Today, we are happy to present the third and last finalist in our Studio Tour Video Contest: Ann Suchecki of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.
Also, the voting for the grand prize winner begins today and continues through midnight (Eastern Standard Time) Monday, February 1. Follow the links below to the voting page.
Scroll down to watch the other two finalists again.
We hope you enjoy these videos as much as we have! - Jennifer Harnetty, editor.
Studio Tour Video Contest Finalist: Ann Suchecki, Chester Hill, Pennylvania
Ann Suchecki was by far the best and the best issue said was YOU JUST GOT TO WORK! But there must have been some better studios. The work of all three chosen however is like something we may see from the 60’s. I guess there must have been some really really bad submissions if these were the best three choices?? I use your site to some degree in my teaching and always say, “just because it is in CM or on ceramics daily does not validate it as quality or something to be influenced by”. These videos are a prime examples of that. Maybe in your defense you didn’t have much to chose from? But there are so many levels of every discipline to the hobby potters that we see on this site to the professionals we see here also. I think this site would do a better service to our discipline if they were more critical and discerning about what they publish. I would have liked to see a professionals studio that really talked to students and hobby potters about how to deal with safety issues and maybe a little about concept development in their own work. The first video for instance, Al says they use the “clean” water off the top of their glaze water for throwing?? Clean water??? Dipping your hands in glaze materials may not be something ceramics daily wants to teach young or old ceramics students to be in the habit of doing???? The idea was sound and the first studio visits posted like Jeff Compana’s may have been better choices for videos.
Jennifer | January 29th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Clive,
Thanks for your feedback, but please remember that we asked for “video that’s a creative, friendly, entertaining, and informative glimpse into your studio. Viewers should feel like they are getting a personal tour of your studio.” We intentionally left this contest wide open to see how our readers are working in clay and we got a wide variety of submissions - a testament to the many creative ways people make room for clay in their lives.
We understand that, with 55,000 subscribers, there would be differing expectations for this contest. We will keep your feedback in mind, and we encourage you to submit your own video tour addressing the issues you mention above.
Jennifer Harnetty, editor.
Lorraine | January 29th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
I personally got a great deal out of all the videos. In each I found something new (to me) and that’s why I enjoy watching pottery videos. I like to come away from them with an idea I can incorporate into my own potting life. I also find many “life lessons” embedded in them, another good reason to enjoy them. I congratulate everyone who entered for putting forth the effort and thank them for their willingness to share skills and ideas. Too bad we couldn’t see them all. As for the finalists, my vote goes to all of them.
Nancy | January 29th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
I loved these studio tours! As I gather materials and begin the organization process to make my own creative space, I am heartened to see that it doesn’t have to be perfect in any way, as long as it’s functional for me, and it’s so good to know that other ceramic artists make do with random/found/miscellaneous items. :)
doris | January 29th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
I thought the third video was the most professionally done, but voted for the second one because it was the most inspiring. I agree with Ann about not waiting to find the perfect space and using what you have. I have a VL Whisper wheel set up in the living room of my one bedroom apartment in Alaska and a Polaris slab roller on a table in my bedroom beside the six, five-gallon buckets of glaze. I fire my stuff in a friend’s kiln. I didn’t enter the contest because I didn’t think I could talk for long enough about my studio. My wheel is surrounded by a two-foot, plywood wall so I don’t sling mud on my couch. The wall is hinged for easy removal for cleaning around the wheel, which is set on one of those plastic under-the-desk things to protect the carpet underneath. Like I’ve said since I set it up, “Where there’s a wheel, there’s a way!” Thanks for the contest. Is there any way to see some of the other entries that didn’t make it to the finals? It’s fun seeing what kinds of set-ups people come up with.
Joy | January 29th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Loved all three studio tours. My interpretation of this contest was that the winner would 1.–need and 2.–make best use of the prize offered. Therefore those two items are my criteria. As a potter with my own small studio, I recognize and respond to needs of struggling artists. There are thousands of websites from professional potters who have video tours of their studios and I look at them when I want ideas to improve my own. Same with help sites and safety sites–which I access from all over the internet. So I will go with my gut instinct and vote for the person I feel is most in need of your wonderful prize helping me feel that I had a small part in supporting another struggling artist. This site is awesome! Totally awesome. (Please note if you do post my comment, it is my wish that you do NOT publish my last name. Thanks again.)
Jeanie | January 29th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
I would just like to say thank you to the potters who share there studios with us. I think all 3 finalist offer some wonderful ideas and inspiration for me. It’s going to be a hard choice to vote since each person has their own qualities that I like. I would like to wish them all good luck and tell them that they are all winners.
Bobby | January 29th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
I just retired last year and have only been throwing for a little less than a year now. I found all three videos helpful. I am taking a class now through our local community college and agree with Clive that seeing some videos from some professionals or some of the schools would also be helpful. As far as a video that’s a creative, friendly, entertaining, and informative glimpse into your studio, I think Ann Suchecki won hands down. Her studio is well organized, clean and she did a good job of showing it.
susan | January 29th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
I just want to say how much I enjoy this site alltogether, and many thanks to those who took the time to submit videos. I too would love to see them, even if they did not win the contest. I am glad that Joy mentioned need, although I assume everyone could use another wheel. All were inspirational for different reasons, but my vote went to the one with the most inspiration (and I think need). Thanks again…this was fun to watch.
virginia | January 29th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
i loved all three videos –we can always see tours of professional studios, but it is great to see potters working industriously in their cellars [as i am] or other not so perfect places, but having such a wonderful time and making it all work for them. clive, just because we cannot afford expensive outfitting in our studios,does not mean we do not adhere to safety measures. we may not all be adept at making videos either, but these potters have done their best with what they have to share their world–thankyou one and all. ginny
Brenda | January 29th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
I personally enjoyed getting a glimpse into everyone’s studio. Thank you for sharing these videos. I work in my garage, somedays with the door open and some days with it closed. It works for me and I enjoy it. I’d love to become professional and have that professional studio, but due to children, finances, and other committments, it is not a possibility. I’m just thankful for what I have. I’m having a hard time deciding who to vote for.
