ababy sharon on sat 29 may 99
Hi! I strated to look around... And I found this one."Holy Mountain Trading
Company"
http://www.holymtn.com/teapots/tea.htm
Ababi
Joyce Lee on fri 22 sep 00
It just occurred to me while exchanging posts with a claybud (hey, Jim)
that making the many small teapots that Mel recommended to one of you
(can't recall just which one at the moment) would be good for me, too. I
am in no way in a clay slump ... don't think I'd live long enough for
that, having found such a love so late in life........ BUT I long to
make nice, functional teapots. I've started teapot projects many times
and always quit after the first few, no matter how lofty my goals .....
not because they aren't functional; most are ........ but because they
are ALL lifeless. Well, my one exception is definitely NOT lifeless, but
it is a horrible teapot....... shaped like Aladdin's lamp, fat little
spout, thinthin handle, very heavy bottom. Although "cute" is NEVER one
of my objectives, the lid is "cute" ... especially when it unfailingly
falls into the receiving cup. (I prefer "elegant".... haven't gotten
there yet in anything, but elegance continues to be one of my
objectives... such a dreamer!)
Soooo..... seems I recall Dannon saying that Mel recommended that she
make hundreds of tiny teapots also ... in order to fully come to grips
with the teapot concept. If I can only stick with the small teapots long
enough maybe I can arrive at a satisfying form..... any tips will be
appreciated.
Joyce
In the Mojave where the sky over our property was dark with ravens as I
opened the gate this morning in a strong wind ....
maybe 50 very large ravens in a group..... riding the thermals just over
our house .. like kids with sleds on a snowcovered hill.....
aroundaroundaround...... land on the adjacent acreage... rest and joke
around a bit..... then give a hop, fly into the wind, catch a thermal,
and start circling for yet one more ride........
Lynspots@AOL.COM on fri 22 sep 00
Joyce and all,
The best teapot I ever made was in a workshop by none other than Dannon. This
was also using her technique of a pot inside a pot to trim away and reveal a
beautiful stamped surface. That was the tough part, but I made the best
spout, pours a lovely stream of tea and doesn't drip down the side of the
teapot. The lid never falls off, it has a very deep wall, thrown upside down,
then inverted onto the opening. It is deep enough to hold in the opening
while pouring to the last drop, even tho I hold on just to make sure. Why
temp fate? Wish I could send a photo, but don't have a web site....yet.
The spout was thrown, then trimmed away and altered to add to the pot. Love
the thing, has a nice mellow green glaze that catches the textured areas
nicely.
Funny you mentioning wanting a functional teapot. When I took a workshop with
Lana Wilson, she said a real eye opener for her was when she could sell her
nonfunctional teapots for more than twice the functional ones. And the
nonfunctional ones didn't take nearly as long to make. Go figure. She does do
some fantastic pieces, wow!!! And her glazes are to die for, if you like
lower fired ones.
Lynne Antone
Beaver Creek Arts
Olympia WA USA
Cindy Strnad on fri 22 sep 00
Joyce,
Have fun. Make something you like, and don't worry about meeting any
expectations--even functionality. When you're done making it, unless it's
absolutely unbelievably fantastic, squash it up. Knowing you're going to
squash a pot when you're finished with it gives you an incredible sense of
freedom. You'll learn a lot more, a lot faster.
Cindy Strnad
Earthen Vessels Pottery
RR 1, Box 51
Custer, SD 57730
USA
earthenv@gwtc.net
www.earthenvesselssd.com
Chris Clarke on fri 22 sep 00
I adore teapots. But they are a hard form. I suggest to start with a round
globe. Don't put a rim on top so the lid sets up. Sink your gallery in so
when your lid is on it completes the globe (tight fit is the key, trim if
you must). I like to throw spouts like little bottles, and longer than I
think I will use. You can always cut it off. Or you can cut and change the
angle. Now that you have that, experiment with handles, bail is my
favorite, but try the regular one too (does it have a specific name?). One
more thing, teapots are so personal, you're going to have to find your form,
you'll know it when you see it and it will click.
chris clarke
Temecula, CA
chris@ccpots.com
www.ccpots.com
look again
----- Original Message -----
From: Joyce Lee
To:
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2000 11:42 AM
Subject: Teapots
> It just occurred to me while exchanging posts with a claybud (hey, Jim)
> that making the many small teapots that Mel recommended to one of you
> (can't recall just which one at the moment) would be good for me, too. I
> am in no way in a clay slump ... don't think I'd live long enough for
> that, having found such a love so late in life........ BUT I long to
> make nice, functional teapots. I've started teapot projects many times
> and always quit after the first few, no matter how lofty my goals .....
> not because they aren't functional; most are ........ but because they
> are ALL lifeless. Well, my one exception is definitely NOT lifeless, but
> it is a horrible teapot....... shaped like Aladdin's lamp, fat little
> spout, thinthin handle, very heavy bottom. Although "cute" is NEVER one
> of my objectives, the lid is "cute" ... especially when it unfailingly
> falls into the receiving cup. (I prefer "elegant".... haven't gotten
> there yet in anything, but elegance continues to be one of my
> objectives... such a dreamer!)
