Craig Clark on fri 12 may 06
I agree with much of sentiment of what Kristen has written. However,
I do not agree with the statement that it is the nature of clay to
explode sometimes. Clay does not explode by and of itself, at least not
in ordinary circumstances. What happens is that there is a lack of
agreement between the building, drying, and firing cycle. Something
happens to quickly along the way for what has been constructed. As a
result....kablooooiiee.....no more piece....shrapnel in the kiln. Oh
well. Excrement occurs.
Forget about the "techs" feelings on this, firing successfully is
their J O B. If the tech in competent then they ought to be more than
willing to stand up and take the heat. If they are "shakey" then they
shouldn't be firing other peoples work to begin with. Mistakes are
indeed mad. But, a competent "tech" will make few of them. Especially
when faced with a kiln load of other peoples stuff.
Hope this helps
Craig Dunn CLark
619 East 11 1/2 St
Houston, Texas 77008
(713)861-2083
mudman@hal-pc.org
Kristin Yount wrote:
> Kathleen,
>
> it is so common for this to happen. Please don't take it out on the
> techs. It isn't their fault because
> it is the nature of clay to explode sometimes.Yes maybe they made a
> mistake. It happens and it happens to all of us.
> The worst is when it happens to us twice in a row.
> making the tech feel guilty with letters of woe will make the tech EVEN
> SHAKIER.
>
> Or worse it might anger them. I knew a tech who took a HAMMER to this
> one particular woman's
> bowl when she wasnt around. She was FOREVER complaining to us, about us
> to our boss etc.
> You know "one of those"....
> And really it was her poor construction, glazing that made her stuff not
> work ei: tiles that warped,s cracks etc. It wasn't us.
> That is until my friend picked up the hammer. She had left her pot
> behind and it had been sitting
> in the studio for about 2 weeks. I was crying I was laughing so hard.
> She so had it coming. It smashed everywhere
> It was very cathartic for sure
>
>
> Tell the children the truth, that is happens, and some ways for
> protecting our wares is thin walls, adequate drying time, and
> pinholes merciless run through the thick parts of kid sculpture. Kids
> always take it much better than adults in my experience.
> I wouldn't play into the drama if I were you though. Just make more.
> Make em even better this time.
>
> Love,
> Kristin Yount
>
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