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HANDBUILDING
May 28-30, 2010
Atlanta, Georgia
Hosted by Spruill Center for the Arts

 

Take Your Work to the Next Level!
The HANDBUILDING conference will bring together a diverse group of ceramic artists to demonstrate, share and answer any questions you have. Each presentation will involve all steps of the process, from the type of clay, to forming, finishing and firing. This conference will help you build upon your existing skills and learn new techniques that will take your work to the next level.

 

Mark Your Calendar and Register Today!

Space is Limited

Featured Artist:

Chris Campbell, Marko Fields, Patz Fowle, Mitch Lyons,
Sandi Pierantozzi and Kathy Triplett

 

For more information and to register, click on a link below:


Schedule of Events | Presenters | Host & Sponsors
Hotel and Venue Information

Travel & Directions | Visitor Information
Registration Information

What will you learn?

  • Learn how to make colored clay patterns,and how to use it in several different ways.
  • Develop these techniques to add to your resume: utilize thrown & altered elements, coils, slabs, incising, sgraffito, ‘poor man’s Mishima,’ slip-trailing & inlay, carving, press-molding, texturing, tearing, slumping and bumping.
  • Participants will learn the innovative, straightforward *Patz Process Ceramic Technique* which is a method of connecting clay forms to make creative animal sculptures or figures in clay. Attendees will also learn how this technique is used to attach clay appendages to traditional pottery such as; pinch pots, slab work, coil built pieces and wheel thrown pottery.
  • Learn the broomstick technique that shows how colored clays and textures can be added to the form while the clay is taking shape.
  • Learn how to hand build functional pots which have good form, function well, and have a sensitivity to the human touch as well as other senses.
  • Understand how to apply texture to soft slabs using found objects, cut out inlaid shapes, clay stamps and bisque molds of textured surfaces which the clay is rolled on, producing a full slab of texture.
  • Learn how to make various pottery forms starting from a basic cylinder of clay, which is altered by cutting darts or pinching, and pushing out the clay to round out the form. Alternate ways of treating the bottom of a pot with regard to added feet or foot rings will be included, as well as various types of handles made from slabs and coils.

Schedule of Events
Friday, May 28, 2010 Events located at Spruill Center for the Arts
Time Event Location
6 - 8 pm Registration and Opening Reception Spruill Center for the Arts
Saturday, May 29, 2010
8:30- 9 am Registration Spruill Center for the Arts
9 am- 12 pm Chris Campbell Rm: tbd
Marko Fields Rm: tbd
Kathy Triplett
Rm: tbd
12 - 1pm Lunch (provided)
1 - 4 pm Patz Fowle Rm: tbd
Sandi Pierantozzi Rm: tbd
Mitch Lyons Rm: tbd
Sunday, May 30, 2010
8:30 - 9 am
9 am - 12 pm Patz Fowle Rm: tbd
Sandi Pierantozzi Rm: tbd
Mitch Lyons Rm: tbd
12:00 - 12:45 pm
12:45 - 1 pm
1 - 4 pm Chris Campbell Rm: tbd
Marko Fields Rm: tbd
Kathy Triplett Rm: tbd

Saturday and Sunday Presenter Demonstrations
The schedule is set-up so that attendees can pick and choose which classes to attend over the two day event. Attendees will sign-up during Friday and/or Saturday morning registration. Attendees will be asked to choose one presenter for AM and PM for Saturday and Sunday. Each attendee will see four of the six presenters.

 

Presenters

CHRIS CAMPBELL
Let’s Color The Clay
Chris will be showing you how to feature colored clay and colored clay patterns in your hand built pieces to make them unique and collectible. Colored clay can be the entire piece, an eye-catching part of the whole or a surface decoration on the pottery. Chris will demonstrate some quick patterns, and then show several ways of using them. The possibilities are endless and the process is not difficult to duplicate on your own. She will be bringing her starter kits for sale.

Additional Information:
I fell in love with colored porcelain in 1991 during a workshop taught by Jane Peiser. Adding color quickly turned into the only thing I wanted to do with clay. Now, after almost 20 years of working with colors, I am still finding new avenues to travel. I have yet to find any limits on the possibilities of patterns and colors.

Not many potters work with colored clay. I think it‘s a shame that this wonderful tool is missing from their inventory. Color does not have to be the entire focus; it can be an exciting feature of the work or a decoration that sells multiple pieces. A few hours of work can provide you with years of color and patterns to work with. I am looking forward to sharing my techniques with you so you can take advantage of this rainbow of possibilities.

