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In Topic: Do you work until inspiration hits, or wait for inspiration and then get started? | 10-09-12 QOW

Posted 12 Oct 2012

I am in the same camp as the others who believe you begin working first.

Some famous potter said: "I never had a good idea until I started working".

But I do admit to have a mind that wanders, even while driving, and
occasionally I think of some new form I would like to try. It eventually shows
up in the work.

Diana
In Topic: Heavy bottoms

Posted 13 Sep 2012

I teach a lot of new throwers, so I will answer my own question about heavy bottoms.

When the pot is heavy, I suggest that they cut the bottom off
and roll it (the bottom) to proper thinness. Then with a knife
pare out the extra clay on the inside of the piece
(usually the bottom 1 inch).

Then, if they choose, at this point they can alter the form, for example, oval it, or make a
leaf shape of it (a pointed oval) or a triangle ,etc. Then put the form back on the bottom,
cut the bottom to shape, scratch and attach.

This tends to give the pot a "front and back" or "two fronts" to surface.
I think it is good for students to discover that thrown pots can be reshaped and that
designing on a "flatter" surface rather than totally round, can also lend something to the form.
In Topic: How long do you envision yourself making pots?

Posted 13 Aug 2012

The replies are tas I thought they would be. And John Baymore hit the nail on the head as usual.
Pottery isn't a job, it is a life, a mission, and an identity. I may retire from teaching but I always imagined
that I would be making pinch pots on my death bed!!
In Topic: How long do you envision yourself making pots?

Posted 13 Aug 2012

Nelly, on 10 August 2012 - 09:56 PM, said:
DPancioli, on 07 August 2012 - 11:16 AM, said:
How long do you think you will be making pots?

I am asking myself this question lately because I am
nearing retirement age. Also, I read lately that Robin Hopper
is no longer making pots; do you know anyone else who
made the decision to stop potting?

Dear All,

I visited Robin at his shop at Christmas. While he may not be actively potting, he is doing some great tiles with a new technique. It is still very much ceramic based.

On this trip, I also visited Walter Dexter. He too is still potting in his 80's. Great work too. He has gone from what I would call functional pieces to sculpture. Beautiful work.

In both cases, these artists have adapted to something new. Maybe that is part of the secret of staying in it. Finding a new niche that works for you.

I hope, like both of these successful artists that I too will be potting. But again, mine is a hobby. It is not a full-time job.

I think what this question leads to is what are the requirements needed to be a potter as we age. Part of it is, without a doubt the sheer physical strength needed to say pick up a box of clay or wedge at length or for those of you who make clay, pugging the stuff. It can be physically exhausting and injurious. But again, my comments are spoken from the position of someone who is a hobby potter not a full-time one.

Nelly