>
> Soooo..... seems I recall Dannon saying that Mel recommended that she
> make hundreds of tiny teapots also ... in order to fully come to grips
> with the teapot concept. If I can only stick with the small teapots long
> enough maybe I can arrive at a satisfying form..... any tips will be
> appreciated.
>
> Joyce
> In the Mojave where the sky over our property was dark with ravens as I
> opened the gate this morning in a strong wind ....
> maybe 50 very large ravens in a group..... riding the thermals just over
> our house .. like kids with sleds on a snowcovered hill.....
> aroundaroundaround...... land on the adjacent acreage... rest and joke
> around a bit..... then give a hop, fly into the wind, catch a thermal,
> and start circling for yet one more ride........
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Diane Mead on fri 22 sep 00
Dear Joyce:
Funny you mention teapots, as I have been dreaming about a fantastic shino
teapot a friend made that i gave as a wedding present. I knew i should never
have done that. The glaze was amazing. It was a teapot that danced. It had a
fat belly and a great reed handle and it was amazing. The lid was really
grand, and the breaking area of the glaze was fantastic. It was a case where
the form and the glaze and the function all meshed perfectly...
I rarely see a teapot I love other than John Glick's but this little one was
so incredible.
Why did I give it as a gift? Should have kept it. And shouldn't Have sold
the biggest coil pot I ever made. Oh well...
diane in ga.
_________________________________________________________________________
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http://profiles.msn.com.
Cindy Strnad on sat 23 sep 00
Hi, Chris.
I just did one of those globe teapots you're talking about. Then I ruined
the shape (on purpose), squishing it here, stretching it a bit there, to
make it look more "organic". I really love it, and am crossing my fingers
that all goes well.
As an alternative method, I like to do the spouts by pulling a length of
clay into a shape I like (like pulling handles, you know), curving it, then
splitting it lengthwise and hollowing it out when it's firmed up a bit. You
can get the most interesting, viney textures, or, if you prefer, the
elegant, smooth, undulating curves of a Victorian tea set, using this
method. It's a lot of fun and quite versatile.
Cindy Strnad
Earthen Vessels Pottery
RR 1, Box 51
Custer, SD 57730
USA
earthenv@gwtc.net
www.earthenvesselssd.com
Chris Clarke on sat 23 sep 00
Cindy,
I'm there!! Can't wait to try that out. I like the idea that I can
pull a spout and a handle and have them look alike. Thanks for the info.
chris clarke
Temecula, CA
chris@ccpots.com
www.ccpots.com
look again
----- Original Message -----
From: Cindy Strnad
To:
Sent: Saturday, September 23, 2000 8:38 AM
Subject: Re: Teapots
> Hi, Chris.
>
> I just did one of those globe teapots you're talking about. Then I ruined
> the shape (on purpose), squishing it here, stretching it a bit there, to
> make it look more "organic". I really love it, and am crossing my fingers
> that all goes well.
>
> As an alternative method, I like to do the spouts by pulling a length of
> clay into a shape I like (like pulling handles, you know), curving it,
then
> splitting it lengthwise and hollowing it out when it's firmed up a bit.
You
> can get the most interesting, viney textures, or, if you prefer, the
> elegant, smooth, undulating curves of a Victorian tea set, using this
> method. It's a lot of fun and quite versatile.
>
> Cindy Strnad
> Earthen Vessels Pottery
> RR 1, Box 51
> Custer, SD 57730
> USA
> earthenv@gwtc.net
> www.earthenvesselssd.com
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Joyce Lee on sat 23 sep 00
My mailbox is full of wonderful suggestions for teapots, which I am now
sorting and to which I will respond later. Actually, I DO have many
resources for making "technically" correct and even very functional
teapots..... and have made several. THAT isn't my concern. I can form
the body, the spout, the handle etc My concern is that I personally do
not LIKE my teapots because they have no LIFE. The one I described
earlier has its share of LIFE and is even functional....... but only
sort of. What I want is technically correct teapots that BREATHE.....
otherwise, why bother adding more boring teapots to the world's thrift
shops????
Many of you graciously shared pictures of your WONDERFUL teapots ....
thank you sooo much for the inspiration..... as well as for the teapot
tips. I think that I still would benefit from Mel's recommendation to
Dannon that she make hundreds, or dozens, of smaller teapots until she
found what felt right to her. I'm fairly sure that at the time Dannon
already knew how to form a teapot..... but that she wasn't happy with
what she perceived as "stiffness" etc. And NOW she is happy with her
teapots, according to several of you who have taken workshops from
Dannon.
It's rather difficult to speak of two other clayarters' experiences....
Mel's and Dannon's ... when I know they're probably reading what I've
said. Hope I wasn't too far off in my interpretation of the tale.....
Joyce
In the Mojave so glad that bellicose but lovable claybud Tony is
returning to the List. It'll probably be a whole week, maybe two, before
I am confronted by the desire to wring his neck, wrap him in clay and
toss him in the fire...... feathers and all......