Linda | January 29th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
I’d love to see Doris’s work space. I used to live in AK. too and I too work in some odd make shift places.So I’d love to see Doris’s set up. I too would love to see some more of the studio tours that were sent in, especially the funny ones. Laughing is the best!!!!!
Steve | January 29th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Thanks for sharing these. I think Clive was looking for professional tips but for all of the hobby potters these were great, all had good ideas for using small spaces. I thought #2 was inspirational and I love the camp boxes.
Jan | January 29th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
I enjoyed the “Cracked Potters” Video. I wonder how many of us have found clay as a way to express ourselves following either an accident or disease process that robs us of our former selves. We reinvent ourselves through the clay often finding a part of ourselves that we didn’t know existed. I applaud the brave entry!!
Donna | January 29th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
I loved seeing how others make a space work and I thought the 3 videos were really good at that effort in such a variety of settings. A small school contributing to a community and drawing out creative expression with good recycle uses; a veteran potter who has worked in many settings and shows how to carve out professional space (loved the photo space) wherever you may be so you can “just do it”: and the stated novice who demonstrates how to make a space your own to enable that creative spark to flourish. I thought they were great and would love to see more. And couldn’t all artists be called “hobbyists” until they manage to figure out the marketplace enough to make a living? I’m voting for the one I think may most need the prize to make moving forward with the art a little easier, but I found all three to be useful and inspirational.
Tom | January 29th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
All three of the studio tour videos in this competition had its own inspirational value. Since they were so different in character I would find it very hard to cast a vote. From working alone to a group reutilizing an historical building to a wonderful story of human rehabilitation the videos were pretty eloquent.
Ecira | January 29th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Cracked Potters get my vote. They need our help. I bet they only have one wheel, and both of them need to throw pots whenever they need to, without waiting for a wheel…
Breakaway was so chaotic, dirty and disorganized that it looked like a health-hazard. It could be difficult to fully focus one’s creativity when there are so many things to trip over, both literally and visually. Also, lungs and such do need to be considered.
Studios do not have to be “big” to function efficiently.
Ann Suchecki’s was fine, but she’s doing okay without us.
Here’s a tip for teaching studios: During the regular class session, encourage each student to spend three minutes or so after each class with a sponge and clean water in a bucket, looking around for and cleaning up overlooked messes. That can work wonders… (Of course, the teacher needs to set a good example, all along.) Then, at the end of each 6/8/10 etc. week class session, the last day of class is always “Clean-up-the-Studio-Day.” All students come and scrub down the entire studio, i.e., floors, tools, walls, wheels and every single surface and thing. Re-organize and so forth. Knowing that “Clean-up-the-Studio-Day” is coming, students tend to clean up after themselves better, as they go, throughout the session. Also, participating in “Clean-up-the-Studio-Day” gives the students a sense of pride and ownership. If and when the students get their own studios set up, they will have learned good studio habits. They will come back and thank their teacher for setting a good example…
Anne | January 29th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
I enjoyed all three and it has motivated me to get out to my cluttered..neglected studio and clean up and throw!! I needed this! I’ve been a hobby potter for 35 years and have not thrown in quite a while. These video’s have inspired me, and given me motivation. They have been most effective. I thank you and appreciate you submitting the video’s to us. I definitely think #2 should win. We all have obstacles, but she is imbued with the spirit we all should have to make anything handmade!!
Margaret | January 29th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Thanks for this first-time showing of potters’ studios. While these were overviews, I wouldn’t mind seeing details on any one particular technique. Like to see how Ann Suchecki makes her wonderful stamps.
Leonor | January 29th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Todos os 3 finalistas realmente são vencedores.
Enviaram seus videos,mostraram seus atélies,pincelaram até algumas
técnicas e é assim que é o exemplo para cada um de nós,mostrar o que
realmente temos e somos.
Leonor
ralph | January 29th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
This project was worthwhile and entertaining. I found something to like in all three cases.
It pleased me to see a cascade of “warm fuzzies’ following Clive’s ‘cold prickly.’
Life’s too short!
Ralph.
Stacy | January 29th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
I simply adore these glimpses into some “real world” studios. They are so much more helpful to us who are trying to make a go of this than a decked out “professional” studio tour would be. (although I love to see them and dream also) I’m so glad we’re going to see a stamp making video from Ann! Kudos to your wonderful sons for your photography space and the wonderful job on the video, you can tell it was his thing for sure (loved the time lapse!). I too had a hard time deciding who got my vote, wonderful clutter hits way close to home, and loved the recycling. I also loved Ann’s words about not waiting for the perfect time or place, just do what you can with what you’ve got and the rest will fall into place. But in the end need won out, (coming from a fellow struggling artist) so my vote’s for the Cracked Potters. My best wishes to all 3, would LOVE to see some of the honorable mentions…..
Meadow | January 29th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Allowing one’s self to create from the heart will always inspire us. Finding a way to have meaning in your life after losing what was a career or livelihood was awesome. It’s amazing to see how people find ways to create no matter what, or how small their space is. After all, clay is from the earth and the earth will always give back tenfold. It would be helpful for the third video to be shown at The Brain Foundation’s meetings and support groups. Thanks for doing what you do at Ceramics Daily… Meadow
angela | January 29th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
this contest was a cool idea…lets hope you have more of them..i too would like to see more of the vids, its great to get inspiration from all over, i did put mine up on my blog so if anyone’s interested in a studio from oz.. check it out at http://angdesign.blogspot.com/2010/01/studio-tourette.html
Andrea | January 29th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Wow, tough decision, all finalists are inspiring, informative and as different from each other as they are very similar!!!! Great to see other studios . congratulations to all.
