Kit Shannon on tue 8 feb 00
I've been asked to make a dinnerware set for a friend.
He wants 12 place settings and insists that he only wants wood fired
pots.
He also says he wants all the serving dishes, platters, casseroles,
etc...
I've only been making pots for about 4 years now and I haven't done sets
very much, and this seems like a huge order so i am a little
intimidated...
I don't have my own studio so I'd have to do this in a community studio
and I work full time
so my studio time is limited. I don't even know how long this will take
me if I can only be in the studio 15-20 hrs a week...
I'm not sure how much extra to charge for wood fired pots
I would like to tell him I can't do this in the wood kiln, It just seems
like a lot more work.
I've been doing a lot of cone 6 glazing lately, but he's not excited
about it...
I have access to a bourry box(salt) and an olsen fastfire kiln.
I'd probably fire in the boury box to get better surface from the salt.
I'm concerned I might be taking on too much , especially since I had
planned on spending more time experimenting with some new ideas I have.
Does anyone have any advice or suggestions.
(I know dinnerware's been discussed recently but I couldn't find much in
the archives about woodfired dinnerware...)
Thanks
Kit
Andi Cody on tue 8 feb 00
Well, Kit, it sounds like if you decide to do the set for your friend you
may have your work cut out for you for the next several years! I have been
making pots for at least 6 years, and to do a dinnerware set (matching
sizes??) would still be quite difficult for me. I would imagine that you
would have to make many more than what he is ordering just in case you had
cracks or glaze problems, etc. This could take quite awhile, especially
since you have another full time job and don't have your own studio. You
would have to depend on the community studio for getting your pieces into
the firings without incident (i.e. breakage, etc) and how much space do
they have for large sets of ware like this? (I assume you would be firing a
few in many kiln loads for quite some time so as not to use up more space
in the kiln than your share). Sounds like a huge job to me. Maybe you
could try a few of the pieces just to see how it goes and then go from
there. Good luck if you decide to do it.
Andi in San Diego
At 01:31 PM 02/08/2000 EST, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>I've been asked to make a dinnerware set for a friend.
>He wants 12 place settings and insists that he only wants wood fired
>pots.
>He also says he wants all the serving dishes, platters, casseroles,
>etc...
>I've only been making pots for about 4 years now and I haven't done sets
>very much, and this seems like a huge order so i am a little
>intimidated...
>I don't have my own studio so I'd have to do this in a community studio
>and I work full time
>so my studio time is limited. I don't even know how long this will take
>me if I can only be in the studio 15-20 hrs a week...
>I'm not sure how much extra to charge for wood fired pots
>I would like to tell him I can't do this in the wood kiln, It just seems
>like a lot more work.
>I've been doing a lot of cone 6 glazing lately, but he's not excited
>about it...
>I have access to a bourry box(salt) and an olsen fastfire kiln.
>I'd probably fire in the boury box to get better surface from the salt.
>I'm concerned I might be taking on too much , especially since I had
>planned on spending more time experimenting with some new ideas I have.
>Does anyone have any advice or suggestions.
>(I know dinnerware's been discussed recently but I couldn't find much in
>the archives about woodfired dinnerware...)
>
>Thanks
>Kit
>
Mike Gordon on wed 9 feb 00
Without getting in too deep here I'd suggest ,that considering the
number of years experience you have and the things or ideas you would
rather explore in your limited time, I would decline the offer and do
your own thing. Doing place settings is a lot of work even for the
expierenced potter. Mike
Don Prey on wed 9 feb 00
In a message dated 2/8/2000 6:32:47 PM, fnkms@aurora.uaf.edu writes:
<< Does anyone have any advice or suggestions. >>
Kit,
My advice and suggestion is: don't do it. Given your circumstances, there
is a good chance you would find an order like this to be a pain. You may end
up loosing your equilibrium and your friend. I think many seasoned
production potters would think twice about taking on an order with these
conditions. On the other hand, it could also be a great "learning
experience". I guess it depends on how you really want to spend the next six
months of your clay time.