Russel Fouts on sun 24 sep 00
Cindy,
>> As an alternative method, I like to do the spouts by pulling a length of clay into a shape I like (like pulling handles, you know), curving it, then splitting it lengthwise and hollowing it out when it's firmed up a bit. You can get the most interesting, viney textures, or, if you prefer, the elegant, smooth, undulating curves of a Victorian tea set, using this method. It's a lot of fun and quite versatile. <<
What if made the "plug" that you pull from around a length of plasic
hose then pulled over the hose and then shaped the resulting spout. Just
an idea, never tried it and don't know if it would work but it could
save you some steps.
Russel
--
Mes Potes et Mes Pots
Belgium
http://www.mypots.com
mel jacobson on fri 29 sep 00
two of the greatest inventions of the 20th century are:
1. the plastic bucket
2. the teabag.
i have tried to buy loose tea in the minneapolis area, including
co-ops and it is almost impossible to find. i know some
high end coffee shops carry a very expensive loose tea, but the
normal buyer is out of luck. (our co-op here in minnetonka no
longer carries any loose tea.)
so:
i no longer make strainers in my teapots. just a nice hole, it does
not clog, and pours very well. i use the proportion of about 5 or 6
to one making the spout as a reverse funnel. the ratio of large
base and narrow top will help control the flow of tea. the small
hole in the cover of course allows air in the pot to help push
out the liquid (think of the gas can with no tiny hole, makes the
gas go `glug, glug, shpoitly, gush`.
i have always sharpened the end lower edge of the spouts with
a small sharp knife blade.
i also make covers that will fall out if tipped too far. i tell people
to keep their finger on the cover while pouring...tricky locks often
find themselves in the wrong place and wham.....fall out.
folks know mine will fall, so are careful.
i also suggest to folks that they use a nice stainless strainer if
they use loose tea. it is a nice invention. hardly ever saw in
my travels to wales, scotland, england, ireland, india etc...a quality
english style tea service that did not have one. if you ever come across
a japanese bamboo strainer for tea...buy it. they are wonderful.
so, tea. the saga continues. as it will forever.
don't think you will need a great deal of salt for these
suggestions.
mel
in almost every case, i got loose correct. so, i am sure now
that i am not loosing it.
FROM MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA, USA
http://www.pclink.com/melpots (website)
Dewitt on fri 29 sep 00
Mel,
Take a look at http://holymtn.com/sitemap.htm. Their loose tea prices range
from about $4 per quarter pound on up (way up). My favorite is the Floral
Ti Kwan Yin Oolong at $17 per quarter pound. Not cheap, but 1/4 lb makes a
lot of tea.
Good folks to deal with. I ordered from them last Tuesday and had tea in
hand Thursday.
Also, the best "tea ball" I've found uses a plastic mesh and looks like a
small barrel. It does not leak tea fragments like metal tea balls
do. Unfortunately, the only place I know the get them is a specialty shop
in Houston.
deg
At 11:20 9/29/00 -0500, you wrote:
>two of the greatest inventions of the 20th century are:
>1. the plastic bucket
>2. the teabag.
>
>i have tried to buy loose tea in the minneapolis area, including
>co-ops and it is almost impossible to find. i know some
>high end coffee shops carry a very expensive loose tea, but the
>normal buyer is out of luck. (our co-op here in minnetonka no
>longer carries any loose tea.)
>
>so:
>
>i no longer make strainers in my teapots. just a nice hole, it does
>not clog, and pours very well. i use the proportion of about 5 or 6
>to one making the spout as a reverse funnel. the ratio of large
>base and narrow top will help control the flow of tea. the small
>hole in the cover of course allows air in the pot to help push
>out the liquid (think of the gas can with no tiny hole, makes the
>gas go `glug, glug, shpoitly, gush`.
>
>i have always sharpened the end lower edge of the spouts with
>a small sharp knife blade.
>
>i also make covers that will fall out if tipped too far. i tell people
>to keep their finger on the cover while pouring...tricky locks often
>find themselves in the wrong place and wham.....fall out.
>folks know mine will fall, so are careful.
>
>i also suggest to folks that they use a nice stainless strainer if
>they use loose tea. it is a nice invention. hardly ever saw in
>my travels to wales, scotland, england, ireland, india etc...a quality
>english style tea service that did not have one. if you ever come across
>a japanese bamboo strainer for tea...buy it. they are wonderful.
>
>so, tea. the saga continues. as it will forever.
>don't think you will need a great deal of salt for these
>suggestions.
>mel
>in almost every case, i got loose correct. so, i am sure now
>that i am not loosing it.
>
>
>
>FROM MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA, USA
>http://www.pclink.com/melpots (website)
>
>______________________________________________________________________________
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>melpots@pclink.com.
Joyce Lee on tue 5 mar 02
David H. said:
"I'm just glad I don't want to make a pot of tea and my only
choices for a teapot to use are the ones in this issue of
Ceramics Monthly.
David Hendley
Maydelle, Texas"
----------------------------------------------------------
In a way I agree; in a way I don't. It's all according with whom I'd be =
sharing the tea.
