Joshua Lynch on tue 19 jan 99
I'm a freshperson at Guilford college and I'm a Clay-oholic. I've realized
in the recent months that there's nothing I love to do more than to throw
pots. But there is one part-time ceramics teacher and 2 classes offered.
And no clay friends for me. So I think I might need to go to a school that
offers a wide range of classes, a wide range of influences and good
facilities.
I've been told Alfred University is a very bad place to learn functional
pottery, and that Ohio University is large. East Carolina was also
mentioned to me as a positive choice.
Do I need more than one teacher and a selection of classes? Should I give
up my psuedo-private studio at Guilford? Is learning pottery an experience
one needs to seek out for oneself, or do I need classes? Should I drop out
of school to pursue a career in underwater golf ball retreival?
Lili Krakowski on thu 21 jan 99
On Tue, 19 Jan 1999, Joshua Lynch wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I'm a freshperson at Guilford college and I'm a Clay-oholic. I've realized
> in the recent months that there's nothing I love to do more than to
throw
> pots. But there is one part-time ceramics teacher and 2 classes offered.
> And no clay friends for me. So I think I might need to go to a school that
> offers a wide range of classes, a wide range of influences and good
> facilities.
>
> I've been told Alfred University is a very bad place to learn functional
> pottery, and that Ohio University is large. East Carolina was also
> mentioned to me as a positive choice.
> Do I need more than one teacher and a selection of classes? Should I give
> up my psuedo-private studio at Guilford? Is learning pottery an experience
> one needs to seek out for oneself, or do I need classes? Should I drop out
> of school to pursue a career in underwater golf ball retreival?
>
Sorry if this seemns presumptious or arrogant, but as your name IS Joshua,
let me make like Moses and say "Fear not..." If you choose clay as your
lifework be aware of two things. Making a living in clay, proper, is very
hard indeed. It requires a great deal of abnegation not only for
oneself--easy--but for loved ones-- not so easy. People who are "in clay"
nowadays, either are minimalists (they live off very little), teachers or
profs (they do not make a living IN clay but OFF clay) small manufacturers
(they do not have much chance at originality but latch on to stuff that
sells), two-jobbers (people who have another job as well as their
pottery) and people who have a
companion/spouse.trustfund/alimony/pension who/that pays the big bills.
As to studying. Learn from everyone. There are great fabulous potters
everywhere in this country. Some of the best and wisest teach in
community centers, or community colleges, Ys and so on. Start small.
Spend a few years learnign your craft--which is NOT a question of where
you study but how hard YOU WORK. After that, if you decide you really
want to do this, then decide when where with whom. And last. Get
yourself some sort of training that will allow you to earn money without
too many hassles.
Lili Krakowski
Stephen Grimmer on thu 21 jan 99
Joshua,
You must not resist: give in to your compulsions to make pots! That is
the only way you can help yourself. Believe me, it's true. You are correct
in thinking that it is good to have lots of influences and good teachers.
Also important to young ceramics students is the 'support system' offered by
having other committed (to pottery, not crazy, but that sometimes helps,
too) students around.
I would not categorize Alfred as a bad place to learn functional
pottery--quite the contrary. Functional pots are very much accepted there,
and the faculty and facility are excellent. I'm sure you will hear from
others regarding good places to make pots, but here are a few I know to be
good, in no particular order:
Kansas City Art Institute. Among the very best. My alma mater. Top 5 art
school.
Alfred U. Great faculty, facility. Also among the very best.
Penn State. Chris Staley is talented and intense. Big Ten school.
University of Minnesota. Mark Pharis. Less emphasis on throwing. Big Ten.
Southern Ill at Edwardsville. Dan Anderson. Lots of wood fire.
steve grimmer
marion illinois
----------
>From: Joshua Lynch
>To: CLAYART@lsv.uky.edu
>Subject: clay path/career question
>Date: Tue, Jan 19, 1999, 12:34 PM
>
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>I'm a freshperson at Guilford college and I'm a Clay-oholic. I've realized
>in the recent months that there's nothing I love to do more than to throw
>pots. But there is one part-time ceramics teacher and 2 classes offered.
