Cantello Studios on thu 1 feb 01
I have a new apprentice and I would like to ask you all to respond to the
question. How to work and apprentice fairly?
When I apprentice to a potter I was already capable of throwing any thing he
asked for, and he paid me 10% of his retail price
off the wheel head. This was a standard then and still is I think. But was
this really an apprenticeship I was doing?
I was more of a production potter getting paid to do wheel work. I would
like to know if there is a standard work direction or path
that most of you use to work apprentice. And if not? Can we talk this
through a bit? Thank You Chris
NLudd@AOL.COM on fri 2 feb 01
Chris asked about standards for taking on an apprentice in the pottery,
and what is fair.
I think the standard is this: on a goodwill basis - or no deal - keen
apprentice works butt off, learns, makes valued contribution. In
return, he or she gets room and board and a practical pottery education
they can build their career on. And - let's not forget the adage about
all work and no play... enjoy yourselves.
If no r&b is available, the potter may pay an allowance in lieu. It's a
partnership of trust. Economically, they meet each other halfway. But
it's not about economics at all. It's more about love. Something
special is being born in this relationship of potter and apprentice,
something of spirit and heart, so put your best self into it and care
for each other.
I apprenticed for two potters in southern England after a four year
course at artschool. At the first pottery I joined the potter's family,
receiving room and board. At the second I received 15 pounds sterling
per week, but only because r and b was not available. That allowance
was about half the minimum wage, and exactly matched my rent. I coughed
up the extra needed to keep food on the table, for clothing and
transportation, etc.
By the time my 16 month apprenticeship was over I was an accomplished
thrower, and soon enough as a journeyman I made up the money I'd
forgone.
I learned not just about pottery but of the importance of how we treat
each other too. Potters who are very accomplished and widely recognised
may be bad masters. And some potters of less renown can be
excellent mentors. It's related to that quality called Character.
If you can't be happy at the thought of your apprentice eventually excelling
you, don't take one on. But if you can be, that's a good sign.
Another good sign - you are asking for advice!
best
Ned
Chris Cantello wrote
> I have a new apprentice and I would like to ask you all to respond to
> the question. How to work and apprentice fairly? When I apprentice to a
> potter I was already capable of throwing any thing he asked for, and he
> paid me 10% of his retail price off the wheel head. This was a standard
> then and still is I think. But was this really an apprenticeship I was
> doing? I was more of a production potter getting paid to do wheel work.
> I would like to know if there is a standard work direction or path that
> most of you use to work apprentice. And if not? Can we talk this through
> a bit? Thank You Chris
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