For my more conventional friends, I might serve from one of the =
traditional&lovely teapots in my slowly growing collection ... then =
again, I might not.
If the teapot functioned enough to extract a couple of cups at least =
.... well, you probably know which I'd select .... the more unusual, =
absolutely. No doubt. And my friend and I would sip our tea and ponder =
as to the workings of the pot AND the mind of its maker. In fact, one =
of my Very Traditional teapots made by a potter from Saskatchewan, =
Canada, has a dragon curled around it with the spout as the mouth of the =
dragon. I'm not into dragons ..... never have been .... but I enjoy =
pouring from that teapot.
One's choices are dependent on one's experiences ..... different strokes =
for different folks...... which reminds me of my fond memory of David =
at NCECA carrying a purse of many colors shaped like=20
a fish...... weren't there some red hightops in there somewhere, too? =
...... along with the denim duster? Looked absolutely right on David =
for the occasion ... and appeared to be genuinely functional .... In =
fact, from all the folk at NCECA ... I'd pick David as the one most =
likely to bring along such a teapot to the Clayart Room for the fun of =
it.
Joyce
In the Mojave
David Hendley on wed 6 mar 02
Dear Joyce, I'm all for style and flair, in ceramics and clothing.
Here's the difference: red work boots function as well, in every
respect, as brown work boots.
In my book, however, it is no fun to try to use a teapot that
glops out, rather than pours, tea. Or one whose lid plops
into the teacup while you are trying to pour. Or one with
a spout set so low that water comes out while you are trying
to fill it to brew the tea. Or one that is impossible to clean.
This is about as enjoyable as trying to put size 5 boots on
your size 10 feet, no matter how stylish the shoes may be.
It is possible to make original, creative, and/or unusual pottery
that functions as good as it looks.
David Hendley
Maydelle, Texas
hendley@tyler.net
http://www.farmpots.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Joyce Lee"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2002 10:42 PM
Subject: Teapots
David H. said:
"I'm just glad I don't want to make a pot of tea and my only
choices for a teapot to use are the ones in this issue of
Ceramics Monthly.
David Hendley
Maydelle, Texas"
----------------------------------------------------------
In a way I agree; in a way I don't. It's all according with whom I'd be
sharing the tea.
For my more conventional friends, I might serve from one of the
traditional&lovely teapots in my slowly growing collection ... then again, I
might not.
If the teapot functioned enough to extract a couple of cups at least ....
well, you probably know which I'd select .... the more unusual, absolutely.
No doubt. And my friend and I would sip our tea and ponder as to the
workings of the pot AND the mind of its maker. In fact, one of my Very
Traditional teapots made by a potter from Saskatchewan, Canada, has a dragon
curled around it with the spout as the mouth of the dragon. I'm not into
dragons ..... never have been .... but I enjoy pouring from that teapot.
One's choices are dependent on one's experiences ..... different strokes for
different folks...... which reminds me of my fond memory of David at NCECA
carrying a purse of many colors shaped like
a fish...... weren't there some red hightops in there somewhere, too?
...... along with the denim duster? Looked absolutely right on David for
the occasion ... and appeared to be genuinely functional .... In fact, from
all the folk at NCECA ... I'd pick David as the one most likely to bring
along such a teapot to the Clayart Room for the fun of it.
Joyce
In the Mojave
Alisa og Claus Clausen on thu 7 mar 02
I do not know if I am laughing or crying.
David reminded me of two additional miseries I have made in my teapots that
I forgot,
the ones that water comes out the spout as you fill it, sort of defeats the
drill,
and, the ones with openings too small to get your hand or a decent kitchen
brush down to clean out the guk.
There are a lot lot lot of technicalities to get a good teapot. I am
working them out.
It helps to laugh a little too at the bombers. I never knew how
ridiculously bad pots
I could make before I made teapots. regards from Alisa
F.Chapman Baudelot on fri 8 mar 02
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I love making teapots, although I am a coffee drinker. I prefer a teapot=20
that looks and behaves like a functional one, but that is my personal=20
opinion. I have yet to make one that entirely satisfies me, although that=
=20
goes for just about every other kind of pot. However, for the past 15=20
years or so, I have been glazing the inside of my teapots at the=20
leatherhard stage by pouring in a fairly small quantity of glaze, swirling=
=20
it around quickly and pouring it out through the spout. I glaze the=20
outside several hours later, or even when bone dry. If the pot does not=20
pour well right from the start, I alter the spout, make another one, or=20
scrap the whole teapot. However, I would not risk pouring glaze into a bone=
=20
dry teapot with the clay I used (Navajo Wheel ^6 with NO chamote/a) It=20
would absorb to much water and deform or collapse. Other clays might=20
support this treatment, but not mine. I would not test an unfired teapot=20
using water instead of fairly thick glaze. That would be asking for=20
trouble. In other words, what I do can only be done by potters who single=20
fire, which I do not think is Alisa's case.