Shannon | January 29th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
the cracked potters was so inspirational to me. My husband has Traumatic Brain Injury from his tour in Iraq and I have been trying to get him to give ceramics a try. Maybe after I make him watch that video he’ll give it a try. Thank you, Cracked Potters & I wish you all the success in your recoveries.
Darlene | January 29th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Ann Suchecki was so down to earth–her message: “don’t wait, just get started in setting up your studio.” I related to — my studio (also in my basement–) started in a small section… it has sprawled over the years, but is “my space.” And when I’m there I feel so inspired… Good luck to all the candidates! They all offered something a little different.
Lucille | January 29th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
As always, I enjoyed watching all three videos.
Here is a quick critique of all three-
#1-Abundance even without a water source and has fire safety issues.
#2-Sparsity of space (especially for two) seems to need ventilation.
#3-Just right,and making good work too. The slide show was a nice touch. I hope there is good ventilation.
Gail | January 29th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Cracked Potters, hands down. They are a great inspiration. I know many people who turn to pottery as a means to enhance their lives after retirement. There are also many people who turn to pottery after an illness prevents them returning to careers. These ladies are out there showing us it can be done. The courage they exhibited in making the video in monumental. Please, if possible, let me know how to send them pottery tools or a gift certificate to a ceramics supply house. I would like to help them continue their quest. I could send it through Ceramics Arts Daily to protect their privacy.
Gail
Am | January 29th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
This was by far the best video, but I would like to have seen more of her studio: where does she glaze? where is her kiln? LOVE her work, though, very nice. I agree, it doesn’t seem any of them really needs the prize. You go, Doris!! I would have LOVED to see a video of your very limited space and your creative use of it! My own studio is a tiny 11 x 12 foot room, in which I have my workspace, my equipment and all my work on display and for sale. AND space for the public to wander through and look and hopefully buy. Its my dream come true. You really can do alot with a little. I just handbuild, or I might have considered going for the prize myself. Keep on potting, whatever space you might have.
Christine | January 29th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
All three were great! I can’t wait to see a video of Ann’s stamp making–I am a handbuilder as well & very interested in making texture and making my own stamps. Hard to decide who to vote for–but I voted for Cracked Potters–you go, girls!
Patricia | January 29th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
All three were positively inspired. The choice of the best is difficult, as all were best in one way or another. I am moved by the determined effort of the Cracked Potters, and as many other voters seem to have done, vote in favor of them, with the hope that the prize will be best suited in their studio.
Lynnette | January 29th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Please, Ann, show us your stamp making tips, tricks and techniques. Each submission was special in it’s own way. Congratulations to you all and good luck!
Angie | January 29th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
It’s hard to decide on a best.
Each of the finalists has given me something
valuable to take away.
Ann…I love textures too, I’m in awe of all your stamps!
You’re so right… it’s not important WHERE we create, as long as
we DO it!
Breakaway Pottery…recycling material, enforces my efforts to be green,
and the Recycled FOAMY!! Awesome! Why didn’t I think of that!?
Cracked Potters… It took a lot of courage and effort to share
your intimate story and space. Truly inspiring!
I would love to have seen all the other contestants.
(It’s not so easy to step away from the clay,
and in front/behind a camera.)
Meeta | January 30th, 2010 at 12:45 am
I love the camp boxes and the country kitchen table. For a long time to come (or maybe forever), I will relate to the “thrown and altered” line. It best summarises Cracked Potters’ struggle in view of otherwise unsurmisable odds. Great work.
Beth | January 30th, 2010 at 2:21 am
Although I enjoyed and received some ideas and inspiration from each of the videos, I feel the “Cracked Potters” usage of space, the conversion of the camp kitchens into usable space and the rebirth of the old table into a useful piece of equipment was the most interesting. Inspiration, encouragement, patience, determination, strength and renewal come to mind as I view this video.
sarita | January 30th, 2010 at 3:38 am
I thank you for this opportunity to see how others work. I would like to see Doris’s studio in picture or video, it is fascinating!I am now getting a chance to do my studio in a 5m. by 3m. room and her solutions need to be seen.
I enjoy your weekly letter, it is always helpful.Sarita from Israel
gloria | January 30th, 2010 at 5:24 am
Personally, I expected these videos to be more ‘touring’ and less ‘personal’ history. The “Cracked Potters” spent half the video sitting at the wheel discussing health issues. The therapeutic and de-stressing nature of clay manipulation is a given and not in question.[at least in my life].I love the ideas that encourage recycling and the use of found objects to create tools and/or clay items. Clay can be wedged on the kitchen counter or painted on a picnic table but one still needs organizational skills. Obviously, dynamics change with the number of people using the studio and the number of pieces being produced but each of the videos had ideas that I shall be able to use. I would also like to see some of the ‘unchosen’ submissions.
Ellen | January 30th, 2010 at 9:45 am
The best part of this contest was the idea of presentation - each potter presenting their work space to the ‘world’. I think it made all of us look at our own studio space with new eyes. After all, we spend a lot of time there (hopefully) and an environment that works with us, instead of - ware boards tipped over during the glazing process, drying pots on the floor in the corner, oops!, etc. - a space that calls to us during the day, and works with us might be reflected in the work we produce.
Thanks to everyone for sharing! I loved the idea, and also would like to see the other entries.
Joe | January 30th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Clive is talking big. So Clive, show us your studio! I cant wait.
