pam easley on tue 9 mar 99
I was introduced to using gloves while throwing years ago by a potter
friend in Greenwich, England, whose studio was in an unheated converted
firehouse, and she started using these huge pink or yellow
plastic-lined-with-fuzz type things, and did very well. Actually got to
"feel" the clay while keeping her hands warm. I never did get used to
them, but do enjoy using latex surgical-type gloves. You can get them
at medical supply stores. Just be sure they are snug enough, so they
don't slip off while you're working, and allow you to get the feel of
the clay. They are generally powdered inside for easy on and off, and
can be washed and recycled until they tear. Shake them in a bag of corn
starch after they're cleaned, and they're just like new. Blow into the
fingers to open them up, and you're ready to go. Actually, my pottery
partner is in charge of the glove detail. She used to be a nurse, and
she knows all about those things... saves your skin, especially when you
develop a reaction to the clay body or glazes. Might try using a heavy
cream or silacone gel before you put the gloves on to ward off the
crud, too.
Pam, in " not TOO rainy today", Seattle
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