 

To learn more about Chris visit: http://www.ccpottery.com/

 


 


MARKO FIELDS
Marko’s Narrative Imperative: Handbuilding Stories in Clay
Marko Fields made a promise, upon receiving his MFA from Yoshi Ikeda at Kansas State University, that he would keep no secrets, and throughout his journey of ceramic self-discovery and development – as a teacher and artist – he has acquired a bag full of tricks and techniques; if provoked, he will dump the whole bag. Marko’s previous life as a designer and illustrator becomes apparent as he demonstrates rich and iconographic patterns and content-driven surfaces and forms. Within a typical piece, Fields may utilize thrown & altered elements, coils, slabs, incising, sgraffito, ‘poor man’s Mishima,’ slip-trailing & inlay, carving, press-molding, texturing, tearing, swearing, slumping and bumping. Often joining porcelain to stoneware, while combining mixed-media found or fabricated objects, Marko demonstrates his quirky approach to narrative ceramic art.


Additional Information:
Marko Fields, BFA University of Kansas, MFA KSU, is a Professor of Visual Art and Resident Artist at Concordia University, St. Paul, though admittedly, he teaches as little as possible to keep his office and studio. This is because most of his workdays are devoted to his work with the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) as their Publications Director. His ceramic art can be seen in numerous periodicals and books, including Judy Schwartz’s new book, Confrontational Clay. A frequent exhibitor, his work can be found in many private and public collections, including Emprise Bank, Hallmark, Sprint, The Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian, The Copa Museum, The deYoung Museum and the Ceramic Research Center of Arizona State University. Fields is a Kansas Arts Fellow and a McKnight Fellow. Married and a father of two, Marko is a blues singer-guitarist, writer, and a frequent visitor to and avid supporter/friend of the potters of Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico.

 

For more information about Marko visit: www.markofields.com

 

 


PATZ FOWLE
“The Patz Process Ceramic Technique” for Handbuilding in Clay
For many years, ceramic artist Patz Fowle has been inspiring others with her thought-provoking, humorous, hand-built clay characters. During this conference, she will motivate the creativity in all of us as she enthusiastically demonstrates her step-by-step techniques to create one-of-a-kind clay characters from simple lumps of clay.

Participants will learn the innovative, straightforward *Patz Process Ceramic Technique* which is a method of connecting clay forms to make creative animal sculptures or figures in clay. Attendees will also learn how this technique is used to attach clay appendages to traditional pottery such as; pinch pots, slab work, coil built pieces and wheel thrown pottery.


Additional Information:

Primarily self-taught, Patz Fowle is an award-winning ceramic artist, innovative educator and published author. Fowle specializes in creating hand-built anthropomorphic ceramic sculpture and her work is recognized for its distinctive, thought-provoking, humorous style. Her unique clay sculpture can be found in museums, public art exhibitions and in public and private collections.

Fowle’s sculpture and original techniques have been chronicled in numerous ceramic books and featured in documentaries. Considered a ground-breaking method for hand-building in clay in 1970, Fowle’s significant contributions to the ceramic arts have become an American Tradition. Through the years, she has taught the Patz Process Ceramic Technique to thousands, through public school visits, at universities and in clay workshops. Fowle teaches her techniques locally, nationally and internationally in hopes that this exciting art form will continue to inspire creativity in the ceramic arts for many generations to come.

For more information about Patz visit: www.patzfowle.com

 



MITCH LYONS
Handbuilt Vessels Without a Seam-The Broomstick
The Broomstick handbuilding technique, that Mitch invented and developed, will demonstrate how colored clays and textures can be added to the form while the clay is takingshape. He will share his process step-by-step. This unique hanbuilding process allows him to roll the clay cylinder onto colored clay porcelain or slips to “inlay” both color and texture while the clay form is being manipulated. This process of “Broom Stick” integrates the form, texture and colors into a unified whole and comes close to the way Nature does it.


