you have done or seen done dealing with Ceramics?]

2 hours ago, saltedfire said:

a new kiln god for every firing

Seriously--ya can't just drop that here & leave w/out pics!! Show us at least a few, or one of the display case ! 

[QotW: When slab building, do you use a form , work from a template, or from scratch?]

15 hours ago, Pres said:

slab Christmas ornaments

Funny--this is what I did today with some slab trimming scraps---I'll make hundreds and they will be gifts for the staffs of my favorite local non-profits

[QotW: When slab building, do you use a form , work from a template, or from scratch?]

On 9/7/2020 at 9:01 PM, JohnnyK said:

So what do your key fobs look like?

These are just inventory reference pics-not meant to see the light of day! The current key fobs are held on a spring clip (like for lanyards) and then attached to the ring, to give them some 'swing' and not be too fixed to the ring...I figure that might help prevent breakage-tho so far after a year or so none have broken that I know of.  I don't care for the pendants (the cording-can't afford gold or sterling YET, which is how I would prefer to offer them...but people like them & it keeps them inexpensive (i.e. they sell) , so whatta ya gonna do! 

[QotW: When slab building, do you use a form , work from a template, or from scratch?]

I no longer have the temperament or patience for proper construction w/slabs. I do mostly freeform from scratch or a combo with hump/ slump forms. I am doing more clean and sometimes even straight edges to dishes now because I am in a touristy retail shop. It kind of distresses me tho that people get excited about my key fobs and not ..oh well......go figure!

[hand-building and throwing with arthritis, suggestions]

Seems like a medical question---personally I would want to do some research into the specific condition and choose carefully what type(s) of health practitioner(s) I consulted.  Mainstream medicine did nothing for the type of arthritis I have, in a segment of my neck/shoulder, and in my right hand, but a year of  (insurance-covered) expert chiropractic treatment reduced it significantly, proven by x-rays. It is not gone, of course, but in over 3 years it has not progressed from that reduction and is nowhere near the pretreatment degree of pain and restriction of movement.  I am absolutely not offering a medical opinion--just sharing what has been the case for me, which has been counter to what I was being told by M.D.s., including that progression was inevitable.  Keeping my hand/fingers/wrist moving-including working with clay-is a recommendation for my ongoing flexibility. I do not throw very often; I handbuild. My most significant restriction is wedging, and I have found that the cut & slam method is the best technique for me.

[What’s on your workbench?]

Well, not exactly on the workbench but I thought I'd share a peek at how my test herb markers did and a new shallow dish treatment that I like (PC Ancient Copper).

[QotW: How much do you trim?]

I rarely throw and my style is intentionally a bit raw, allowing the natural properties, incl. "flaws", presented by the process to remain "as is".   When I do throw I don't often add feet-if I do I trim if needed just enough assure a flat base.  Trimming for my freeform slab/hand built pieces is limited to softening sharp edges. I close my eyes and feel the greenware as tho I could not see. It gets "trimmed" by how it feels. The feel of it is the point. I do some very light sanding (sanding-oh no, say it isn't so! yep-I do!) or slightly round the edges with a damp chamois, sometimes I trim/shape thick pieces with a Surform Shaver, depending on the look I want. That gets real seductive and I sometimes get carried away, as tho I'm shaping a sculpture twenty times the size of my little piece and I go too far! 

[QotW: Have you ever been forced to go to the darks side?]

If anything I am still emerging from the deep dark side of way too many of my years, and am willfully traversing a lighter existence  for, lets say, about the last 20+ years (I'm a slow traveler & take every side road that comes along.)  Now in this last quarter of my projected life span ( I want to still be kickin' at 100-then-poof, bye bye.) I refuse to let anything/anyone push, pull, bribe, or seduce me back to "the dark side".

In terms of clay, at this point in time, this means that I must-must-must-stop looking at making something as simple and innocuous as herb markers as the work of the devil! When I read the title for this topic, my first thought was...Yep, I'm being forced to the dark side right now, "having" to make pretty things for a tourist boutique in order to pay for my dope (my clay)."

