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Combining Histories: Make, Scan, Mill, Print, Adjust, Repeat October 21, 2009
For the past few years we have utilized several forms of rapid prototyping to explore new methods of creating form. At The Ohio State University ceramics program, we have a large Techno Isel CNC (computer numerically controlled) router and a Konica Minolta Vivid 910 3D scanner, a Z-Corp 510 3D printer and a soon-to-be-operational Epilog laser cutter. In an environment where research and development are crucial activities, we willingly embrace these new technologies in search of a balance between traditional craft and industrial practice.
Testing 1…2…3: How to Test Clay Bodies to Find the Right Sculpture or Pottery Clay for Your Work October 21, 2009
Today, Paul Wandless explains how a combination of simple tests can give you plenty of information that will make choosing and learning about pottery and sculpture clays a little easier.
Clay on the Wall: An Introduction to Hanging Ceramic Wall Pieces October 19, 2009
Today, in an excerpt from her new book Wall Pieces (available November 2009 in the Ceramic Arts Daily Bookstore), Dominique Bivar Segurado goes over several materials and methods for hanging ceramic wall art.
Ceramic Sculpture Video - The Curious Case of Benjamin Ballclay: See An Old Man Become Youthful in Under Two Minutes October 16, 2009
We have two videos for you today. For fun, you can watch ceramic sculptor Philippe Faraut sculpt the years away and return an old man to his youth in under two minutes. Plus, you can watch the reverse in real time, complete with expert instructions. Watch the videos!
Thin Slips: The Key to Decorating Pottery Surfaces with Slips in the Bisque State October 14, 2009
Potter Terry Gess uses slip to decorate his pottery surfaces when they are in the bisqueware state. He likes the freedom that comes with knowing he can experiment and if he doesn't like the results he can just wash it off and start over. But there are technical challenges to this method. He explains those today and shares three of his slip recipes.
Attention Ceramic Sculpture Fans: New Download on Contemporary Clay Sculpture Available! October 12, 2009
Sculptor Doug Herren discusses his approach to making art, surviving as an artist and his best advice for those wishing to do the same.
It’s Raining Cats and Frogs! How to Turn Wheel Thrown Functional Pottery into Clay Animal Sculptures October 9, 2009
In today's pottery video, potters Don Ellis and Randy Brodnax playfully demonstrate how, with a little imagination, you can turn your pots into all manner of creatures great and small. Don shows us how to alter a pot into a cat sculpture, while Randy makes a frog out of a pot he slammed onto the ground after throwing. Watch the video!
2-D to 3-D: Using Image Transfer and Mishima Techniques to Make Drawings on Pottery October 7, 2009
In today's post, an excerpt from the November/December 2009 issue of Pottery Making Illustrated, Molly Hatch explains how she uses image transfer and Mishima techniques to create her drawings in clay. Plus she shares her slip and engobe recipes.
Make Your Pottery Shine Without Glaze: Sumi Von Dassow Explains the Basics of Burnishing Pottery October 5, 2009
In today's post, an excerpt from her new book Low Firing and Burnishing, Sumi Von Dassow explains the basics of burnishing pottery, from the tools to use, to a couple of basic techniques.
Less Water, More Control: The Benefits of Dry Throwing on the Pottery Wheel October 2, 2009
In today's video, potter Whitney Smith explains that with a little practice, learning to throw pottery using less water can open doors for you and help you take your pottery to the next level. Watch the video!
The Month in Clay - October 2009 September 30, 2009
October 2009 is brimming with great ceramics events and I am presenting some highlights here. Enjoy browsing through the beautiful images presented and, if possible, get out to see the work or attend a workshop in person!
The Many Layers of Kiln Wash: How to Find the Best Kiln Wash for Your Firing Temperature and Methods September 28, 2009
In this post, John Britt explains that giving a bit more consideration to kiln wash might help potters avoid some of the common kiln wash headaches - like scraping cracked kiln wash off shelves or lamenting an otherwise perfect piece that was ruined by a flake of kiln wash. Plus he shares some kiln wash recipes for various firing techniques.
From Sad to Happy in Four Minutes: A Quick Course in Changing Facial Expressions in Figurative Ceramic Sculpture September 25, 2009
We all know that a smile means happy, but what happens to the rest of the face when you smile? Philippe Faraut knows, and today, he'll show us as he transforms a sculpture with a not-so-happy expression into a bright, smiling face (in about four minutes!). Watch the video!
Five Tips for Successful Stacking in a Salt (or Soda or Wood) Kiln September 23, 2009
Today, salt and wood firing potter Michael Kline takes us through his wadding process sharing his wadding recipe and tips for successful stacking in the kiln. He also explains how he adds sea shells into the mix for a nice flashing effect.
A Virtual Studio Tour: A Glimpse Into the Work and Lives of Two Ceramic Artists September 21, 2009
If you're like me, and enjoy visiting other artists in there studios, you will love today's post. It comes from new series of articles in Ceramics Monthly, which can basically be thought of as studio visits in print. And you can think of today's excerpt as virtual studio visits to potter Jeff Campana's and ceramic sculptor Patsy Cox's studios.Comment: The Underdogs September 18, 2009
I have a confession to make: If you're not the "underdog," I'm probably not rooting for you. Please don't take it personally. Although I sincerely respect the talent, education, training, and skills associated with a variety of expertise, I typically cheer on the underdog, whomever that may be. Underdogs, let us not forget, often can be quite good at what they do. It's only circumstance that gives them underdog status. During the NCAA basketball tournaments, for example, there is no "home" team. There are only "seeded," or ranked, teams. Ordinarily the home team wears lighter colors, and the away team wears the darker version of their school's well-known hue. But during tournament time, that darker color means only that a particular ...
Review: Paul Metivier September 18, 2009
The dozen or so stained earthenware sculptures revolved around human heads on pedestal-posts or wall-mounted and clusters of bird beaks (some of which were raku-fired) also mounted on the wall. The results were uniformly dark, foreboding, and very promising.
It’s Gravy! How to Throw a Visually Pleasing and Functionally Sound Sauce Boat on the Pottery Wheel September 18, 2009
In today's video clip, potter Robin Hopper demonstrates throwing a simple sauce boat on the potters wheel, while discussing the aesthetic and functional issues that go into its design. Watch the video now!
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale: From Ceramics Monthly’s “MFA Factor” Series September 18, 2009
The ceramic program at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, places emphasis on each student expressing their unique personality through their work. The program encourages a diverse range of attitudes including utilitarian pottery, figurative work, mixed media, and sculpture. Students are expected to explore ideas, materials, and processes, and to engage in critical dialog with the faculty and each other. Each student receives an individual studio space within a shared working studio environment and is expected to contribute to the overall health and well being of the community. Through group and individualized instruction, the faculty shares ideas with students and assists them in their creative endeavors. Visiting artists will also assist in this activity. The student ...
The Happy Accident: How a Ceramic Artist Turned the Product of a Kiln Firing Mishap into a Gem September 16, 2009
Today potter Mary Cay shares the results of her two years of trial and error trying to cultivate "kiln jewels." She also shares the glaze recipes and instruction you'll need to make your own glaze kiln jewels.