Don Prey in Oregon
Steve Dalton on wed 9 feb 00
Kit,
Did your friend have a time restraint on their order?
If they did/didn't, just explain to them that at this moment
it would be a huge undertaking and tell them about your
limited time in the studio. Also explain about your wanting
to expierement and that maybe with more practice on your
part you can fulfill their request beyond their expectations.
Think of it as a wine, the longer it ages...the better it gets.
I'm sure your friend will understand.
If you're still wanting to do it...throw all of the dinner plates
as a batch, make sure you make extra. Just continue with making
all of the items in batches. When you're done with a batch, work
on your own ideas. It might take you a while to do it, but you're
gaining throwing time expierence.
Time taken that will vary...my average for a thrown plate has been
about 5-6 minutes each. It might be slow, but I'll run my rib over the
deck twice, once after I open and then again when I finished the rim.
Hope this helps
Steve Dalton
----------
> From: Kit Shannon
> To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
> Subject: woodfired dinnerware
> Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2000 13:31:16 EST
>
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>I've been asked to make a dinnerware set for a friend.
>He wants 12 place settings and insists that he only wants wood fired
>pots.
>He also says he wants all the serving dishes, platters, casseroles,
>etc...
>I've only been making pots for about 4 years now and I haven't done sets
>very much, and this seems like a huge order so i am a little
>intimidated...
>I don't have my own studio so I'd have to do this in a community studio
>and I work full time
>so my studio time is limited. I don't even know how long this will take
>me if I can only be in the studio 15-20 hrs a week...
>I'm not sure how much extra to charge for wood fired pots
>I would like to tell him I can't do this in the wood kiln, It just seems
>like a lot more work.
>I've been doing a lot of cone 6 glazing lately, but he's not excited
>about it...
>I have access to a bourry box(salt) and an olsen fastfire kiln.
>I'd probably fire in the boury box to get better surface from the salt.
>I'm concerned I might be taking on too much , especially since I had
>planned on spending more time experimenting with some new ideas I have.
>Does anyone have any advice or suggestions.
>(I know dinnerware's been discussed recently but I couldn't find much in
>the archives about woodfired dinnerware...)
>
>Thanks
>Kit
Emily Muench on wed 9 feb 00
That is an unrealistic request since you are working in a studio situation
where you share kiln space with others........when I'm asked to do such work,
I truthfully tell the customer they wouldn't be able to afford
it........there are many potters in the country who may already have
woodfired dinnerware in their inventory. I'm sure ClayArt would help him/her
connect. It is the most frustrating job to complete such a request unless
dinnerware is something you do well. Over the years I have learned that
commission work is not something I enjoy, so I avoid it by helping the
customer find a potter who really does what the customer wants. That way
everyone's happy!!! Em
Chris Campbell on wed 9 feb 00
Kit -
Wow ! This is a huge job for a part time potter and even for a full time
"young" potter. I mean 'young' in experience, not necessarily in years. If
learning how to make matching sets of dishes was the part of the Craft you
wanted to master, this would be an excellent opportunity. Also, if you wanted
to learn about wood firing. But I hear you saying that this is not the next
thing you want to do, and this is very important as it will be a long and
frustrating job.
Every firing will produce unique results and if you have to spread this
job over the year it is not likely that the dishes will "match". Also, you
will be getting better and the ware will be changing as you learn. Watching
yourself progress and improve is only fun when you don't have the constant
pressure of a customer to please. And, does this customer really understand
what he is asking for ? Does he have any idea of how much of your time and
energy he is asking for?
. People always have great ideas for things you should be doing. There is
probably not one potter on the list who hasn't had a friend say - "You could
do that!!" Yeah Right - if I was willing to dedicate years of my life to
learning how. They don't appreciate how difficult the Craft is to master.
One of the things I have learned the hard way is that sometimes you have
to say NO without really saying no. "I would love to do that but"..... or
..."Let me give you the name of someone who is fabulous at doing that" ....
or ... "It's not what I do, but it is a great idea".
