Paul Harshman on tue 7 feb 06
Hello All,
I spent this past week end attending a demo/workshop by Tony Clennell. It
was presented at the MudFire Ceramic's center in Atlanta, GA. MudFire is a
fully-equipped clay studio for potters and clay sculptors of all
backgrounds. They have 7,500 square feet of studio, teachers, tools, kilns,
and workshop room. Later in the week I'll try to get some pictures posted.
Luba & Eric went out of their way to be outstanding host's for the workshop.=
When I arrived Saturday morning (there had been an open house Friday night
with food, slides and a grand time was had by all I'd told.) Anyway, water,
sodas, coffee, fresh strawberries, buns, etc, etc. were available. After
getting seated and signed in, Tony started the class by introducing himself,=
and giving us a overview of what was to come.
Tony's good friend, Ron Meyers (a Canadian national treasure) spent all of
Saturday, and a good part of Sunday working at a second wheel demonstrating
his style of work. He and Tony kept up a good natured banter about the
other's style. Between the two of them so much was going on, it was hard at
times making notes and keeping up with what Tony plus Ron wanted to teach
us. (I=E2=80=99d do it again in a second)
Tony worked at showing us his methods of making large pots from three or
more pieces. On Saturday he would have parts of two or more vases in
process, then parts of casseroles, tureens, cups, bowls, while at the same
time verbalizing what he was doing, answering questions and as the class
warmed up to him, bantering with students, defending himself when Ron would
give him what for.. & provoking Ron by teasing about his style from time to
time, the class got into the spirit of the event and started sharing tips
and shortcuts that they have discovered in their journey as potters with one=
another and Tony. There was one time when Tony stopped, asked a question
about a suggested technique, tried it and thanked the student for the
suggestion stating he had never thought of it.
Tony had gotten to the studio early to have some parts of each type of large=
pottery thrown and drying. It was a good thing for the Georgia weather would=
have been a problem due to the dampness. On Sunday, Tony & Ron assembled the=
pieces they had started Saturday. Tony finished his tea pot with a
outstanding spout(made a way I'd not seen before.) and pulled handles of
several types for the pottery created to date.One of the vases/jug is a new
type Tony is developing for his large pot line.
Ron finished all the pieces he had worked on, said good-bye and quietly
slipped out. This was my first workshop/demo and I told Tony at the end of
it that he and Rod had created a workshop junkie of me ;^) .
The workshop evolved into a fast paced, learning event in which no one could=
have left without learning several things. The pieces Tony threw ranged from=
10 to 15lbs per sub-assembly for the larger pieces and smaller amounts of
clay for his tea and rice bowls and tea pot. He stated he's now making and
selling pottery of 65lbs and larger and feeling rejuvenated with the changes=
he's making in his line of pottery. He was asked how his and Sheila=E2=80=99=
s styles
fit together. he described Sheila=E2=80=99s style and described their way of=
supporting one another. He used a term "joined at the hip" to indicate how
close they are, and told us how much Sheila means to him.
The class consisted of 39 people, a few more women then men. All got along
with Tony and Ron. Tony has a good sense of humor and takes it as well as he=
gives it out. I really enjoyed the workshop and asked Tony if he had any
week or longer hands on workshops scheduled in the U.S. Tony said not at
this time, although he wouldn't mind being asked. Tony's workshop has
something to offer to potters in all stages of their journey. This has
turned out to be much longer than planned, I hope it's OK. The usual
disclaimers apply
Paul
Peter Coates on wed 1 mar 06
Hey Folks.
Just wanted to report to ya about the Tony Clennel workshop we had at
the City Arts Center here in Oklahoma City.
It was a big a hit!
What an interesting man. He talks the talk and he pots the pots.
The workshop really was great,and a profound experience for me.
I've put some photo's of the workshop on Flickr
www.flickr.com/photos/okieclay/
Check them out...
Peter Coates
City Arts Center
Oklahoma City, Ok
www.cityartscenter.org
Bob Hanlin on sun 5 mar 06
Peter:
I had a great time at the workshop. Can't wait until my residencies are over and I can take the time to try some of the stuff.
Thanks for having Tony...I had decided that I didn't like him much...but the workshop tore that all to hell! Let me know when you have another person in.
Bob Hanlin
bobhanlin@sbcglobal.net
Peter Coates wrote:
Hey Folks.
Just wanted to report to ya about the Tony Clennel workshop we had at
the City Arts Center here in Oklahoma City.
It was a big a hit!
What an interesting man. He talks the talk and he pots the pots.
The workshop really was great,and a profound experience for me.
I've put some photo's of the workshop on Flickr
www.flickr.com/photos/okieclay/
Check them out...
Peter Coates
City Arts Center
Oklahoma City, Ok
www.cityartscenter.org
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