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January 23, 2009

Way, way back, while I was on maternity leave (such a distant memory now - sigh), Sherman Hall ran a video clip from Mitch Lyon's full length DVD, Handbuilding with Mitch Lyons, in which Lyon's demonstrated the broomstick method of handbuilding pottery. The technique intrigued me and I finally had a chance to check out the rest of the video. And it's a good one. So today thought I would send out a "part deux." In this clip, Lyons demonstrates how he inlays figurative colored clay motifs into his broomstick vases. I have included a step-by-step recap of the technique below, in addition to pointing you toward another great project for colored clay inlay from the Ceramic Arts Daily Feature ...

January 2, 2009

We're kicking off 2009 with a how-to ceramics video about using paper stencils and underglaze for surface decoration. The video features ceramic artist Eva Kwong and was filmed during the recent Potters Council workshop "Surface, Form and Substance" in Indianapolis, Indiana.

November 7, 2008

If anyone was looking for proof that ceramics really does cross over into all sorts of creative endeavors, this week's video is that proof of that assertion. Barbara Hanselman demonstrates how to make hollow clay beads using a few dowels, a small amount of clay, simple tools and a bit of imagination.  Even if you don't want to make beads, this is a great technique. I first saw Mitch Lyons use it (watch for his video coming soon) to make full-size vessels. So give this technique a try and let us know what you come up with!— Sherman Hall, Ceramic Arts Daily

September 12, 2008

Today we are trying something a little different with our video of the week. We are featuring an interview with ceramic sculptor Tom Bartel, who is exhibiting his new body of work at Sherrie Gallerie in Columbus, Ohio. The interview also features a short demonstration of Tom's handbuilding techniques. We thought this would be a great way to not only let those outside of the Central Ohio area experience this fantastic exhibition, but also, to get to know the artist, his motivations and processes. Hope you enjoy it! - Jennifer Harnetty, editor. In addition to what is covered in the video, we have included some more information on Tom's processes and some of his glaze recipes as a free ...

September 5, 2008

Today we bring you another video clip from Matt Long off of his full-length DVD Matt Long: Vessels for Victory. In this clip, Matt demonstrates how to make a hip flask. In addition to clearly explaining how the form is constructed, Matt delves into his design considerations and motivations. For example, when considering the shape of this flask form, he decided he wanted "the form to look like it's kind of drunk" - perfect for a form that is designed to hold a beverage that can make you tipsy! Thinking through both the form and function of a piece before setting out to make it is a good habit for all potters to get into. It can be what separates ...

August 22, 2008

Today’s video comes to us from potter Keith Phillips of Asheville, North Carolina. Keith takes us through his process of making squared-off mugs, starting on the pottery wheel with a bottomless cylinder and continuing through to the finishing stages, which incorporate some handbuilding techniques. Since there is no narration on this video (just snappy tunes!), Keith has shared some additional thoughts and instruction on this process below. With the visual of the video and the written how-to instruction, you should be all set to try this technique in your own studios! - Jennifer Harnetty, editor.

August 15, 2008

I thought this would be a fun video to share because of the somewhat unusual methods potter Dave Henry uses to throw his pitchers. I figure that it is always good to think outside the cylinder, so to speak, and see how others approach various ceramic processes, even if you are quite comfortable with your own methods. A self-proclaimed pack rat, Dave likes to raid his junk box to make homemade ceramic tools. In this video, he uses his hand-made spout maker and a hand-made extruder gun, in addition to some store-bought pottery tools. In case you would like to make a spout maker of your own, we've also included Dave's instructions. He plans to follow up with a video on ...

August 1, 2008

I had the good fortune to be one of Matt Long’s students when he was in graduate school at Ohio University. Sadly, I only had one class with him because I happened to take it the quarter I graduated. But, that one class had an impact on me. I really identified with Matt's philosophy on making pots and that is probably why clay has been a big part of my life ever since (ceramics was not my major, although it would have been had I taken the class earlier!). Matt is one of those gifted educators who really impacts his students both because he is an excellent instructor and because of his genuine enthusiasm for what he does. Today’s video is ...

