Marley Wolhud on sat 20 jun 98
Well as always, thanks for your responses regarding my new "studio". As
always, the answers seem to lead to more questions. The only clay
studio I used was a local pottery place that in addition to ruining more
than half of my work, has not been very forthcoming with answers to my
questions. I apologize if these seem very simplistic, but you all are a
great source of information, and if there is one thing I have learned
there is no shame in asking!
Everyone's advice about buckets in the studio being better than worrying
about the kitchen sink is well taken. Okay now for perhaps a very
stupid question. Over time I know that a lot of clay crud will form at
the bottom of the buckets. What does one do with it?
Secondly, I will be doing mostly tiles which I will be drying slowly so
hopefully no warping. Am I understanding everyone correctly regarding
the winter months, in that, if I am drying the tiles, the studio needs
to be rudimentally heated so no ice can form within the tiles? Perhaps
it would be better to move them to the basement? This was not something
I had ever considered, so any advice is appreciated.
Lastly, I have alot of ruined, glazed tiles that I can't use for various
reasons. Either warped or ruined in the kiln, I have acquired a large
stack. Any suggestions on what I can do with them?
Thanks everyone
Marcia Selsor on sun 21 jun 98
There are reasons to keep a partial basement studio in cold climates!
As for the crud in the buckets- you can pour off the water and dry it out.
Sometimes this can make a slop glaze and sometimes not worth the effort.
As for your collection of rejects- Nick Vergette (d.1973), my professor in
Grad school at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, decorated his kiln
site with a wall with arches formed from the kiln arch form. Mortared rejects
from everyone into the structure. It was in the woods on a pond. When we fired
this big salt kiln we stayed over night, went swimming in the pond. The glow
from inside the "ruin" structure was an awesome and inspiring atmosphere. I
don't know if you have space for something like that, but you could build
something in your garden or patio.
Marcia in Montana
Marley Wolhud wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Well as always, thanks for your responses regarding my new "studio". As
> always, the answers seem to lead to more questions. The only clay
> studio I used was a local pottery place that in addition to ruining more
> than half of my work, has not been very forthcoming with answers to my
> questions. I apologize if these seem very simplistic, but you all are a
> great source of information, and if there is one thing I have learned
> there is no shame in asking!
>
> Everyone's advice about buckets in the studio being better than worrying
> about the kitchen sink is well taken. Okay now for perhaps a very
> stupid question. Over time I know that a lot of clay crud will form at
> the bottom of the buckets. What does one do with it?
>
> Secondly, I will be doing mostly tiles which I will be drying slowly so
> hopefully no warping. Am I understanding everyone correctly regarding
> the winter months, in that, if I am drying the tiles, the studio needs
> to be rudimentally heated so no ice can form within the tiles? Perhaps
> it would be better to move them to the basement? This was not something
> I had ever considered, so any advice is appreciated.
>
> Lastly, I have alot of ruined, glazed tiles that I can't use for various
> reasons. Either warped or ruined in the kiln, I have acquired a large
> stack. Any suggestions on what I can do with them?
>
> Thanks everyone
Donna Sternbach on mon 22 jun 98
Marley,
You can break up the tiles and use them for mosaic projects...tables, picture
frames, stepping stones etc. Have fun.....Donna
Vicki Katz on mon 22 jun 98
Recycle the clay in the bottom of your buckets.
Failed tiles - MOSAICS !
I cannot respond to 'cold' conditions in your studio - our heat index here is
so high I am afraid that if I fire my kiln in the heat of the day - the garage
will explode.
Have fun in your journey.
Vicki Katz
Sugar Land, TX
Jim Cullen on wed 24 jun 98
As you begin your studio project consider buying stock in the local hardware
company (Home Depot, ACE, True Value, etc.) You will be making several trips
there and may as well get the added benefit from the increased business.
Build shelves, lots and lots of shelves.
Be sure you have adequete electricity.
Build a sturdy wedging table.
Have good (no, great) lighting. The 2-tube $10 fluorescent was ok but the $20
quartz halogen was a lot brighter. It throws off more heat too, but in the
winter I'll appreciate that.
Give yourself wall space to hang stuff... sketches, photos, articles,
motivational sayings, etc.
Draw out your floor plan and move pieces around to discover the best traffic
pattern and work flow.
Plan, plan, and then plan some more. You will probably only build this once
and you want to do it right the first time.
Don't skimp on materials, If 1/2" is ok, consider 5/8". I used 4" x4" posts
for the corners of my wedging table. 2" x 4" would have worked but the 4" x 4"
was heavier and more stable.
Get a washup utility sink or 5 gal. buckets. Running water is not necessary,
nice, but not necessary.
Make room for your computer, unless you've got it someplace else. Cover the
keyboard and mouse with loose saran wrap. Also, run a piece of tape over the
floppy disk opening. Helps keep the dust out.
While your at it, add some more shelves.
Measure twice, cut once.
Good luck.
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