Sandy Miller on thu 23 nov 00
Ok, I can't stand it anymore. I came into clay through basketmaking. I
made baskets for years and sold them. I wanted to combine my love of the
two artforms of fiber and clay. I make handles out of reed, wicker, cane,
antlers, copper pipe, anything that will support the integrity of the
form!! If the handle doesn't compliment the form don't use it. Don't
limit yourself either. One of my favorite tasks in the studio is pulling
handles. The way your best tool (your hand) can manipulate the clay to be
flat or round or triangular is great. I pull 3-5 foot handles and place
them on the highest shelf in the studio. When they are leather hard I wrap
them in a damp rag and them roll them up in a drycleaner bag. Handles for
a week. Sometimes I look at the handle as a bridge that will tie the
entire form together. Can you get that form a bought cane handle, no. We
are all at differ in our abilities and vision. Be happy, go get dirty and
play!!
Sandy Miller
Paine Falls Pottery
where we are digging out of 18" of snow and gale force winds on the shores
of Lake Erie! Watched a bird get blown off the bird feeder yesterday!!
Fresh deer tracks in the new snow and nuthatches are having a field day in
the hemlock!
miriam on thu 23 nov 00
Sandy,
What's the trick to making 3-5 foot handles? How do you maintain the
continuous pull for a smooth handle? I'm 5'3". Are you standing on a
ladder? My curiosity is up!! Mimi in New Jersey
Sandy Miller wrote:
Don't
> limit yourself either. One of my favorite tasks in the studio is pulling
> handles. The way your best tool (your hand) can manipulate the clay to be
> flat or round or triangular is great. I pull 3-5 foot handles
>
Martin Howard on fri 24 nov 00
Miriam, the next problem is how to make pots suitable for a 3-5 foot
handles, how do you lift it, fire it and use it?
I am being asked to produce 3 foot high water containers, but will use lugs,
not handles. There's not sufficient space in the kiln.
Martin Howard
Webb's Cottage Pottery
Woolpits Road, Great Saling
BRAINTREE, Essex CM7 5DZ
England
martin@webbscottage.co.uk
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