Additional Information:
Mitch graduated from the University of the Arts, in Philadelphia with a BFA degree in Printmaking and went on to Tyler School for his graduate degree in Ceramics. While a graduate student Mitch became interested in colored clays, which eventually led to him inventing Clay Printing. Mitch has been making pots since 1960. His web site is:
www.mitchlyons.com

For more information about Mitch visit:
www.mitchlyons.com


 

 


SANDI PIERANTOZZI
From Flat to Form to Function / Hand Building Functional Pots
In this workshop attendees will learn how to hand build functional pots which have good form, function well, and have a sensitivity to the human touch as well as other senses. We will primarily be using soft slabs. Demonstrations will include how to apply texture to soft slabs using found objects, cut out inlaid shapes, clay stamps and bisque molds of textured surfaces which the clay is rolled on, producing a full slab of texture. Using a rolling pin to make slabs, forming techniques will include how to make various pottery forms starting from a basic cylinder of clay, which is altered by cutting darts or pinching, and pushing out the clay to round out the form. Alternate ways of treating the bottom of a pot with regard to added feet or foot rings will be included, as well as various types of handles made from slabs and coils. Good craftsmanship is of utmost importance, so there will be much attention paid to detail and finishing touches.


Additional Information:
Statement: My decision to focus on making pots comes from a deep appreciation of food, celebration, and setting a beautiful table. I also feel that pots help me connect with people on a very basic human level. In this “age of communication,” where most communicating is done via high-tech equipment and machines, and so much food is being eaten out of paper, plastic or Styrofoam I feel I can communicate through my pots by bringing some creative life into the daily rituals of eating and drinking. I truly believe that a hand made pot contains the soul and energy of the person who made it, and that with use, a real human connection is made. I feel that these real connections between people are essential to keeping alive the soul in all of us.

Process: Most of my pots are handbuilt from slabs that I make with a rolling pin. After rolling a slab, I either texture the clay as a flat surface and then make a cylinder, or carve into the clay after the form is made. I pinch or cut darts or sections of clay out to create various forms. With this method of working, I can make pots that reveal the soft qualities of clay through the impression of texture or carving, while at the same time show control of the clay through the nature of the forms. Recently, I have been exploring slip trailed decoration on leather hard pots. To me, this is like writing and drawing, which are two things I love to do.



For more information about Sandi visit: www.sandiandneil.com

 



KATHY TRIPLETT
Pushing and Pulling
Textured soft clay responds to stretching in a beautiful way, becoming more organic with a feeling of fabric. I use this technique combined with paddling, to create wall tiles, platters, and lighted wall sconces. I demonstrate surface decoration for greenware such as terra-sigillata, layering of underglazes, and sculptural glazes to enliven the
electric-fired surfaces of sculpture. I also show ways to incorporate and fire metal pieces with the clay. I also explain installation possibilities and acquiring and completing commissions, public and private.

 

Additional Information:


For more information about Kathy, visit: http://www.kathytriplett.com/home.html

 

Host & Sponsors
Spruill Center for the Arts - Host & Facility

Spruill Center for the Arts
5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30338
Phone: (770) 394-3447

Website: www.spruillarts.org

Mindy Spritz, Director of Education & Development
Email: mspritz@spruillarts.org
Phone: (770) 394-3447 x229

Ken Horvath, Ceramic Department Director
Email: khorvath@spruillarts.org
Phone: (770) 394-3447 x233

About Spruill Center for the Arts

The Spruill Center for the Arts located in the Perimeter Area of Atlanta is a private, non-profit organization. Establish in 1975, the Spruill Center for the Arts mission is to foster understanding and appreciation of the cultural arts by offering an extensive and diverse program of classes, a professional artist exhibition series, and outreach programs for seniors, youth and audiences with special needs. Each year the Center serves more than 7,000 students in more than 750 different classes for adults and children at the Spruill Education Center on Chamblee Dunwoody Road and at off site locations. One of the Center’s largest endeavors is it children’s summer camp program with more than 1,200 youths participating ages 5-14. The Center also sponsors outreach programs for underserved youth and for seniors living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

The Center mounts an extensive exhibition program including shows at the Spruill Gallery, the Spruill Education Center, and at various other venues in metro Atlanta. Lectures, workshops, and special events are added to the annual schedule to enhance the audiences’ appreciation and understanding of the art-world. The gallery exhibits feature contemporary work by innovative and culturally diverse local and nationally recognized artists.