If you decide to try, I would suggest starting with the serving pieces
such as casseroles and bowls. That way the matching aspect is not so extreme
and if the customer does not like it you can always sell them elsewhere.
But remember that you have to take care of the creative part of you.
Don't get bogged down somewhere you don't want to be. In your busy life,
pottery should be the fun part not an added frustration.
Chris - in Carolina
Pat Colyar on wed 9 feb 00
Kit:
As Dear Abby would say, I think you've already answered your own
question...Sounds to me like way more than you're ready to take on at
this point. It's important for you to focus on what you're really
interested in; if it's Cone 6 right now, respect that.
If you really are interested in wood-fire, I would suggest offering
this guy some smaller part of what he would like, say, a set of soup
bowls. Complete that, see how it went, see if you feel like you got paid
fairly for your time, then maybe commit for another type of piece. There
are so many variables in wood-firing, good luck on getting a set.
Are you the kind of person who has trouble saying no? What's more
important, making this guy happy or pursuing what you truly want to do?
Speaking as someone who has battled for years trying to balance other
peoples' needs with my own, I would say take a long, hard look at
whether this project fits in with what you want. I believe you've
already said, no, it doesn't.
Good luck!
Pat Colyar in Gold Bar, who's jealous that you have a choice of
woodfired kilns!
Jeri Palmer on thu 10 feb 00
I think we have all been asked that by an enthusiastic friend. My answer is:
sure I can make you a set of dishes. Do you have $1500 and 2 years? I agree
with Chris Campbell, Folks don't always understand what they are asking for.
But I think you should consider the request as a compliment. After all, you
did make it look easy. Jeri
Ray Aldridge on thu 10 feb 00
At 02:22 PM 2/9/00 EST, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Kit -
>
> Wow ! This is a huge job for a part time potter and even for a full time
>"young" potter.
(snip)
>
> One of the things I have learned the hard way is that sometimes you have
>to say NO without really saying no. "I would love to do that but"..... or
>..."Let me give you the name of someone who is fabulous at doing that" ....
>or ... "It's not what I do, but it is a great idea".
>
I think if I were in this position, I'd solve the problem by naming a
realistic price for the settings. That ought to discourage the friend,
especially if you were to ask for a substantial deposit, which is reasonable.
The friend might decide Dansk wasn't so bad after all.
Ray
Aldridge Porcelain and Stoneware
http://www.goodpots.com
elizabeth priddy on thu 10 feb 00
Tell him "no, I can't do that for you.
I hope you can find someone who can.
If I hear of anyone with the means and
the time, I'll give them your name."
Don't ake on work you don't want to do
for whatever reason!!
---
Elizabeth Priddy
email: epriddy@usa.net
http://www.angelfire.com/nc/clayworkshop
Clay: 12,000 yrs and still fresh!
On Tue, 8 Feb 2000 13:31:16 Kit Shannon wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>I've been asked to make a dinnerware set for a friend.
>He wants 12 place settings and insists that he only wants wood fired
>pots.
>He also says he wants all the serving dishes, platters, casseroles,
>etc...
>I've only been making pots for about 4 years now and I haven't done sets
>very much, and this seems like a huge order so i am a little
>intimidated...
>I don't have my own studio so I'd have to do this in a community studio
>and I work full time
>so my studio time is limited. I don't even know how long this will take
>me if I can only be in the studio 15-20 hrs a week...
>I'm not sure how much extra to charge for wood fired pots
>I would like to tell him I can't do this in the wood kiln, It just seems
>like a lot more work.
>I've been doing a lot of cone 6 glazing lately, but he's not excited
>about it...
>I have access to a bourry box(salt) and an olsen fastfire kiln.
>I'd probably fire in the boury box to get better surface from the salt.
>I'm concerned I might be taking on too much , especially since I had
>planned on spending more time experimenting with some new ideas I have.
>Does anyone have any advice or suggestions.
>(I know dinnerware's been discussed recently but I couldn't find much in
>the archives about woodfired dinnerware...)
>
>Thanks
>Kit
>
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