Barbara | January 30th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed all 3 videos - I belong to a teaching guild much like Breakaway Pottery and appreciate the struggles of maintaining an old building. We are located in a 100 year old train station and are not subsidized by our municipality, so while our studio may not meet Clive’s standards, we appreciate what can be done by a dedicated group of people. By the way, I must have a different version of the video than Clive watched…at no time did Al say anything about using water from the glaze buckets for throwing on mine! I had a very tough time deciding who to vote for as well as all of them were inspiring. It’s really nice to watch people we can identify with…there are lots of “professional” studios and material available but these videos showed it like it is for many of us! Keep up the good work.
Kathleen | January 30th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
I appreciated being able to view these videos, and agree that it would be nice to view the other submissions….. though we don’t know how many entered, so this may not be logistically possible. Perhaps put a weekly link for show(s) on your web site for those who might want to see it? Others can ignore. **Some may vote for need, some for multi-dimensional use of space, and some for eco-friendly recycling. One thing that is clear to me is that having separate submissions for small studios set up in interesting ways and teaching studios may be helpful. I for one, find it difficult to vote for the teaching studio because I think the landscape is different by nature of the type of studio it is. Could we have a separate contest for teaching studios? I would find it helpful and inspiring as we are trying to set up a community clay studio in our town. The prize could be a wheel, studio cart, slab roller or pug mill…. all things that could be well utilized in an educational setting with many students.
Shirley A | January 30th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
I have a simple, personal, studio essentials list:
Doris | January 30th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
All three videos are great and showed three different characteristics of pottery studios. There is something to appreciate about each one of the spaces and the way each potter expresses themselves.I myself love pottery. It was my major in college. I teach art and now very involved in my own Batik fabric manufacturing but it is my clay studio I go to to get some more stress free and relaxed form of expression. I hope the potter who needs to win the most wins the contest.
Shirley A | January 30th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
I have a simple, personal studio essentials list:
Safe air to breathe
Running water
Good light
I have worked in a basement and agree with all who hoped for good ventilation–especially when firing a kiln.
After awhile I moved up to a compact studio where–as Ann did–items were shifted from surface to surface, working through the steps of production; drying; firing; glazing; and firing again. Finally, I now have a much larger space, but the basics are still the same. The only item added to the essential list is a bathroom.
The truth is–no matter what your space is–keep your passion for clay active. All of the videos have that in common, and that’s what we all share–our love of clay.
P.S. to Clive: You write as a potter/teacher who has gone from being a student to being a teacher in a subsidized arena (high school/university), therefore never had to face the adversity of setting up a personal studio with a restricted budget. If my opinion is in error, my apologies.
Deborah | January 30th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Ann Suchecki’s work and worl ethic is the perfect reflection of the person that she is. . . .kind, creative, enthusiastic, intricater, complicated and always brings you a smile. She creates art that speaks for the artist she is.
Roberta | January 31st, 2010 at 1:44 am
I think the Cracked potters should get the prize, as they likely need the wheel. All three videos were great. If you want a very quick view of my 8 x 10 greenhouse studio in California, filmed by my son, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0gRO6iLkAo its mostly a demo, meant for patrons of our open studios tour in Santa Cruz, but people are wanting to see other studios so I thought I’d post it. Couldn’t get my son to expand on it while he was home for winter break, oh well. Best wishes to all the potters out there!
Deborah | January 31st, 2010 at 9:48 am
Cracked Potters will get my vote because they are the only finalist offered with a potential need for the “Grand Prize”. If this was to be a videographer’s contest then a prize pertaining to videography would have been more appropriate. Sad to say that my initial impression/feeling regarding the 3 finalists was that Cracked Potters was included for the promoter’s need for a pity vote. Those ladies DO NOT DESERVE THAT! It takes an great deal of GUTS to be willing to present your private self for the world to see. My question then is: Were there any other videos that showed a need for a wheel? Those people are the ones that should have been presented along with Cracked Potters as finalists, not people already in possession of everything they need or could possibly want.
N | January 31st, 2010 at 10:50 am
Clay is a messy bussiness and a place to make a mess is required. It is perhaps this reason we all think a “studio” is a necessity. But as all these people have gathered their courage to demonstrate, it doesn’t require anything fancy, just the willingness to find some room to play with clay. I thank all of them for reminding me that perfection is not required, just the willingness to take that leap of faith and do what is necessary to be creative.
arlene | January 31st, 2010 at 11:12 am
Loved all the videos. Thought the Cracked Potters was most inspiring. Clay is a special medium that you can see yourself grow in, find yourself in, renew your spirit in, and heal in.
I liked peaking into the studios and seeing what others are doing working with clay. I voted for the Cracked Potters but they were all good.
Linda | January 31st, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Thank you for putting on these studio tours. It was very difficult to choose just one. My vote is for the cracked potters. No matter what never give up.
Dusty | February 1st, 2010 at 11:13 am
My first time on site and I loved the videos. It was a relief to see other messy potters– We are using a public skills center which requires us to clean up more than our share each time–a great tip. Thanks for the inspiration each of the potters gave to us newbies. Cracked potters gets my vote as well
Ann | February 1st, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Thank you so much for showing the videos.The Cracked Potters
Paul | February 1st, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational. For the complainers…..BOOOOO.
None of us have 15,000 sq feet with optimal high end dreamworld equipment; but we still deligently create beautiful objects none-the-less.
I think the gripers are suffering academia post-partum syndrome.
Kathleen | February 1st, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Thanks Paul….. I’d like to think we could all celebrate one another’s creativity and spunk!
Jennifer | February 2nd, 2010 at 2:13 am
I enjoyed these studio tours and seeing how resourceful each of these people are.
I have a full-time job and work out of my 1-car garage in Alaska (and share that space with the usual garage inhabitants - bicycles, tools, garbage cans, recycle bins, and occasionally even a car!). I have limited time and space but made a commitment to myself to keep working with clay after college, which I’ve managed to do for about 10 years.