AMACO/BRENT - Sponsor

AMACO/Brent
6060 Guion Road
Indianapolis, IN 46254-122
(800) 374-1600
(317) 244-6871

Website: www.amaco.com

 

Atlanta Clay - Sponsor

Atlanta Clay
3131 Presidential Drive
Atlanta , GA 30340
770-451-6774

Website: www.atlantaclay.com

www.facebook.com/atlantaclay

We want to be a part of your community – as artists, as a supplier and as friends. It’s our goal to help you succeed in every step – and we undertand how tricky it can be! We think you deserve solid answers and advice from someone who knows what they’re talking about, who uses the products they sell and who has the experience to help you. Don’t you think you deserve that? I hope you’ll stop by and see us!

HandbuildingTools - Sponsor

HandbuildingTools
JT Enterprises
800 Woodland Court
Knoxville , TN 37919
(865) 250-0803

Website: www.handbuildingtools.com

Play, fun, vision, creating, inspiring—words describing my experience at Lana Wilson’s Handbuilding Workshop. Afterwards I went on a mission to find many of the tools Lana used for my own pottery studio—SuperSurface Clay Mats (non-inked litho blankets), Bevel Tools (designed by Lana; handcrafted by Bob Carver), Scoring/Clean-up Tool and Rubber Rib Mats for texturing coils. Realizing that others would love to have fun using these pottery tools when creating their visions, I started HandbuildingTools.com. Our mission is to make these tools readily available to all potters.

Mayco - Sponsor

Mayco
4077 Weaver Court South
Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 675-2018

Website: www.maycocolors.com

Mayco Colors’ stoneware glazes fire from cone 6 to cone 10 and are now available in premixed and dry mix packaging (5 lb and 25 lb bags). Please visit our website catalog to view color chips and get products details on all our glazes, clay tools and stamps.

Hotel & Venue Information
STAYBRIDGE SUITES ATLANTA PERIMETER CENTER EAST
4601 Ridgeview Road
Atlanta, GA 30338
Phone: 678-320-0111
Web: www.staybridge.com/altanta-pr


Rooms range from $65-105 per night for studio suite, one bedroom suite, and two bedroom suite. Complimentary Breakfast (w/some hot items); On-site Health & Fitness Center; Complimentary Parking; and Complimentary local area shuttle (3 MI Radius).

Ask for Potters Council meeting block to get preferred rates. Room block will be held until Wednesday, April 28, 2010.
Spruill Center for the Arts - Venue for Event

Spruill Center for the Arts
5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30338
Phone: (770) 394-3447

Website: www.spruillarts.org

Mindy Spritz, Director of Education & Development
Email: mspritz@spruillarts.org
Phone: (770) 394-3447 x229

Ken Horvath, Ceramic Department Director
Email: khorvath@spruillarts.org
Phone: (770) 394-3447 x233

About Spruill Center for the Arts

The Spruill Center for the Arts located in the Perimeter Area of Atlanta is a private, non-profit organization. Our mission is to foster an understanding and appreciation of the cultural arts by offering an extensive and diverse range of classes and programs from beginner to expert for adults and children.

 

Travel & Directions

Airport:
Hartsfield -Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Website: http://www.atlanta-airport.com/

Distance between Airport and Spruill Center for the Arts is about 26 mile drive.

Ground Transportation:

General Ground Transportation Information
Website: http://www.atlanta-airport.com/GroundTransportation/

Car Rental from airport:

Website: http://www.atlanta-airport.com/GroundTransportation/CarsLimosTaxis.aspx

Taxi from airport:


Phone: Call (404) 762-6087

Map:

Visitor Information

There is much to see in do around Atlanta. This is a great opportunity to bring your family or friends and extend your visit.


For things to do in and around Atlanta: http://www.atlanta.net/

Registration

You are invited to register online, by mail or fax, or by telephone.

  • To register online, click on the “Register Now!” button:

  • To register by mail or fax, click on the Registration Form link below to download a PDF of the registration form that you can mail or fax to us at Potters Council, PO Box 15699, North Hollywood, CA 91615-9145; fax 818-487-4550.


  • To register by telephone, call toll free at 800-424-8698 or international 818-487-2054.
  • Student Discounts (Valid Student ID) and Day Passes available. Call 800-424-8698 for more information.

 

On or Before
March 21, 2010
After
March 22, 2010
Potters Council Member $270.00 $345.00
Non-Member 315.00 390.00
Registration fee includes the reception on Friday, and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Make checks payable to Potters Council in U.S. Dollars, drawn on a U.S. Bank. Cancellation Policy: Full refund less $50 if canceled on or before April 28, 2010; 50% refund if canceled between April 29 and May 28, 2010; no refunds after the start of the conference.