Rod, Marian, and Holly Morris on sun 9 apr 00
Can't recommend the slab roller for beginners. a) using the machine does not
get the student into the clay and its characteristics, and b) the perfect
result suggests to them a perfect product, which they will not be able to
achieve in the beginning. . I made the mistake of offering the slab roller
for beginners, and it led to quite a bit of frustration on their parts. That
big slab is so uninspiring of anything except square forms- hard to
accomplish. BUT, hand rolled or tossed slabs are different. It leads to a
different experience and invites more fun with the hump and slump molds.
Just a thought.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Schafale"
To:
Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2000 1:31 PM
Subject: teaching a 6-week class -- responses
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> In the spirit of my own plea for summaries of off-list posts, here's
> the summary of what I heard on the topic of how to teach a 6-week,
> a little of everything class. Lots of people said it was impossible,
> then very kindly instructed me on how to do it.
>
> Most people agreed that it was best to start with hand-building,
> then go on to the wheel, at which point some of the class probably
> would be entranced with handbuilding and wouldn't be competing
> for the limited wheels. Several mentioned the usefulness of having
> detailed handouts that would help people work more independently
> on handbuilding projects while I work with a subgroup on the wheel.
>
> Any suggestions for simple but interesting hand-building projects?
> I am not a hand-builder, and am least comfortable with this part of
> the class. We will have access to a slabroller and extruder.
>
> Thanks to all for your generous suggestions and offers of help.
>
> Chris
> Light One Candle Pottery
> Fuquay-Varina, NC
> candle@intrex.net
> http://www.lightonecandle.com
>
NakedClay@aol.com on mon 10 apr 00
In a message dated 4/9/00 5:54:47 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
morris3@northlink.net writes:
> Any suggestions for simple but interesting hand-building projects?
> > I am not a hand-builder, and am least comfortable with this part of
> > the class. We will have access to a slabroller and extruder.
> >
> > Thanks to all for your generous suggestions and offers of help.
=========================
Chris,
My thought for you is to "pre-roll" some slabs, for the class to use. In
other words, prior to a class, make enough rolled slabs, for the handbuilders
to use, to make tiles, square pots or boxes, etc. Perhaps one or two of the
students could be shown how to use the slab-roller, to help you prepare for
the class.
I was a volunteer instructional assistant for Laney College, in Oakland, CA,
a few years ago. Since I was one of few hand-builders in the studio, I
started the first classes with pinch-pots, then hand-made coils, then
slab-rolled pieces. Of course, we had more than six weeks to do this, but I
think your students will benefit from a gradual transition from simple to
more complex.
I always had volunteers help prepare for a day's class. Don't be afraid to
ask for help. Chances are good, that by helping you with the preparations, a
student or two to have a little more time to learn about clay.
Best wishes!
Milton NakedClay@AOL.COM
The moon, and the planets are preparing for their line up tommorow--it's out
there in the sky tonight!
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