Today, we are happy to present the third and last finalist in our Studio Tour Video Contest: Ann Suchecki of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. 
Clive | January 29th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Ann Suchecki was by far the best and the best issue said was YOU JUST GOT TO WORK! But there must have been some better studios. The work of all three chosen however is like something we may see from the 60’s. I guess there must have been some really really bad submissions if these were the best three choices?? I use your site to some degree in my teaching and always say, “just because it is in CM or on ceramics daily does not validate it as quality or something to be influenced by”. These videos are a prime examples of that. Maybe in your defense you didn’t have much to chose from? But there are so many levels of every discipline to the hobby potters that we see on this site to the professionals we see here also. I think this site would do a better service to our discipline if they were more critical and discerning about what they publish. I would have liked to see a professionals studio that really talked to students and hobby potters about how to deal with safety issues and maybe a little about concept development in their own work. The first video for instance, Al says they use the “clean” water off the top of their glaze water for throwing?? Clean water??? Dipping your hands in glaze materials may not be something ceramics daily wants to teach young or old ceramics students to be in the habit of doing???? The idea was sound and the first studio visits posted like Jeff Compana’s may have been better choices for videos.
Jennifer | January 29th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Clive,
Thanks for your feedback, but please remember that we asked for “video that’s a creative, friendly, entertaining, and informative glimpse into your studio. Viewers should feel like they are getting a personal tour of your studio.” We intentionally left this contest wide open to see how our readers are working in clay and we got a wide variety of submissions - a testament to the many creative ways people make room for clay in their lives.
We understand that, with 55,000 subscribers, there would be differing expectations for this contest. We will keep your feedback in mind, and we encourage you to submit your own video tour addressing the issues you mention above.
Jennifer Harnetty, editor.
Lorraine | January 29th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
I personally got a great deal out of all the videos. In each I found something new (to me) and that’s why I enjoy watching pottery videos. I like to come away from them with an idea I can incorporate into my own potting life. I also find many “life lessons” embedded in them, another good reason to enjoy them. I congratulate everyone who entered for putting forth the effort and thank them for their willingness to share skills and ideas. Too bad we couldn’t see them all. As for the finalists, my vote goes to all of them.
Nancy | January 29th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
I loved these studio tours! As I gather materials and begin the organization process to make my own creative space, I am heartened to see that it doesn’t have to be perfect in any way, as long as it’s functional for me, and it’s so good to know that other ceramic artists make do with random/found/miscellaneous items. :)
doris | January 29th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
I thought the third video was the most professionally done, but voted for the second one because it was the most inspiring. I agree with Ann about not waiting to find the perfect space and using what you have. I have a VL Whisper wheel set up in the living room of my one bedroom apartment in Alaska and a Polaris slab roller on a table in my bedroom beside the six, five-gallon buckets of glaze. I fire my stuff in a friend’s kiln. I didn’t enter the contest because I didn’t think I could talk for long enough about my studio. My wheel is surrounded by a two-foot, plywood wall so I don’t sling mud on my couch. The wall is hinged for easy removal for cleaning around the wheel, which is set on one of those plastic under-the-desk things to protect the carpet underneath. Like I’ve said since I set it up, “Where there’s a wheel, there’s a way!” Thanks for the contest. Is there any way to see some of the other entries that didn’t make it to the finals? It’s fun seeing what kinds of set-ups people come up with.
Joy | January 29th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Loved all three studio tours. My interpretation of this contest was that the winner would 1.–need and 2.–make best use of the prize offered. Therefore those two items are my criteria. As a potter with my own small studio, I recognize and respond to needs of struggling artists. There are thousands of websites from professional potters who have video tours of their studios and I look at them when I want ideas to improve my own. Same with help sites and safety sites–which I access from all over the internet. So I will go with my gut instinct and vote for the person I feel is most in need of your wonderful prize helping me feel that I had a small part in supporting another struggling artist. This site is awesome! Totally awesome. (Please note if you do post my comment, it is my wish that you do NOT publish my last name. Thanks again.)
Jeanie | January 29th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
I would just like to say thank you to the potters who share there studios with us. I think all 3 finalist offer some wonderful ideas and inspiration for me. It’s going to be a hard choice to vote since each person has their own qualities that I like. I would like to wish them all good luck and tell them that they are all winners.
Bobby | January 29th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
I just retired last year and have only been throwing for a little less than a year now. I found all three videos helpful. I am taking a class now through our local community college and agree with Clive that seeing some videos from some professionals or some of the schools would also be helpful. As far as a video that’s a creative, friendly, entertaining, and informative glimpse into your studio, I think Ann Suchecki won hands down. Her studio is well organized, clean and she did a good job of showing it.
susan | January 29th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
I just want to say how much I enjoy this site alltogether, and many thanks to those who took the time to submit videos. I too would love to see them, even if they did not win the contest. I am glad that Joy mentioned need, although I assume everyone could use another wheel. All were inspirational for different reasons, but my vote went to the one with the most inspiration (and I think need). Thanks again…this was fun to watch.
virginia | January 29th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
i loved all three videos –we can always see tours of professional studios, but it is great to see potters working industriously in their cellars [as i am] or other not so perfect places, but having such a wonderful time and making it all work for them. clive, just because we cannot afford expensive outfitting in our studios,does not mean we do not adhere to safety measures. we may not all be adept at making videos either, but these potters have done their best with what they have to share their world–thankyou one and all. ginny
Brenda | January 29th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
I personally enjoyed getting a glimpse into everyone’s studio. Thank you for sharing these videos. I work in my garage, somedays with the door open and some days with it closed. It works for me and I enjoy it. I’d love to become professional and have that professional studio, but due to children, finances, and other committments, it is not a possibility. I’m just thankful for what I have. I’m having a hard time deciding who to vote for.
