Bam2015

Hi All, I have been using stoneware and enjoy using clay as a canvas and like to play with underglazes, stencils, screen prints, etc on both hand built and thrown pieces. However, many of the potters on Instagram whose work I admire are using earthenware. I am curious as to why some folks choose earthenware over stoneware. I could reach out to each of them and ask, but am wondering if anyone here has any insight. I like the idea of a quicker firing and reducing energy use, but earthenware is less durable, correct? And I don't see a difference in clay costs between earthenware and stoneware. Thanks! Betty

Always surprised by how unprotected sculptures are in many museums.

There are great workshops/retreats all over the country. Are you specifically looking for the Northwest? I am most familiar with those on the east coast. Ceramic Monthly puts out a list, but I don't see one for 2023. Here is a link to the 2022 summer workshop list by state, maybe a good starting place.

So sorry to hear! I hope your dental woes are behind you. Betty

Kit, Thomas Hoadley makes beautiful nerikomi pieces. I took a workshop with him a couple of years ago, but I forget how he gets such precise lines. Maybe if you contacted him, he would be kind enough to share his knowledge with you. https://thomashoadley.com Once you find out the best way to achieve the look you are hoping for, please share with us. Betty

But, why?!?!?

Sorry Pres, I must have forgotten or missed that a similar question was asked previously. I probably responded to it and forgot, or perhaps I even asked the question? If I did ask the previous question, maybe it's because I keep getting stuck. Not stuck in life, but stuck in my crafts, but I assume this is common amongst crafters/artists/creatives. I'm always trying to figure out my style, or how I would like to represent myself in my art, but I keep changing my mind. Because I posted the question, I should respond, right? I use all of the things that I listed in the question. Sometimes I spend too much time looking and need to just create. I also get a lot of mileage out of self-help books that don't necessarily focus on art, but on organizing one's life and developing habits. Betty

Beautiful work! Thank you for sharing. Betty

Pres, my suggestion for a QOTW is: As an artist, when feeling 'stuck,' what helps to inspire or motivate you? Do you look at Instagram photos, read self help or art books, take a walk in nature, etc? Betty

Jeff, thank you for that info about discontinued Mason stain formulas. I had no idea that this info was available. I like a couple of stains that have been discontinued and now I can recreate them without the guess work. Betty

Does the bisque temp/cone have any affect crazing in the glaze firing? Betty

Pyewackette, wondering how your glaze class is going? Betty

Rae, that's an interesting thought. I'll try a locking washer as well, thank you for the suggestion Kelly. Betty

Hi All, I use a Dirty Girls bat system on a Shimpo Whisper and the bat pins keep coming loose. Any tips on how to keep them from loosening? Seems like such a silly question to ask, but it is an issue, it affects centering. I am editing my post. While on a ceramic supply website, I see that bat pins are specific to wheel brands. I didn't know that. A friend gave me my bat pins and she has a Brent. I am going to order some for my wheel. Betty

Thank you for chiming in Bill. I will give the new recipe a try & let you know how it works out. Betty

Thank you Min! I appreciate all of the work you did to respond to my question. I will check out the link that you sent. Betty

Min, I am using it as a clear glaze.

Min, just slightly comfortable with glaze chemistry. I have about 3 gallons of the recipe I posted. I bought it mixed from a pottery studio. I mixed up four different clear glaze recipes & tested them, but will stick with the recipe which I posted. I have the raw materials to mix the recipe and feel comfortable mixing it, but I have Custer & Minspar feldspar. I was hoping to tweak the already mixed 3 gallons to make it less glossy. Maybe I should start with a new recipe using either Custer and/or Minspar first and test that? If I like that then how would I make it less glossy? Maybe I'm just getting in over my head. Betty

Hello All & Happy Holidays! I would like to make the following glaze a bit less glossy. It works great on my clay body, so I'd prefer to try to tweak this recipe rather than start with a new less glossy recipe. Any input would be appreciated. EPK 20.00 Ferro 3134 20.00 G-200 20.00 Silica 19.00 Wollastonite 15.00 Talc 6.00 Thanks, Betty

I wholeheartedly agree with what you are saying. I was merely generalizing on my observations ,which I felt like I had made clear, but I guess not, and trying to answer Marco's inquiry. There are no two exact roads for any two people. Betty

Hello Marco, Welcome to the forum. While I can't answer as one who makes a living from pottery, I can share my observations. It appears to me that many of the more successful potters not only make pots to sell, but they also teach classes in a studio and/or workshops at craft schools, and are very active on social media. Betty

Pir, when it comes to kiln selection, heed Neil's advice. Neil knows kilns. Betty

Thanks Pres, for the new QOTW. Last week I picked up 500# of clay which is a lot for me. I'm a hobby potter, so it will take quite some time for me to use all of this, but back orders and supply chain issues are still a problem. I had to wait several weeks for this order and did not want to run out again. I also purchased 500# amount so that I could get a price break. Most of the clay will be stored in my unheated New England basement which gets just slightly chilly during winter and a few boxes in the garage, which is much colder. Betty