>And no clay friends for me. So I think I might need to go to a school that
>offers a wide range of classes, a wide range of influences and good
>facilities.
>
>I've been told Alfred University is a very bad place to learn functional
>pottery, and that Ohio University is large. East Carolina was also
>mentioned to me as a positive choice.
>Do I need more than one teacher and a selection of classes? Should I give
>up my psuedo-private studio at Guilford? Is learning pottery an experience
>one needs to seek out for oneself, or do I need classes? Should I drop out
>of school to pursue a career in underwater golf ball retreival?
>
lpskeen on thu 21 jan 99
Joshua Lynch wrote:
But there is one part-time ceramics teacher and 2 classes offered.> And
no clay friends for me. So I think I might need to go to a school that>
offers a wide range of classes, a wide range of influences and good>
facilities.
Josh,
Have you travelled about 5 or 6 miles up the road to UNCG? We have a
great ceramics department. Several different classes are offered with
24hour access to the studio, 4 gas kilns, a new wood kiln and a raku
kiln. If you want to stay at Guilford, consider taking UNCG ceramics
cources through the consortium, which is an agreement between UNCG,
Guilford and Greensboro colleges such that if you take a class at any of
those campuses, it will go directly to your transcript as if you had
taken it at your home campus, and you pay for the class at your home
campus.
Good luck.
--
Lisa Skeen ICQ# 15554910
Living Tree Pottery & Soaps http://www.uncg.edu/~lpskeen
FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!!! It comes bundled with the software.
The Bill of Rights - (void where prohibited by law)
Margie Slinker on thu 21 jan 99
Joshua--
Look at as much work as you can and visit/contact as many schools as
possible. Talk to as many professors as you can about what you are
interested in. Look through Ceramics Monthly, Contact, American Craft and
Clay Times periodicals. Do your research before making a decision.
My relationship to the clay is a very personal and unique experience fed
by outside stimulation--looking at work, attending shows, collecting
inspirational textures, rocks, shells, education and educating others.
Formal study was a difficult, but necessary step for myself--I needed the
discipline, the critiques, the hard knocks and the pressure to truly realize
my relationship to the clay and it's history, chemistry, etc. This may not
be what you need.
The answers are all within you. Clay is cooler than golf balls. Happy
Hunting--Margie
-----Original Message-----
From: Joshua Lynch
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Date: Wednesday, January 20, 1999 5:21 AM
Subject: clay path/career question
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I'm a freshperson at Guilford college and I'm a Clay-oholic. I've realized
in the recent months that there's nothing I love to do more than to throw
pots. But there is one part-time ceramics teacher and 2 classes offered.
And no clay friends for me. So I think I might need to go to a school that
offers a wide range of classes, a wide range of influences and good
facilities.
I've been told Alfred University is a very bad place to learn functional
pottery, and that Ohio University is large. East Carolina was also
mentioned to me as a positive choice.
Do I need more than one teacher and a selection of classes? Should I give
up my psuedo-private studio at Guilford? Is learning pottery an experience
one needs to seek out for oneself, or do I need classes? Should I drop out
of school to pursue a career in underwater golf ball retreival?
Stacey Klopp on thu 21 jan 99
try looking into penn state if you are interested in functional pottery. ive
heard that chris staley can be a good teacher. they have great facilities so
check it out!
stacey in NJ
Dwiggins, Sandra (NCI) on thu 21 jan 99
hey Josh---
How fresh a freshperson are you? First semester? The son of a good friend of
mine is also a Guilford student--and also loves pots, he's a junior I
think---Colin Riggs. I think it's important to understand that if you really
like the arts, but also really like a top-notch faculty for things other than
the arts, you won't get it at an art school or a school devoted to the technique
of the craft. Make that choice first--because it will determine what you really
want from your school experience. As a freshman, you are just beginning and
might change your mind many times about what your main subject area may be.
Think about going to a school that has a vibrant art department, but can also
give you what you might want in other areas as well.
Sandy Dwiggins---who has a daughter in film/video going through much the same
decisions.
