Workshops, Learning And Experience

I love a good workshop. There is nothing like going somewhere, getting away from the everyday and immerse yourself in what you love. For me it

Ok, something that I thought was a jewel of wisdom: Val said that when he makes containers, he does them in a series and he throws the openings to the same size. That way he can get into a groove and throw many bodies and then later sit down and throw many lids. Such a simple idea. I do small batches of sugars bodies and then throw lids measuring each. What was I thinking. Most are different from each other by a sneeze one way or the other. How did I never think of this? Really?!?!?!

This is why I love going to workshops. Yes, learning a new technique is always good, but it's the little tips of experience that make all the difference.

-Sally Anne

All About Evan...

Just trying to see what makes Covert Potter Evan Vieser tick... I asked him:

You have been selected to go on an all expense paid drinking binge for three days with historical figures: an artist, a writer and one free choice. Who are your drinking buddies?

"The artist would be George Ohr, because he seems like someone who's a bit on the edge and there would almost definatly not be a boring moment. As for a writer I'd have to choose Chuck Palahniuk, only because his sense of humor is much like mine, he also has an insane amount of useless knowledge. The only problem with this plan is after 3 days, I quite possibly wouldn't remember a damn thing."

Who would you choose?

Get Inspired

The show opens tomarow night!  You can get a little preview here, but you really should try to come out to the opening.  Several of the Covert Potters have work in the show, Sally Anne Stahl, Celeste Iida, Chris McCormick and Evan Vieser.  Wre are all looking forward to what promises to be an amzing show!

Trials And Tribulations

I used to be a member at the Xiem Clay Center in Pasadena California.  All work at Xiem is fired to Cone 10 in reduction.  After many years I had finally figured out the glazes; which ones worked well together and those that didnt play nicely.  It was just about that time some major changes occured in my life and I set up a studio at home, firing to Cone 5 oxidation.

It has been a challenge.
I have my work table, wheel and kiln and have purchased various glazes but getting the results that I want has been tough. I think my biggest problem has been that I have not had the time to do some serious testing.  So I am working on getting some more glazes to round out a palate and hope to do some serious testing at the end of next month.  At least thats the plan...
What cone are you working at?  And what challenges have you worked to overcome?
I often go to YouTube when looking for information on any topic, there are many videos on glaze application but not that much on specific glazes and what works with what.  I guess that is because there are so many variables from kiln to kiln and glaze to glaze.  Or even the geographical area you are firing in.
Which leads me to another question, where do you go when looking for help or information?
~Chris