Mary Meyers on wed 9 mar 05
As a novice potter I can see and feel my improvement each day on the =
wheel. That being said I am satisfied with my progress in that area, but =
not in the final firing as to glaze appearance.
I have not ventured into mixing my own glazes so my frustration is with =
purchased glazes and how one piece will turn our as expected and another =
will not.
Black, white or clear seem to be the most consistent, but not satisfied =
with my over glaze attempts and would appreciate any input and advice =
from the list.
Mary Meyers
pottery_lady@sbcglobal.net
David Woof on sat 12 mar 05
Mary, one can read books, ask questions, and collect all this expert
advice that just adds to our beginners confusion until we just get in there
and do it till it begins to make sense. once we get to that point, our
questions become more specific and we recognize answers and solutions that
apply to our needs.
here is an exercise to get started, if you work on the wheel, take 30 half
pound balls of clay and throw 30 shallow bowls in 0ne half hour, by the
clock. Or throw 30 quarter pound bowls "off the hump".
if you hand build, press mold using some small walmart plastic bowls.
don't be over concerned with form.... this exercise will develope your
throwing skills and an all important far reaching clay working attitude,
form will follow in due course.
you will, with an economy of effort and time produce 30 bowls you can use to
try glaze application techniques; dipping, pouring, brushing, spraying,
compatability of differing glazes, layering combinations, thick/thin
glazes, wax resist, scraffito and anything you can imagine. you can go
wild, they are "just test bowls". don't censor your ideas, and do take
notes. imprint a number on each bowl for records. you will begin to
develope a glaze testing routine and file that will serve you well thru your
years.
It is so for most of us that our throwing and glazeing abilities improve
together, so we fall out of love with most of our first attempts as we
continue. developeing this attitude early; that the mission to become an
accomplished clay artist/studio potter is more important than any one pot or
glaze attempt makes it easier to "sacrifice" these little mud treasures for
that greater good. It's tuition Mary , paying our dues, and the rewards
never cease as we watch ourselves develope over the years.
I take pride in my "waster" shard pile, never sell seconds, and have taken
a small bucket of shards with me each time I've moved my studio as "starter"
for the next shard pile. birthing and dying are both to be ackowledged
equals.
Primalmommy just mentioned the spectrum of differing opinions and methods
found on clayart posts and how confusing this can be to a beginner. actually
this can be translated to mean there are no absolutes to hang onto, total
freedom is scary stuff, but out there on those wild and crumbly edges are
where all the new and magical treasures are waiting, you will join the
inquisitive who trust their "nine lives". Holding on to this trust like a
favorite and well worn tool they go for it.
Love to see you bring something back to share.
David Woof
if one is to discover new and exotic lands, there must be a willingness to
leave familiar shores in the face of undetermined time, distance, and
hardships.
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