Mike Gordon on wed 11 jan 06
Gayle wrote
So here's what I'm thinking.... If you can make pieces consistently with
B-Mix you can do anything..well, perhaps not climb Mt. Everest.. Ok.
nearly
anything!
So my theory which is mine is that "it would seem that B-Mix is a great
teaching tool!"
It builds fortitude, persistence in often futile exercises, promotes
join
expertise,
stamina and stubbornness.
Don't forget "frustration".! , Gayle, I taught high school ceramics
for 27yrs. and I can't think of a worse clay to start beginners out
with than B-Mix. My theory as a teacher was / is to get good results
ASAP with as little frustration as possible. Repeat, repeat, repeat. I
demo'd with it and some kids that were proficient at throwing the
basics tried it. 90% of those that tried it hated it, those that "got
it" loved it and never went back to the Soldate 60, that was the class
clay. They put up with cleaning the wedging table where they would
prepare their clay, clean water, sponge, etc. I am trying to use up the
last of the B-Mix I had so I threw some small pots yesterday with it.
It feels sooo nice in your hands, a pain to trim & dry. It reminds me
of Playdoe. If you lived closer I'd give all I have to you. My hat is
off to Gayle & all who throw with B-mix or porcelain, I don't know how
you do it. I have no patience. I admit it. Well I do....or I wouldn't
have lasted 27 yrs. teaching, but not for that clay. As I was
throwing I thought to myself that if I had a pugmill I would experiment
mixing Soldate & B-Mix together, see what would happen. Well so much
for my rant on B-Mix. Remember folks .... this is just my 2 cents worth
on this clay and my teaching methods, and in no way should be construed
as an attack on Gayle and her ideas. :-) Mike Gordon
| |
|