Fran=E7oise in Spain still waiting for kiln furniture to arrive 'ma=F1ana'=
=20
which now means Monday at the earliest :( Will I ever get to fire that=20
diesel kiln?
http://indalopottery.tripod.com/fenix.html
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Karin Hurt on wed 4 feb 04
I may be a little late with this and don't know of any teapot site, =
however, in the book by Daryl E. Baird "The Extruder Book:", page 114 =
to 121 you will find some wonderful teapots.
Karin
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
http://www.laughingbearpottery.com
Long live the weeds and the wilderness.=20
(Edward Abbey)
Joyce Lee on sun 18 jul 04
Mel tells us, correctly in my opinion, that a
working teapot is a joy to use. Indeed.
However, I still have my first teapot ever created
by me. Now that the DSL seems to be installed
correctly (finally) I'll start on my new digital
camera and will offer pictures, to those who
ask, of my Most
Precious teapot ..... where EVERY single=20
point of functionality is a disaster ..... but is so
sweet that I won't hammer it ..... never will.
Describing that teapot is much like describing
myself. The lid has no means of holding on
when the pot is tilted; the spout is dumpy and
oddly shapened; the handle...... ah, the handle......
one can only laugh (and many do, or at least
smile at its audaciousness when it has NO
substance); the body is way too heavy and
clunky; it obviously thinks being salt-fired makes
up for its little similarity to a Mel's Working
Teapot; decorated crudely with celadon glaze
(never had heard of slip nor underglaze); the
lower half was soooo squarish ... like a block
of clay..... that I trimmed and trimmed and
trimmed..... and still it's heavy.
I've taken it along to the few shows I've done......
and have been offered several times more money
than any of my other pots bring ... even after
explaining all its poor faults..... especially after
explaining all its poor faults. No Sale. We'll
stick together til' the end.
Joyce
In the Mojave where Darling Rebel has gone to live in
another Happy Home ... one where its very
presence
doesn't make little westies sick at heart and
body. It was a privilege to know him. I'll visit a
time or two (since I've been invited) but it'll not
be the same, nor would I want it to be. =20
Nancy Udell on wed 10 nov 04
Graham - the teapots are beautiful and whimsical (not always an easy
combination of qualities). Love what you've done. Congratulations on
your diploma.
Nancy
Date: Tue, 9 Nov 2004 23:55:10 +1100
From: Graham & Rose Mercer
Subject: Teapots added to website
Hi all, I have just completed my Diploma of Art (Ceramics) and our =
Graduate Exhibition is being held next week here in Melbourne. If you =
would like to have a look at my assessment submission I have just added
= it to the gallery section of my website. The body of work is titled =
'Novelteas' and consists of a set of teapots incorporating a =
play-on-words to create a range of functional and/or sculptural pieces =
to make you smile. Enjoy! Cheers Graham Mercer Melbourne, Australia
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~roseandgraham/index.html
-----------------------------
Ivor and Olive Lewis on wed 15 dec 04
November CM in PO box 70 this morning.
Now how many holes are there in the strainer of that Cover Tea Pot ? Nor =
is there a scrotum on sight.
Looks like someone is challenging Tony C for "Mine are bigger than =
yours" prize.
Best regards to all with Good Wishes for a Happy Festive Season and a =
Prosperous New Year.
Ivor Lewis.
Redhill,
S. Australia.
Dan Dermer on wed 26 jan 05
Teapots are definitely satisfying forms to make, especially when the
proportions are workin'! I make a tea set for every kiln load. I'm lucky
to sell one or two per show, but they all eventually sell. It's a common
wedding gift item.
Also, the way I stack my kiln... the teapot and cups get a sweet spot near
the center of the kiln, center of the shelves. Always get nice results, so
keep on making them...!
Finally, I think a nice-looking tea set catches customers' eyes... a focal
point in your display. The teapot looks elegant flanked by pairs of
matching teabowls on either side; customers pick up the teabowls (nice to
handle), check that the lid of the teapot actually fits (why do they do
that??) -- the entire set is usually one of the more "interactive" parts of
my show display...!
What do others think about teapot and teabowls being sold separately, or
together as a set??
-Dan
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/ddermer
Ilene wrote:
-- All this talk about teapots... do you all sell a
-- bunch of them or is it a romance with creativity
-- and a beautiful vessel?
ilene richardson on wed 26 jan 05
All this talk about teapots... do you all sell a bunch of them or is it =
a romance with creativity and a beautiful vessel?
Ilene
Richard Aerni on wed 26 jan 05
On Wed, 26 Jan 2005 17:01:41 -0500, ilene richardson
wrote:
>All this talk about teapots... do you all sell a bunch of them or is it a
romance with creativity and a beautiful vessel?
>
Eileen,
I can't say about others, but I sell a few of them. I make them because I
enjoy blend of form and function, the challenge of producing ones that
function superbly, and well, because they are something that potters make.
Unfortunately, they are an item that most households have in abundance
(unless the owners are teapot collectors), such as bowls, plates, vases,
etc., and so I tend to sell fewer of them than other items.
I would be curious to hear from others who sell functional items for a living.
Best,
Richard Aerni
Rochester, NY
Paul Herman on wed 26 jan 05
Hello Ilene,
I make teapots for every firing. They sell slowly but steadily.
