Cantello Studios on fri 21 jun 02
My husband has tried 3 times to have an apprentice. He just couldn't do it.
It came down to a few things. 1) He didn't like sharing his studio space.
2) He couldn't freely work whenever he wanted to, if he changed his mind
about being in the studio, but had told the apprentice to be there at a
certain time he was committed. 3) He didn't like having them throw for him,
even if he trimmed and glazed the pieces. He felt like he was cheating the
consumer, as he didn't make it start to finish. 4) He felt obligated to
teach them and it took time away from his work. IMHO he is just a one-man
operation with me as his help only. He likes sharing his knowledge with
newbie potters but needs to do it when he feels like it and when another
person is involved where there is an agreement of give and take. It got to
stressful. Currently Chris is working on building a grape arbor and bocce
ball court in our yard and swimming with our boys. If he had an apprentice
he would feel obligated to be in the studio all the time, and that just
doesn't work. Isn't life grand? When you can go to work in your swim
trunks, jump into the pool after you pull a load of pots out from a raku
kiln when it's 100 degrees out. Just my 2 cents...
Tracy - the other half of Cantellostudios.com
p.s. Glad to know we aren't the only ones that have websites that are not
updated. David H. is our hero!
Steve Dalton on fri 21 jun 02
Greetings,
Last night I was asked if I would be willing to take on an apprentice. I
told the person asking that I will consider this and let them know next
week. Here's what I'm asking...How many Clay Arters or potters you might
know have apprentices? How did you set this up? Also, What do you expect
from them and what do they expect from you? One more, probably the main
issue, how is it working out?
--
Steve Dalton
Clear Creek Pottery
Snohomish, Wa
sdpotter@gte.net
Tony Ferguson on fri 21 jun 02
Steve,
I have my first apprentice now. She is great, a hard worker, does what I
ask her to do: make glaze tests, clean studio, help fire the wood kiln. In
exchange, she gets studio time, my undying discourse (make sure patience is
somewhat learned) and my knowledge. So far, it is working out very well as
she feels she has something to learn from even though she doesn't like
shino!
Thank you.
Tony Ferguson
Stoneware, Porcelain, Raku
www.aquariusartgallery.com
218-727-6339
315 N. Lake Ave
Apt 312
Duluth, MN 55806
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Dalton"
To:
Sent: Friday, June 21, 2002 8:30 AM
Subject: An Apprentice
> Greetings,
>
> Last night I was asked if I would be willing to take on an apprentice. I
> told the person asking that I will consider this and let them know next
> week. Here's what I'm asking...How many Clay Arters or potters you might
> know have apprentices? How did you set this up? Also, What do you expect
> from them and what do they expect from you? One more, probably the main
> issue, how is it working out?
> --
> Steve Dalton
> Clear Creek Pottery
> Snohomish, Wa
> sdpotter@gte.net
>
>
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Jeremy McLeod on fri 21 jun 02
Steve Dalton wrote:
> Here's what I'm asking...How many Clay Arters or potters you might
> know have apprentices? How did you set this up? Also, What do you expect
> from them and what do they expect from you? One more, probably the main
> issue, how is it working out?
Somehow this question and the thread about "what to pay for studio space"
are related for me. I'll not want "an apprentice", but I do aspire to sharing
my studio with an assistant who will provide basic housekeeping energy
for the whole of the studio in return for use of part of it and some discounted
use of kilns. Were I a production potter with tasks that could be delegated
to "an apprentice" I'd consider doing that, making clear to both of us which
tasks are part of the apprenticeship ("job description") and how much
time/space/material can be dedicated to the apprentice's own work.
Jeremy McLeod
OWLPOTTER@AOL.COM on sat 22 jun 02
You will probably get a variety of advice on this subject. I've had several
apprentices off and on over the years, each one an individual and the
experience and the outcome varied as much as they did.
My personal advice is: if you've never had an apprentice, think about your
physical and personal space. Are you ready to share your space, resources,
time and energy?
No matter if the apprentice is an experienced clay person or has never
touched clay before, there will be a learning curve involved.
Do not take on an apprentice unless you have extra time right then for
instructing.
Do not take on an apprentice if you aren't organized.
If you decide to take on an apprentice, both of you should write down a list
what each of you expect to gain from the relationship. This is an important
step. Compare lists! (Be very detailed, this is when you should have written
down how much kiln space and freedom to use your studio in exchange for the
list of what you expect the apprentice to do for you.) Make changes and make
one list that you both think you can work with.
(I am assuming there will be no monetary exchange. )
Set a date to review the lists after one month with the reality of the
relationship. Take the time to talk about it with each other in a formal
setting (not during the actual time you are working together) - make changes
to the lists - discuss if both sets of needs are really being met. Set a
date for the next formal sit-down.
Take a look at their car (transportation) - will they be able to get to your
studio on a dependable basis.
Good luck!
-Carolynn Palmer, Somerset Center, Michigan
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