: Dinah - Viewing Profile

I flew from Seattle to Tokyo to attend Opening Reception for International Ceramics Festival in Tajimi City (Mino), Gifu Prefecture in 2011. In March of 2011, the horrific earthquake/tsunami had devastated areas of northern Japan. I told myself that if I got through the remaining two out of three remaining juried stages I'd make every effort to attend and participate. I did and I did. I met and enjoyed spending time with many exciting Studio Potters amongst them Christina Bryer( Infinite Interpretations, Ceramics Monthly April 2013); and Ann Van Hoey, Emerging Artists, Ceramics Monthly May 2013. Ann may be emerging in the USA, but is one huge presence in Europe on the Continent and in the UK represented by various top galleries.

You throw a very big and to your mind a thick piece. A bowl or a platter. You wire it off. Right after throwing.

Or, if it's wet and sloppy, no wiring off. Leave. Use a propane flame to tighten up if you're pressed for time or a heat gun. Come back after several hours, or overnight, and continue to throw and refine, then wire it off.

You...when it is drier, flip piece over onto another bat. Richard Phethean, a UK potter with a couple of books out there, has the best explanations of throwing, perhaps for more advanced, I've ever come across. In the meantime, put a piece of upholstery sponge you've trimmed to fit depth onto the receiving bat. Or a folded towel. Just check the depth. I have made bats from marine ply and used spar varnish to finish. I've also bought bats from Seattle Pottery Supply and Clay Arts in Tacoma. All work beautifully. Then, when piece is drier, you can turn foot ring. If it's that big a piece you'd be doing yourself a favor by turning a double foot ring.

Thanks for getting this workshop off and flying. It will be such fun.

Super. Hank Murrow. Tatsuo Tomeoka. Boy. A stellar line-up which would be awesome. Ask Wally Bivens at Pacific Northwest Studio to host a workshop. I'd be there in a shot!

Admittedly, I've fast scrolled through comments. And seem to be a bit New Year-ish in my attention span! So be it.

Etsy, and other online craft sites demand a very high price from potters in that our shipping costs are buttock-clinchingly high. Sooo. Solutions. Create a line of work which can be mailed which is not sucking up those crazy mailing costs. It will be separate in the main from your usual suspects.

I have to acknowledge some of you do post on FaceBook etc. with your successes and well done to your arm! We're all terrifically envious and would you please have a think and post to this Forum some of the thoughts which drive you and your business? Much appreciated. I often see you on FaceBook but not on Potter's Council Forums.

Ways Forward: Have a very close look in your area and get involved with local Farmer's Market craft section. If you've a decent product and a good record of community involvement you might get yourself a weekly stall. Be careful what you wish for because it does get demanding during the run of the market season. Another strategy might be to volunteer to become a FM Board Member. Get your legs under the table. One way or t'other!

I really do apologize for not taking into consideration previous replies and horning in willy nilly to the conversation. But I do pride myself on a decent imagination. />

Always welcome your reply and continuation of this discussion online or off. You know how to contact me. I am also a Potter's Council Board Member.

Happy New Year. And as Simon Leach says: Keep on Practicing.