Thinking about it, I guess it's just because I like teapots. There's a
challange in design, and putting all those parts together to make it
good. And don't you just love tea?
So I guess it's mostly romance, beauty and that stuff.
Consider the context in which a teapot is used.
A teapot is a very personal thing. When making them I try to think about
their destination, on someone's table in the morning or afternoon.
People use their teapots during quiet times, at home. To me, that is
where the essence of functional pottery comes into play. And it's a
place where other art forms sometimes miss, that daily use and touch.
It can be a thing that offers grace and comfort in an insane world. It's
there when a friend visits, or when dawn breaks.
It's a good place to communicate through, a teapot. Endless
possibilities for subversion.*
good tea,
Paul Herman
Great Basin Pottery
Doyle, California US
http://www.greatbasinpottery.com/
*Quote for the day:
In individuals insanity is rare; But in groups, parties, nations and
epochs it is the rule.
Nietszhe
----------
>From: ilene richardson
>To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>Subject: teapots
>Date: Wed, Jan 26, 2005, 2:01 PM
>
> All this talk about teapots... do you all sell a bunch of them or is it a
> romance with creativity and a beautiful vessel?
>
>
>
> Ilene
Gaye Sekula on thu 27 jan 05
Dan,
I've not made any teapots to sell, but I can give you some feedback as a
consumer. I love collecting teapots, mugs and pitchers. I would buy a lone
teapot rather than a set. If a gift, I might consider a set, but I am personally
more of a one of a kind person.
Gaye
In a message dated 1/27/2005 6:51:22 AM Central Standard Time,
ddermer@SBCGLOBAL.NET writes:
What do others think about teapot and teabowls being sold separately, or
together as a set??
Eleanora Eden on sun 30 jan 05
Hi Richard and all,
I am selling more and more teapots. Clearly it is to teapot
collectors. I have way expanded my offerings on teapots to feed this
fancy. Price seems to not matter as much as for other pots.
Most people say they have no intention of using them, but they still
value the functionality and pay attention to details when I go
through the litany.
BTW I have been getting my teapots up off the table. Little pinched
feet, big tall legs, anything in between. So if it does get use it
can be perched on any surface safely. I think people like this a lot.
Eleanora
>On Wed, 26 Jan 2005 17:01:41 -0500, ilene richardson
>wrote:
>
>>All this talk about teapots... do you all sell a bunch of them or is it a
>romance with creativity and a beautiful vessel?
>>
>Eileen,
>I can't say about others, but I sell a few of them. I make them because I
>enjoy blend of form and function, the challenge of producing ones that
>function superbly, and well, because they are something that potters make.
>Unfortunately, they are an item that most households have in abundance
>(unless the owners are teapot collectors), such as bowls, plates, vases,
>etc., and so I tend to sell fewer of them than other items.
>I would be curious to hear from others who sell functional items for a living.
>Best,
>Richard Aerni
>Rochester, NY
>
>______________________________________________________________________________
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
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>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>melpots@pclink.com.
dannon rhudy on sun 30 jan 05
I find in regard to teapots that I sell quite a few, but that
much as I like to make them, the time involved makes them
more expensive than like-sized pieces. Folks seem to buy
them mainly as gifts, and generally want "matching" cups,
and/or a tray. I make a lot of small, one-person tea sets
with cup, tray, pot, creamer/sugar. I enjoyed them at first,
and still like the idea, but again - they are very time consuming to make.
I'm beginning to suspect that teapots
are like shino glazes - potters love them best.
regards
Dannon Rhudy
Geoffrey Barst on thu 17 feb 05
I am a transplanted Brit living in the USA for the past 25 years and
before that in Canada for 5 years, but still need my daily fix of English
tea. I love to make teapots & my house is full of them, but many do not
meet the practicality criteria for daily use. I make my tea by putting a
couple of two cup Yorkshire teabags (which I bring back in bulk from
England when I visit, & which are excellent padding for breakables in a
suitcase) in a preheated pot that holds 4 mugs of water & brew for 5 mins
using a tea cozy to keep the pot warm. That rules out a cane handle for
starters as it won't fit the cozy. Cane handles also feel unnatural to me
when pouring a heavy pot as one has to compensate for the weight without
much area to take the pressure from the hand. They look great though. The
artsy teapots I see often fall short in actual use because of a number of
design faults. Lids should be large enough so you can reach into the pot
for occasional cleaning and to make it easy to empty.(We British like to
rinse out the pot but feel that the buildup of tea & crud adds a measure
of taste to the tea). A steam hole not only helps the lid drop on but
stops the steam from blowing the tea out of the spout. The lid should be
able to stay in place without being held there while pouring the last drop
of tea, so needs to be deep enough to allow this. Pouring and stopping
cleanly without dribbling is of course essential and here the taper of the
spout is important. Bernoulli's Theorem, which is the principle behind the
lift generated by an aircraft wing, where the pressure above the wing
drops as the air has to flow faster to cover the greater distance over the
top of the wing, applies here. The flow rate increases as the liquid has
to pass through a narrower orifice, but the pressure drops if the taper of
the spout is correct, allowing a nice flow of tea. I often curve the very
tip of the spout downwards to prevent drips, and some people drill a tiny
hole through this point to help create a little suction to keep the tea
from dribbling. I haven't found that necessary. Another consideration is
that one should be able to fill the pot as full as you like without
risking tea coming out of the spout, so the lowest point of the spout
needs to be above the highest fill level. Handles need to be big enough to
allow the hand to stay clear of the hot pot while pouring and broad enough
for comfort. Finally, I like my pots to be able to rest upside down on a
draining board after rinsing & not topple over. These technical challenges
make the creation of a beautiful and yet practical teapot so rewarding for
me.