July 11, 2008

Today, we have another video from North Carolina potter Mark Peters. In it, Mark demonstrates how to make a homemade wire faceting tool and then shows how to use it to make a lovely loosely faceted bowl on the potters wheel. Next week, we’ll show you Mark’s follow-up video on trimming and glazing these faceted bowls. Plus, Mark will share a glaze and slip recipe that he likes to use on these forms. Stay tuned! -Jennifer Harnetty, editor.

July 2, 2008

Today’s Video Tip of the Week is a good follow up to Mark Peters video from last week. Lisa Bare Culp demonstrates a similar technique to Mark’s stamped rim technique, but on a simple vase form. I think it can valuable to see similar techniques on different forms because each shape has its own challenges. Also, every artist does things a little differently and you can always learn from getting multiple perspectives. I hope this will get you thinking about other forms to tackle with bisque stamps. -Jennifer Harnetty, editor.

June 20, 2008

Making citrus juicers on the wheel is a fun and deceptively simple little project. Juicers are handy additions to any kitchen and make great gifts too. In today’s Video Tip of the Week, Simon Leach demonstrates his juicer throwing technique. After a student had requested a juicer demo, Simon obliged and decided to put it on video. If I heard him correctly, I think this is the first juicer he has attempted - pretty darn good for a first try. If you have any tips on making juicers that you would like to share with Simon and everyone else, post them in the comments! - Jennifer Harnetty, editor.

June 13, 2008

Today’s video comes from my good friend and instructor Lisa Bare Culp. In this video, Lisa gives a refresher course on throwing good strong bowls on the potter’s wheel, but then reminds us that round isn’t always best. Sometimes alterations to thrown forms can take a good pot to an even higher level! Use Lisa’s demonstration as a starting point and see what other interesting shapes you can come up with. Jennifer Harnetty, editor.

June 6, 2008

If you want to throw big forms, but think you don’t have the muscle for it, this Video Tip of the Week is for you. For me, large pots are a challenge because of the strain they can put on my wrists and arms. So I am always looking for techniques that can help reduce throwing fatigue. Today, Syracuse, New York, potter Tim See demonstrates how to make larger forms in sections to reduce stress and strain on muscles. -Jennifer Harnetty, editor.

May 30, 2008

Today Simon Leach shares another technique with us from his sunny studio in Spain. The “squashed vase” or “purse pot,” as he calls it, is a great form to try if you have grown tired of making round pots. Who said wheel-thrown pots have to be round? Watch the video, then give this technique a whirl! –Jennifer Harnetty, editor.

May 22, 2008

This week’s Video Tip of the Week comes to us from Ceramic Arts Daily subscriber Rikki Grace of Bluffton, Ohio. In this video, Rikki demonstrates a technique for creating split-rim vases. This easy-to-follow technique adds a touch of elegance to any vessel creating plenty of opportunities for glazes to pool and break.

May 9, 2008

It is an exciting day at Ceramic Arts Daily because we are rolling out the latest addition to our repertoire: video tips and techniques! Our first video comes all the way from ceramic artist Simon Leach in Spain. In this clip, Simon shares his technique for making rolled rims on vessel forms. It is no surprise that Simon Leach got into ceramics since he comes from a pottery family (and a legendary one at that). He is the grandson of Bernard Leach and son of David Leach. But I will leave it to Simon to tell more about his background...Enjoy! –Jennifer Harnetty, editor.

December 20, 2006

Can you imagine what it would be like to learn from one of the best potters in the world? To have them sit next to you and share their years of experience and know-how one on one? Most of us can only dream of such an opportunity as timing, distance and finances often keep us from realizing such a dream. That’s changed. With DVDs, we can all experience the intimate workshop experience. With Tom Turner’s Two Day Workshop DVD, you’ll have the opportunity to learn, to absorb and to revisit the workshop experience of one of the world’s truly Master Potters over and over again, gaining more depth with ...