Ellen Currans on mon 29 nov 04
Dear Kate,
It takes a while to build up your stock of molds. I'm thrilled for the
whole day when I find a form I've been looking for. In your case, a second
casserole so you can do both sides at once. I do some 13 inch platters with handles
which are finished on the wheel, and I now have 14 metal trays all the same
for that piece. That means I can do "production" platters. Other pieces I
have only one of, and if they are good sellers, I have to make one every other
day until I have the number I need for a sale.
Not all your forms have to be cheap. Think of it this way. I have paid as
much as $80 for a 28 inch long oval aluminum, very plain bowl. I sell the
piece I make from it for $65. The first two I made more than paid for the form,
and after that it was free.
I've used that piece for over 8 years and sell 3 or 4 at every sale. Since
most of my work is not large, it adds variety to the selection I can offer.
You might even just go buy the casserole you need in a kitchen store. I
think I have seen some very nice plain oval bakers without rims that remind me of
redware forms.
I'm not familiar with Armor-all, but I've used WD-40 for about l5 years. It
doesn't effect the glaze in any way, in fact it just seems to disappear when
drying, and certainly in the bisque fire. I throw trimming scraps, which may
have been in contact with the Wd-40 right back into a scrap bucket to re-pug.
I also use WD-40 on all the little things I use to make impressions in the
clay - buttons, metal stamps, rubber stamps, bisque stamps. Whatever you want
not to stick to the clay. I have a small
bowl with a piece of sponge rubber in it that I keep damp with WD-40. I
guess I don't even notice any smell to it anymore. If you don't spray it, it is
not in the air. I keep my WD-40 in a small plastic bottle like the ones used
to apply hair color like a slip trailor.) Just dab on a bit of WD-40 and
spread it around with a foam brush. Too much and your clay will slip off the form
(especially glass). Too little and where it is bare it will stick. I've tried
green soap and Pam and neither work as well for me.
I use very thin drop cloth plastic cut in 2 ft. squares to help firm the clay
into or over the form. Even with very fine embossed textures. you can press
the clay into the form with a soft dry yellow sponge through the plastic
without distorting or smearing any patterns. Guess that wouldn't be very 18th
century for your demo's, would it?
Just realized that much of what we use today was not available even 100 years
ago.
How fortunate we are to have the tools and materials we do have. How
inspiring it is to think of the great pots made for centuries with just the basic
clay, hands and fire.
Yours,
Ellen Currans
In Dundee Oregon,
Where we have access to over 21 Good Will stores within driving distance in
the North Willamette Valley. My idea of an after-show treat is to go wandering
through as many as I can. I'm doing my bit for saving the Landfills.
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