I had to give myself a royal talking-to when I heard that in my head.  I choose to let the light in: to acknowledge; own; be prideful; be humble; be receptive; be resilient; stubborn in moving forward; be grateful; be deliberate, and; stop thinking  so much....just go finish glazing that last batch--now. 

[QotW: What is your latest company in the studio/shop while working?]

I got myself an AI smart speaker, and put a ton of music into playlists of all sorts that suit my fancy, with some designed to take up X amount of time, some designed for pacing myself while doing specific things (like mixes for rapid energy, or for low & slow, etc, --not about mood, but more about tickling the brain/body connection to help me move in harmony with the work at hand.  The latest one I've been using a lot in the studio is Midnight Diner. It's an understated, quirky series (requires subtitles) on Netflix and I love the music. There is no commercial soundtrack available so I had to scout around to find the individual pieces and put one together. That, and the commercial soundtrack for the online game June's Journey--great music to work by. 

[What’s on your workbench?]

Thanks...yep--that is exactly what I'm going to do--I have a heart shape I can snip and it's pointed end is perfect! The pencil thing doesn't work for me but cutting between two paint sticks is perfect. Once I stop trying to stamp clay that is too soft  the labels will look better, also. I hate this type of work, but I'm sure it's good for character-building or something   My daughter is being my task master (a coach with a whip) and she's really helping me get over myself. I chose to do this, I want to do this, so reverting back to being like a stubborn 4th grader is not serving me well. 

[What’s on your workbench?]

This is an exercise in discipline & stick-to-it-ness. I find people want these (herb markers) but they are not my favorite thing to make-the factory mentality is off-putting to me. Antithetical to my  "let's just play slap & tickle with the clay and see what happens" mindset. Just FYI, no I don't open-dry; I have them under sheets of smooth wall tile to keep 'em flat and slow dry them. I'm beginning to develop the patience to be more precise with the stamping & cutting. I'm getting a metal V shape made so I can do the point easily and consistently. Getting better at uniform sizes, tho I honestly don't care if they are not all the same & perfect. Probably should, but I just don't. These are just so "not me" that I am rather pleased with myself for giving it a go. In addition to the artisans shop I am in, I have a second outlet, too--the local feed store, and I know of a third place, a nursery, that is highly probable. I'm changing to a different glaze line (my go-to's are not suitable; these won't work with oil spot or tenmoku   This batch will get Stroke & Coat--we'll see.  Update 7/23-looked at 'em again today & am fighting hard not to just trash half of 'em, but I know if I do that'll be the dead end of it. Part of the problem is the clay's too soft and I hate waiting for it to firm up before cutting/stamping, so I need to devise an engaging,  constructive distraction while the slab gets itself together. I made up a poem today after cleaning up the studio: Whines and moans, oh my weary bones, the aching back, don't cut me no slack; wedging hurts my wrists, and that leaves me pissed; but onward I will trudge, just need a little nudge. (Maybe I should reactivate the blog on my website & whine & moan there.)

[QotW: How do you prefer to organize your tools for your work areas?]

I organize my tools very well, thank you. Just can't seem to keep them from running off. 

[QotW: What do you think will be your best selling new item in this coming year?]

Well, I have not yet reached an acceptable refinement technique for a "final" version of my herb markers, but I'm getting there. So far there is alot of interest/enthusiasm for these. I have ten different ones (love the stamps I got from Joel Socwell/stamps4clay) to be glazed in ten different colors. They're approx. 7" after firing. All the scrap from cutting the form are used for tea light holders and small catchalls. white body, ^6. Small, portable to local stores, lightweight, EZ to ship.

 

[What’s on your workbench?]

Yee haw---ain't nuthin' on my workbench cuz it's all on it's way to the kiln. Finally! 

[QotW: What is the silliest thing you have done or seen done dealing with Ceramics?]