Linda | January 29th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
I’d love to see Doris’s work space. I used to live in AK. too and I too work in some odd make shift places.So I’d love to see Doris’s set up. I too would love to see some more of the studio tours that were sent in, especially the funny ones. Laughing is the best!!!!!
Steve | January 29th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Thanks for sharing these. I think Clive was looking for professional tips but for all of the hobby potters these were great, all had good ideas for using small spaces. I thought #2 was inspirational and I love the camp boxes.
Jan | January 29th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
I enjoyed the “Cracked Potters” Video. I wonder how many of us have found clay as a way to express ourselves following either an accident or disease process that robs us of our former selves. We reinvent ourselves through the clay often finding a part of ourselves that we didn’t know existed. I applaud the brave entry!!
Donna | January 29th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
I loved seeing how others make a space work and I thought the 3 videos were really good at that effort in such a variety of settings. A small school contributing to a community and drawing out creative expression with good recycle uses; a veteran potter who has worked in many settings and shows how to carve out professional space (loved the photo space) wherever you may be so you can “just do it”: and the stated novice who demonstrates how to make a space your own to enable that creative spark to flourish. I thought they were great and would love to see more. And couldn’t all artists be called “hobbyists” until they manage to figure out the marketplace enough to make a living? I’m voting for the one I think may most need the prize to make moving forward with the art a little easier, but I found all three to be useful and inspirational.
Tom | January 29th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
All three of the studio tour videos in this competition had its own inspirational value. Since they were so different in character I would find it very hard to cast a vote. From working alone to a group reutilizing an historical building to a wonderful story of human rehabilitation the videos were pretty eloquent.
Ecira | January 29th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Cracked Potters get my vote. They need our help. I bet they only have one wheel, and both of them need to throw pots whenever they need to, without waiting for a wheel…
Breakaway was so chaotic, dirty and disorganized that it looked like a health-hazard. It could be difficult to fully focus one’s creativity when there are so many things to trip over, both literally and visually. Also, lungs and such do need to be considered.
Studios do not have to be “big” to function efficiently.
Ann Suchecki’s was fine, but she’s doing okay without us.
Here’s a tip for teaching studios: During the regular class session, encourage each student to spend three minutes or so after each class with a sponge and clean water in a bucket, looking around for and cleaning up overlooked messes. That can work wonders… (Of course, the teacher needs to set a good example, all along.) Then, at the end of each 6/8/10 etc. week class session, the last day of class is always “Clean-up-the-Studio-Day.” All students come and scrub down the entire studio, i.e., floors, tools, walls, wheels and every single surface and thing. Re-organize and so forth. Knowing that “Clean-up-the-Studio-Day” is coming, students tend to clean up after themselves better, as they go, throughout the session. Also, participating in “Clean-up-the-Studio-Day” gives the students a sense of pride and ownership. If and when the students get their own studios set up, they will have learned good studio habits. They will come back and thank their teacher for setting a good example…
Anne | January 29th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
I enjoyed all three and it has motivated me to get out to my cluttered..neglected studio and clean up and throw!! I needed this! I’ve been a hobby potter for 35 years and have not thrown in quite a while. These video’s have inspired me, and given me motivation. They have been most effective. I thank you and appreciate you submitting the video’s to us. I definitely think #2 should win. We all have obstacles, but she is imbued with the spirit we all should have to make anything handmade!!
Margaret | January 29th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Thanks for this first-time showing of potters’ studios. While these were overviews, I wouldn’t mind seeing details on any one particular technique. Like to see how Ann Suchecki makes her wonderful stamps.
Leonor | January 29th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Todos os 3 finalistas realmente são vencedores.
Enviaram seus videos,mostraram seus atélies,pincelaram até algumas
técnicas e é assim que é o exemplo para cada um de nós,mostrar o que
realmente temos e somos.
Leonor
ralph | January 29th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
This project was worthwhile and entertaining. I found something to like in all three cases.
It pleased me to see a cascade of “warm fuzzies’ following Clive’s ‘cold prickly.’
Life’s too short!
Ralph.
Stacy | January 29th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
I simply adore these glimpses into some “real world” studios. They are so much more helpful to us who are trying to make a go of this than a decked out “professional” studio tour would be. (although I love to see them and dream also) I’m so glad we’re going to see a stamp making video from Ann! Kudos to your wonderful sons for your photography space and the wonderful job on the video, you can tell it was his thing for sure (loved the time lapse!). I too had a hard time deciding who got my vote, wonderful clutter hits way close to home, and loved the recycling. I also loved Ann’s words about not waiting for the perfect time or place, just do what you can with what you’ve got and the rest will fall into place. But in the end need won out, (coming from a fellow struggling artist) so my vote’s for the Cracked Potters. My best wishes to all 3, would LOVE to see some of the honorable mentions…..
Meadow | January 29th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Allowing one’s self to create from the heart will always inspire us. Finding a way to have meaning in your life after losing what was a career or livelihood was awesome. It’s amazing to see how people find ways to create no matter what, or how small their space is. After all, clay is from the earth and the earth will always give back tenfold. It would be helpful for the third video to be shown at The Brain Foundation’s meetings and support groups. Thanks for doing what you do at Ceramics Daily… Meadow
angela | January 29th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
this contest was a cool idea…lets hope you have more of them..i too would like to see more of the vids, its great to get inspiration from all over, i did put mine up on my blog so if anyone’s interested in a studio from oz.. check it out at http://angdesign.blogspot.com/2010/01/studio-tourette.html
Andrea | January 29th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Wow, tough decision, all finalists are inspiring, informative and as different from each other as they are very similar!!!! Great to see other studios . congratulations to all.