Geoff Barst
Stephen on sun 20 feb 05
I don't drink much tea but my wife, Nancy, does. She uses the biggest one I
have and drinks from the spout. Odd, but that's her way. I make 5-10.
teapots a year. I always have one or two sitting around. They usually work
really well because years ago I followed everything Michle Cardew wrote
about teapots in Pioneer Pottery and his methods are really sound. Mine do
not look like his, but they follow the basic principles towards functionallity.
Stephen
Eleanor on mon 20 feb 06
The Teapot Book by Steve Woodhead seems to have everything you need to
know about making teapots that work and look good too.
Around $32.00 from discount booksellers.
I was able to get a copy from the Library. It looked good; I'm planning
to buy it.
Eleanor Kohler
Centerport, NY
Bacia Edelman on sun 19 mar 06
Greetings:
There is a wonderful newsletter by Steve Goldate called
Ceramics Today. Since people call me a "teapot lady" which is far
from accurate, but I do make a lot of spouted vessels, I recommend
checking out Steve's newsletter.
I am not sure how I scrolled to it after reading a good piece on
our bud John Baymore and his woodfiring, but it was called "The History
of the Teapot." There was a lot more on tea and teapots.
Steve is suggesting donations for all his work, which is justified.
But have a look at it and you can subscribe if you wish.
BTW, the NCECA headcold in 2005 turned into pneumonia for me. I have the '06
cold now and have more time for the computer and less time for
my cool studio and I am advised to "take it easy!" Ugh.
Cheers,
Bacia
Bacia Edelman
Madison, Wisconsin
http://users.skynet.be/russel.fouts/bacia.htm
http://www.silverhawk.com/artisan/clay/edelman/index.html
Pat Southwood on sat 18 aug 07
hi,
This is a test post, I havn't been able to post since the crash, =
although have recieved some (but fewer) posts. Maybe others are =
recieving and not being able to post too??
Re teapots
www.norfolkmuseums.gov.uk
is the link you need Marcia, go to art collections -decorative arts - =
teapot collection.
It is at Norwich Castle Museum and is the biggest teapot collection in =
the world, so there should be some info there for you.
Pat Southwood
pat@southwood4.fsnet.co.uk
Jim Willett on sat 18 aug 07
On Sat, 18 Aug 2007 10:37:38 +0100, Pat Southwood
wrote:
>hi,
>This is a test post, I havn't been able to post since the crash, although
have recieved some (but fewer) posts. Maybe others are recieving and not
being able to post too??
>
>Re teapots
>www.norfolkmuseums.gov.uk
>is the link you need Marcia, go to art collections -decorative arts -
teapot collection.
Hi Pat your post came through fine but I think you scrambled the link.
This one may work better http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/
Jim
http://www.outofthefirestudio.com
Bill Merrill on mon 22 jun 09
Teapots that are traditionally used in the tea ceremony were cast iron
kettles. Clay teapots didn't show up until later in time. It seems
that Hamada was a Japanese potter that was introduced=3D20
to the teapot by Bernard Leach.
=3D20
To me good teapots have a form that when tilted to pour tea or hot water
pours into a vessel in a non dribbling stream and cuts off when tilted
back. The spout is crucial in the way it pours. Too thick of a=3D20
Lip and the fluid will drip over the end of the spout. Many potters
make the lip flat slightly and make it thin at the spout. Another thing
that I have seen potters do is to take a pencil and put a grove inside
the spout . That can cut of the pour of fluids sooner than if the grove
isn't there. If the spout is too small of a diameter at the pouring
lip, it can make for a geyser like pour. Leave the diameter a little
larger. The spouts need to be cut at an angle opposite to the direction
of the potters' wheel throwing direction. Spouts twist the opposite
direction as to the way they are thrown. The trick is to find out how
much the twist.
=3D20
Some potters punch or cutout holes in the body of the teapot to let the
tea thru. Others totally cut out the area where the spout and body
meet. Make the holes large enough so they won't plug up when glazing or
closing up during firing. I usually plugged up the holes with small
pieces of wax so there wasn't a chance for the holes to close.
=3D20
The lid is another thing to consider. How deep to make the lid sit?
What should the diameter of the opening be? What style of lid best suits
the Form, cap or recessed? How easy does the teapot pour with the lid
style you have chosen? What kind of handle is best suited for the
design of the body form? Pulled handles can be exquisite if one can
pull good handles (no rat tail handles)!