I was infatuated with the ceramic process and work of the Pamunkey Indians, a Virginia tribe located within a day trip from VCU's School of the Arts where I was earning my BFA in ceramics.  I had studied the work of the Maria Martinez and other native people's doing pit firing & burnishing black & red wares and I knew the Pamunkey's were just beginning to resurrect their craft. I lucked out and got to tag along for a few weeks with an anthropologist who was assisting them with research and reconstruction of their history and the reestablishment of all aspects their traditional way of life. I got to learn about making/firing/finishing the pottery along with them and just couldn't wait to do it on my own. Silly me. Apparently the small back yard of an urban apartment, with fussy neighbors and even fussier management (something about not liking the smoke-go figure) was not an appropriate place to do my thing. I might have given them some lip about why the heck can't I do what I choose with my little patch of ground, but they were having none of it and threatened to kick me out--only the fact that I was a single mom with a young child saved my butt...but I had to cease and desist with the backyard bar-b-ques! 

[What’s on your workbench?]

I'm too tired tonight to fool with photos, but on my workbench is an array of catchalls, tea light holders, free-form-trays, biz card holders, and various angama-fired and raku-fired wares, such as utility holders/vases.  I have to remove the masking tape with my item codes that is on the undersides for ID, and replace it with transparent tape that looks a lot better and includes the price.  There is a new artisans shop about 20 miles north of me, in a rural area on the road to the resorts in the White Mountains. I hope to have 5 shelves of space in the shop as soon as the Gov allows them to open at all. 

[QotW: How has your work progressed in terms of variety of form??]

My forms have not so much "progressed" as they have just kind of wandered off sideways, over the years.  I look back and see less variety currently, in the sense that I no longer make a boatload of things such as large bird baths or sculpted figures or different types of bowls, lids, mugs etc.    Simplifying and  getting more primal is a metaphoric progress for me, in that it seems to seriously benefit my head. I am less interested in developing  a broader range than I am in fine-tuning the limited array  of forms that are emerging now.   I don't throw much and my slab/hand built forms  stay pretty low to the ground these days. Some of that is logistics & comfort:  space considerations, money, arthritis/back and such, but mostly I am intrigued with a kind of stream of consciousness process that I am allowing to take over when I put my hands on the clay...more free-form than planned form.  My challenge is to improve, improve, refine, refine, and see what the public will go for...that's my task, assuming I am accepted into this artisans shop in June.

[What’s on your workbench?]

On 4/29/2020 at 12:27 AM, liambesaw said:

Why not!

Because it is disorienting and makes my brain twitchy trying to reconcile it in my head. 

[QotW: What are your beliefs about the time to reopen the economy and returning to Summer craft shows?]

@neilestrick  I do not dare run my mouth about the evils of the "on paper the danger is past/unrecognized" and the highly dangerous position people who won't use physical distance, or gloves & masks, or stay out of non-essential locations are putting the rest of us in. This truly is politics and legislation and self-interests "weaponized" against public health and fair economic relief for those who need it.  Breathe, baby, breathe.  Slow in, slow out, and do it a lot.  Have a cup of peppermint tea and try not to punch a tree.  I am so sorry for all the artists/craftsmen & self-employed  creatives who are so hard hit by--not the virus per se--but by those in power positions who are either short-sighted and ignorant or just plain greedy. I'll stop now-best I do! 

[What’s on your workbench?]

I got an invite to place some of my pieces in a new "artisans" shop in a town conducive to people looking for art, including some tourism traffic. Delayed of course due to the stay-at-home,  but I am making some items to try out a different glaze palette. Mostly large spoon rests, biz card holders, tea light holders & shallow tray-like catchalls. Should be fun.  I have some commercial oil spot glaze that I've not used yet. There is also a fish imprint on one of these and I want to do something different with the image-maybe a line drawing-dunno yet.  The main thing is there's "something" where for too long there was nothing. Yay me.