-----Original Message-----
From: Joshua Lynch [SMTP:Joshua_Lynch/Guilford@guilford.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, January 19, 1999 1:35 PM
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Subject: clay path/career question
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I'm a freshperson at Guilford college and I'm a Clay-oholic. I've realized
in the recent months that there's nothing I love to do more than to throw
pots. But there is one part-time ceramics teacher and 2 classes offered.
And no clay friends for me. So I think I might need to go to a school that
offers a wide range of classes, a wide range of influences and good
facilities.
I've been told Alfred University is a very bad place to learn functional
pottery, and that Ohio University is large. East Carolina was also
mentioned to me as a positive choice.
Do I need more than one teacher and a selection of classes? Should I give
up my psuedo-private studio at Guilford? Is learning pottery an experience
one needs to seek out for oneself, or do I need classes? Should I drop out
of school to pursue a career in underwater golf ball retreival?
Dannon Rhudy on thu 21 jan 99
------------------
----------
=3E ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
=3E I'm a freshperson ......
=3E offers a wide range of classes, a wide range of influences and good
=3E facilities.
Dear Freshperson,
It would certainly seem that if you are enamoured of wheels and pots,
you should choose a place that would allow you to pursue your passion.
You might find later that your passion has faded, but how will you know
if you don't try?
........ Alfred University is a very bad place to learn functional
=3E pottery, .....
Hmmm. Well, it has undoubtedly changed since Val Cushing's retirement, and
it may be that there is less available in terms of clay/glaze information =
and
classes.
But Linda Sikora (sp?) is now there, and she is a potter. Perhaps it is =
still a
good place for at least undergrad study. You might check on it, if it is
convenient
in terms of the area you're seeking. Entry is very competitive.
There are a number of good undergraduate
schools. Northern Arizona Univ. at Flagstaff has a terrific program, a =
great
facility.
There are numerous others=3B I expect that you'll hear from various people =
on the
list.
....... learning pottery an experience
=3E one needs to seek out for oneself, or do I need classes?........
It can be done either way, though finding good apprenticeships is not so =
easy
these days. Not too many take apprentices. But some do.
........ Should I drop out of school to pursue a career in underwater golf =
ball
retreival?....
Absolutely=21 What a future=21 And so exciting...think of the =
challenges=21=21=21 Of
course, you
might want to at least consider that there are now a lot of =22virtual=22 =
golf
games/places,
and that field is growing. I'm not sure that THAT venue would offer much - =
do
you
think there might be possibilities in VIRTUAL retrieval? Perhaps you should
give this
idea further thought.
Regards,
Dannon Rhudy
potter=40koyote.com
=3E
douglas gray on sun 24 jan 99
Joshua,
I've seen a few responses to your querry and there will be more, no doubt. Just
thought I'd ask you a few questions, not that you actually need to answer me.
You might want to consider who you are and what you are capable of. Some people
need a strong community of "clay fiends" to feel comfortable enought to be
productive. Other's don't. I will be the first to admit that it is wonderful
to have others around you that share your enthusiasm for clay and for developing
skills. These friends can feed your enthusiasm, act as sounding boards, provide
frank and constructive criticism. It is perhaps one of the best things about
private and public institutionally based ceramics programs. But that isn't
necessarily best for all people. Sometimes I like to work by myself with as few
distractions as possible. It helps me to focus. So you need to consider the
environment in which you work best and the people you want to share that
environment with.
You might also wish to consider the manner in which you motivate yourself. Some
people need the structure of assignments and project deadlines to keep them
working. Others would rather work at their own pace. There is something to be
said for self-reliance, but then again that will be determined by how motivated
you are or how much you rely on others to motivate you.
As far as finding a place that offers a wide range of possibilities, my feeling
is "the more teachers the better." Take the best that each has to offer hone
it, refine it and incorporate it into your own aesthetic. The point is to
continue to learn and improve on your skills. The journey is often as
imporatant as the destination, even if that means you double back occassionally
or out right reject things that you've been told. Just don't stand still.
