: justanassembler - Viewing Profile

I didn't think I had the space or funds for a Slabroller but then I saw the North Star 18" Portaroller Slabroller. Has anyone any experience with this Slabroller? Northstar seems to be a good reliable brand and it has a 5 year warranty. If I get it I would store it on a shelf under a work table and place it on top of the table only when I need to use it thereby giving my small studio space a double duty work table. It's also 200 cheaper than the nearest priced full size Slabroller that comes with a dedicated table.

So is this a good slab roller for a non production potter that does smaller items like ornaments, chimes, etc?

Was kind of scared to ask this question as I am sure the pros say buy only the biggest and the best but no space and no money for the full size dedicated table models so be gentle okay?

Terry

TJR, on 14 May 2013 - 04:33 PM, said:

You asked the same question in another thread and I answered you in detail.

Jim

For a person just graduating with a BFA and not already having a studio space and equipment of their own........ this is a great opportunity. Salaried jobs in the arts in all fields in the USA are few and far between....... particularly for someone with only a BFA..... so this is not all that "awful" a sitiation. Plus as Marcia stated.... The Clay Studio has a great reputation as a venue. Having that position on your resume would be a positive thing for the future.

A person in such a technician position (in any institution) has the opportunity to learn a LOT and make GREAT connections for the future. A chance to be learning about all of the practical day-to-day that most art schools do NOT include in the curriculum.

This could be a great bridge time between a BFA and getting an MFA.... or in heading toward building a private studio. On an MFA application.... it would look like a really good experience to have there.

While certainly not "lush", $25 K is not all that awful ..... there are tons of folks that are working at that level and have no skills or room for advancement. And as was said..... if you were SMART.... you'd be making work and selling it....and building relationships with sales venues and also building a reputation and resume. Think of it as more school....... with a paid assistantship. Beats flipping burgers full time while making yoyur artwork in the evenings........your "other job" is actuall IN the ceramics field

I think there is a tendency lately for people to think that the world is going to get handed to them on a silver paltter once they graduate. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to make it in the arts. Persistence and determination. If you don't "have it".... you won't. There are a lot of freshly graduated lawyers out there working at retail positions and burger joints now because they can't find jobs either. This position is not a thing to sneeze at.

Get the resumes out folks.

best,

.............john


PS: For places to require an MFA for being considered this kind of basic position is actually an INSULT to the MFA degree and the person who holds it. Crazy.

I would not feel bad about asking your local supplier to match an online price. They'll still make a profit if they do. You can find a 4.4 cu/ft with digital controller from most brands for under $2000.