=3D20
Should the interior glaze be light or dark in color? I prefer white,
even if it eventually stains the interior of the teapot. =3D20
=3D20
Jim Flaherty made beautiful teapots! Dave Shaner made wonderful, quiet
forms. Look at his teapots, you won't be disappointed!!! They always
poured, so did Jims teapots. Jeff and Dave were the Resident Potters at
the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana in the late 60's. Jim
was a student of Ken Fergusons and then went to Alfred. Jim also made
very strong pitchers and they poured well. The spouts on pouring
vessels can be as simple as leaving the lip round. . That may pour as
well if not better than a pulled lip. If you haven't seen pots like
this look at the old English and Medieval beakers and drinking mugs. A
good book to look at is by Bernard Rackam called Medieval English
Pottery. Jeff Merrill is another potter that makes good, strong well
designed teapots, with clay handles . The handles and bodies work well
together as they should. Jeff was a student of Ken Ferguson also. John
Nickerson is another potter that makes strong pitchers and teapots!
There are many potters that make good teapots, you just need to look for
them!! Ellen Rankin is another potter that make good teapots......on
and on...
=3D20
Many potters just starting making pots always seem to want to make
plates and teapots before they can really control the clay. Repetition
is something a beginning potter should strive for. If there is no
consistency in their throwing, that is one of the first things they
should master. There are many things one doesn't want to do, but for the
most part that is exactly what a beginner needs to accomplish,
consistency and to develop a keen eye, for the teapot should not look
like a bunch of parts stuck together.
=3D20
Keep making pots, the best ones are still in you.
=3D20
Bill Merrill
=3D20
=3D20
=3D20
=3D20
=3D20
=3D20
=3D20
=3D20
=3D20
Lee Love on mon 22 jun 09
On Mon, Jun 22, 2009 at 2:07 PM, Bill Merrill wrote:
> Teapots that are traditionally used in the tea ceremony were cast iron
> kettles. =3DA0Clay teapots didn't show up until later in time. =3DA0It se=
ems
> that Hamada was a Japanese potter that was introduced
Hamada's first interest in Mashiko was when his Technical
College served him tea in a Mashiko teapot, like this one in the
Hamada museum:
http://members.shaw.ca/macsabalandkanayamatrip/largepics/005sr36.jpg
--
Lee Love, Minneapolis
"The tea ceremony bowl is the ceramic equivalent of a sonnet: a
small-scale, seemingly constricted form that challenges the artist to
go beyond mere technical virtuosity and find an approach that both
satisfies and transcends the conventions." -- Rob Sliberman
full essay: http://togeika.multiply.com/journal/item/273/
Shula on mon 22 jun 09
Hi Bill,
Do you know when the changeover occurred from cast iron to ceramic teapots =
in Japan? In the 80's, I traveled to Japan frequently for a business I had =
at the time. On one of my trips, I bought an old cast iron teapot that I fo=
und interesting (interesting texture). I'm wondering how old it might be.
Thanks
Shula
Desert Hot Springs, California USA
-----Original Message-----
>From: Bill Merrill
>
>Teapots that are traditionally used in the tea ceremony were cast iron
>kettles. Clay teapots didn't show up until later in time. It seems
>that Hamada was a Japanese potter that was introduced
>
>to the teapot by Bernard Leach.
Rimas VisGirda on tue 5 oct 10
Anyone interested in teapots and a bit of history, I am listing another tea=
pot exhibition poster on ebay. The poster has 101 thumbnails of teapots, a =
virtual who's who of the ceramic world circa 1995 and a great look at the w=
ork of prominent currently working potters. The listing will start Wed, 10/=
6, and will run for 7 days. Starting bid is $0.99 -cheap! If interested do =
a search for any combination of the words in the title: VINTAGE TEAPOT EXHI=
BITION POSTER CRAFT ALLIANCE.
REGARDS, -RIMAS
Taylor Hendrix on sat 11 aug 12
Who keeps saying I hate glazing?
I don't hate glazing. I love weighing out powders, mixing and sieving,
dipping and sponging, loading and unloading and chipping and chipping and
chipping and
Sorry about that. Doing my part to make teatime more civilized.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wirerabbit/
Taylor, in Rockport TX
wirerabbit1 on Skype (-0600 UTC)
http://wirerabbit.blogspot.com
http://wirerabbitpots.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wirerabbit/
https://youtube.com/thewirerabbit
Elizabeth Willoughby on sun 12 aug 12
Hey Taylor,
You DID made the cups and saucers and the teapots. Nice shapes, handles
too!
Thanks for posting the images.
Liz
from Brighton, Ontario, Canada
On Sat, Aug 11, 2012 at 5:45 PM, Taylor Hendrix wrot=
e:
> Who keeps saying I hate glazing?
>
> I don't hate glazing. I love weighing out powders, mixing and sieving,
> dipping and sponging, loading and unloading and chipping and chipping and
> chipping and
>
> Sorry about that. Doing my part to make teatime more civilized.
>
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/wirerabbit/
>
>
>
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