Shannon | January 29th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
the cracked potters was so inspirational to me. My husband has Traumatic Brain Injury from his tour in Iraq and I have been trying to get him to give ceramics a try. Maybe after I make him watch that video he’ll give it a try. Thank you, Cracked Potters & I wish you all the success in your recoveries.
Darlene | January 29th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Ann Suchecki was so down to earth–her message: “don’t wait, just get started in setting up your studio.” I related to — my studio (also in my basement–) started in a small section… it has sprawled over the years, but is “my space.” And when I’m there I feel so inspired… Good luck to all the candidates! They all offered something a little different.
Lucille | January 29th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
As always, I enjoyed watching all three videos.
Here is a quick critique of all three-
#1-Abundance even without a water source and has fire safety issues.
#2-Sparsity of space (especially for two) seems to need ventilation.
#3-Just right,and making good work too. The slide show was a nice touch. I hope there is good ventilation.
Gail | January 29th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Cracked Potters, hands down. They are a great inspiration. I know many people who turn to pottery as a means to enhance their lives after retirement. There are also many people who turn to pottery after an illness prevents them returning to careers. These ladies are out there showing us it can be done. The courage they exhibited in making the video in monumental. Please, if possible, let me know how to send them pottery tools or a gift certificate to a ceramics supply house. I would like to help them continue their quest. I could send it through Ceramics Arts Daily to protect their privacy.
Gail
Am | January 29th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
This was by far the best video, but I would like to have seen more of her studio: where does she glaze? where is her kiln? LOVE her work, though, very nice. I agree, it doesn’t seem any of them really needs the prize. You go, Doris!! I would have LOVED to see a video of your very limited space and your creative use of it! My own studio is a tiny 11 x 12 foot room, in which I have my workspace, my equipment and all my work on display and for sale. AND space for the public to wander through and look and hopefully buy. Its my dream come true. You really can do alot with a little. I just handbuild, or I might have considered going for the prize myself. Keep on potting, whatever space you might have.
Christine | January 29th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
All three were great! I can’t wait to see a video of Ann’s stamp making–I am a handbuilder as well & very interested in making texture and making my own stamps. Hard to decide who to vote for–but I voted for Cracked Potters–you go, girls!
Patricia | January 29th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
All three were positively inspired. The choice of the best is difficult, as all were best in one way or another. I am moved by the determined effort of the Cracked Potters, and as many other voters seem to have done, vote in favor of them, with the hope that the prize will be best suited in their studio.
Lynnette | January 29th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Please, Ann, show us your stamp making tips, tricks and techniques. Each submission was special in it’s own way. Congratulations to you all and good luck!
Angie | January 29th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
It’s hard to decide on a best.
Each of the finalists has given me something
valuable to take away.
Ann…I love textures too, I’m in awe of all your stamps!
You’re so right… it’s not important WHERE we create, as long as
we DO it!
Breakaway Pottery…recycling material, enforces my efforts to be green,
and the Recycled FOAMY!! Awesome! Why didn’t I think of that!?
Cracked Potters… It took a lot of courage and effort to share
your intimate story and space. Truly inspiring!
I would love to have seen all the other contestants.
(It’s not so easy to step away from the clay,
and in front/behind a camera.)
Meeta | January 30th, 2010 at 12:45 am
I love the camp boxes and the country kitchen table. For a long time to come (or maybe forever), I will relate to the “thrown and altered” line. It best summarises Cracked Potters’ struggle in view of otherwise unsurmisable odds. Great work.
Beth | January 30th, 2010 at 2:21 am
Although I enjoyed and received some ideas and inspiration from each of the videos, I feel the “Cracked Potters” usage of space, the conversion of the camp kitchens into usable space and the rebirth of the old table into a useful piece of equipment was the most interesting. Inspiration, encouragement, patience, determination, strength and renewal come to mind as I view this video.
sarita | January 30th, 2010 at 3:38 am
I thank you for this opportunity to see how others work. I would like to see Doris’s studio in picture or video, it is fascinating!I am now getting a chance to do my studio in a 5m. by 3m. room and her solutions need to be seen.
I enjoy your weekly letter, it is always helpful.Sarita from Israel
gloria | January 30th, 2010 at 5:24 am
Personally, I expected these videos to be more ‘touring’ and less ‘personal’ history. The “Cracked Potters” spent half the video sitting at the wheel discussing health issues. The therapeutic and de-stressing nature of clay manipulation is a given and not in question.[at least in my life].I love the ideas that encourage recycling and the use of found objects to create tools and/or clay items. Clay can be wedged on the kitchen counter or painted on a picnic table but one still needs organizational skills. Obviously, dynamics change with the number of people using the studio and the number of pieces being produced but each of the videos had ideas that I shall be able to use. I would also like to see some of the ‘unchosen’ submissions.
Ellen | January 30th, 2010 at 9:45 am
The best part of this contest was the idea of presentation - each potter presenting their work space to the ‘world’. I think it made all of us look at our own studio space with new eyes. After all, we spend a lot of time there (hopefully) and an environment that works with us, instead of - ware boards tipped over during the glazing process, drying pots on the floor in the corner, oops!, etc. - a space that calls to us during the day, and works with us might be reflected in the work we produce.
Thanks to everyone for sharing! I loved the idea, and also would like to see the other entries.
Joe | January 30th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Clive is talking big. So Clive, show us your studio! I cant wait.