You can get this kind of stimulation in many different ways, from books and
videos, workshops and demonstrations, taking classes, working alone in your
basement, volunteering/apprenticing in a professional environment, visiting
galleries and museums, participating in email discussions, surfing the internet,
reading poetry, brewing your own beer, dancing... the list is endless.
Inspiration is all around us, if only we know what it is that inspires us.
Facilities are admittedly a bonus to working in a school or appreticeship
situation, but the lack of equipment and technology has never prevented humans
from expressing themselves in clay. Think about where you'd like to be in ten
years. FInd out what it will take to get there, degrees?, experience? time to
develop hand skills? thinking skills? problem solving skills? Once you know
where you want to go pathways often become appearent.
good luck,
doug--not trying to be preachy, or to have all the answers...
In message Joshua Lynch writes:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I'm a freshperson at Guilford college and I'm a Clay-oholic. I've realized
> in the recent months that there's nothing I love to do more than to throw
> pots. But there is one part-time ceramics teacher and 2 classes offered.
> And no clay friends for me. So I think I might need to go to a school that
> offers a wide range of classes, a wide range of influences and good
> facilities.
>
> I've been told Alfred University is a very bad place to learn functional
> pottery, and that Ohio University is large. East Carolina was also
> mentioned to me as a positive choice.
> Do I need more than one teacher and a selection of classes? Should I give
> up my psuedo-private studio at Guilford? Is learning pottery an experience
> one needs to seek out for oneself, or do I need classes? Should I drop out
============================================================================ =)
Douglas E. Gray, Assistant Professor of Art
P.O. Box 100547
Department of Fine Arts and Mass Communication
Francis Marion University
Florence, South Carolina 29501-0547
dgray@fmarion.edu
843/661-1535
Elizabeth Priddy on mon 25 jan 99
In article <852566FE.0018F28E.00@romulus.guilford.edu>,
Joshua Lynch wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I'm a freshperson at Guilford college and I'm a Clay-oholic. I've realized
> in the recent months that there's nothing I love to do more than to throw
> pots. But there is one part-time ceramics teacher and 2 classes offered.
> And no clay friends for me. So I think I might need to go to a school that
> offers a wide range of classes, a wide range of influences and good
> facilities.
you can get a brochure for the community college systems for NC, you can get
a 2 yr degree which will leave you ready to apprentice under someone. The
only way to know if you can LIVE it as well as love it is to do it day in and
day out. The schooling will get your basic skills. The
apprentice/journeyman work will let you know if you have the stamina. Don't
expect to be paid well or to have any creative freedom and you will have your
mind right to appreciate any tidbits you do get.
You need to decide whether you want to go the functional route, or the art
route soon, because it will be the lynch pin for all your decisions from here
on in. There is much schmoozing and other unpleasantness in the art world
because a lot of it is about fame and who knows who, and over here you have
favoritism. .. It's not that bad and some people thrive in that environment.
But you have to want it real hard. The functional route, i would say
complete your basic education quickly and start to work.
>
> I've been told Alfred University is a very bad place to learn functional
> pottery, and that Ohio University is large. East Carolina was also
> mentioned to me as a positive choice.
ECU has a little of both, but primarily art, as i understand.
> Do I need more than one teacher and a selection of classes?
yes
Should I give up my psuedo-private studio at Guilford? only if you move or
cannot eat to afford it. Private space is necessary for art to occur.
> Is learning pottery an experience one needs to seek out for oneself, or do I
need classes?
your personal expression and the depth of your experience will have to be
found on your own. For the basic information, throwing, slab, firing,
glazing: don't try to re-invent the wheel. Somebody knows and will tell you
for money or in exchange for work/labor. This is the way it has always been
in the past although some folks think that you have to have initials past
your name to matter nowadays. . .in the art route, get the initials. The
Functional, your customers will tell you all you absolutely need to know.
your friends will tell you the rest.
> Should I drop out
> of school to pursue a career in underwater golf ball retreival?
good money, but the hours are lousy. . .
**************************************************
Elizabeth Priddy: potter, philosopher, artist
epriddy@usa.net www.angelfire.com/nc/clayworkshop
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