Barbara | January 30th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed all 3 videos - I belong to a teaching guild much like Breakaway Pottery and appreciate the struggles of maintaining an old building. We are located in a 100 year old train station and are not subsidized by our municipality, so while our studio may not meet Clive’s standards, we appreciate what can be done by a dedicated group of people. By the way, I must have a different version of the video than Clive watched…at no time did Al say anything about using water from the glaze buckets for throwing on mine! I had a very tough time deciding who to vote for as well as all of them were inspiring. It’s really nice to watch people we can identify with…there are lots of “professional” studios and material available but these videos showed it like it is for many of us! Keep up the good work.
Kathleen | January 30th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
I appreciated being able to view these videos, and agree that it would be nice to view the other submissions….. though we don’t know how many entered, so this may not be logistically possible. Perhaps put a weekly link for show(s) on your web site for those who might want to see it? Others can ignore. **Some may vote for need, some for multi-dimensional use of space, and some for eco-friendly recycling. One thing that is clear to me is that having separate submissions for small studios set up in interesting ways and teaching studios may be helpful. I for one, find it difficult to vote for the teaching studio because I think the landscape is different by nature of the type of studio it is. Could we have a separate contest for teaching studios? I would find it helpful and inspiring as we are trying to set up a community clay studio in our town. The prize could be a wheel, studio cart, slab roller or pug mill…. all things that could be well utilized in an educational setting with many students.
Shirley A | January 30th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
I have a simple, personal, studio essentials list:
Doris | January 30th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
All three videos are great and showed three different characteristics of pottery studios. There is something to appreciate about each one of the spaces and the way each potter expresses themselves.I myself love pottery. It was my major in college. I teach art and now very involved in my own Batik fabric manufacturing but it is my clay studio I go to to get some more stress free and relaxed form of expression. I hope the potter who needs to win the most wins the contest.
Shirley A | January 30th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
I have a simple, personal studio essentials list:
Safe air to breathe
Running water
Good light
I have worked in a basement and agree with all who hoped for good ventilation–especially when firing a kiln.
After awhile I moved up to a compact studio where–as Ann did–items were shifted from surface to surface, working through the steps of production; drying; firing; glazing; and firing again. Finally, I now have a much larger space, but the basics are still the same. The only item added to the essential list is a bathroom.
The truth is–no matter what your space is–keep your passion for clay active. All of the videos have that in common, and that’s what we all share–our love of clay.
P.S. to Clive: You write as a potter/teacher who has gone from being a student to being a teacher in a subsidized arena (high school/university), therefore never had to face the adversity of setting up a personal studio with a restricted budget. If my opinion is in error, my apologies.
Deborah | January 30th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Ann Suchecki’s work and worl ethic is the perfect reflection of the person that she is. . . .kind, creative, enthusiastic, intricater, complicated and always brings you a smile. She creates art that speaks for the artist she is.
Roberta | January 31st, 2010 at 1:44 am
I think the Cracked potters should get the prize, as they likely need the wheel. All three videos were great. If you want a very quick view of my 8 x 10 greenhouse studio in California, filmed by my son, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0gRO6iLkAo its mostly a demo, meant for patrons of our open studios tour in Santa Cruz, but people are wanting to see other studios so I thought I’d post it. Couldn’t get my son to expand on it while he was home for winter break, oh well. Best wishes to all the potters out there!
Deborah | January 31st, 2010 at 9:48 am
Cracked Potters will get my vote because they are the only finalist offered with a potential need for the “Grand Prize”. If this was to be a videographer’s contest then a prize pertaining to videography would have been more appropriate. Sad to say that my initial impression/feeling regarding the 3 finalists was that Cracked Potters was included for the promoter’s need for a pity vote. Those ladies DO NOT DESERVE THAT! It takes an great deal of GUTS to be willing to present your private self for the world to see. My question then is: Were there any other videos that showed a need for a wheel? Those people are the ones that should have been presented along with Cracked Potters as finalists, not people already in possession of everything they need or could possibly want.
N | January 31st, 2010 at 10:50 am
Clay is a messy bussiness and a place to make a mess is required. It is perhaps this reason we all think a “studio” is a necessity. But as all these people have gathered their courage to demonstrate, it doesn’t require anything fancy, just the willingness to find some room to play with clay. I thank all of them for reminding me that perfection is not required, just the willingness to take that leap of faith and do what is necessary to be creative.
arlene | January 31st, 2010 at 11:12 am
Loved all the videos. Thought the Cracked Potters was most inspiring. Clay is a special medium that you can see yourself grow in, find yourself in, renew your spirit in, and heal in.
I liked peaking into the studios and seeing what others are doing working with clay. I voted for the Cracked Potters but they were all good.
Linda | January 31st, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Thank you for putting on these studio tours. It was very difficult to choose just one. My vote is for the cracked potters. No matter what never give up.
Dusty | February 1st, 2010 at 11:13 am
My first time on site and I loved the videos. It was a relief to see other messy potters– We are using a public skills center which requires us to clean up more than our share each time–a great tip. Thanks for the inspiration each of the potters gave to us newbies. Cracked potters gets my vote as well
Ann | February 1st, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Thank you so much for showing the videos.The Cracked Potters
Paul | February 1st, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational. For the complainers…..BOOOOO.
None of us have 15,000 sq feet with optimal high end dreamworld equipment; but we still deligently create beautiful objects none-the-less.
I think the gripers are suffering academia post-partum syndrome.
Kathleen | February 1st, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Thanks Paul….. I’d like to think we could all celebrate one another’s creativity and spunk!
Jennifer | February 2nd, 2010 at 2:13 am
I enjoyed these studio tours and seeing how resourceful each of these people are.
I have a full-time job and work out of my 1-car garage in Alaska (and share that space with the usual garage inhabitants - bicycles, tools, garbage cans, recycle bins, and occasionally even a car!). I have limited time and space but made a commitment to myself to keep working with clay after college, which I’ve managed to do for about 10 years.
zeinab | March 3rd, 2010 at 3:21 pm
goooooooooood