Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Learning from Ginger Steele


I can't even begin to describe how generous potters are in sharing ideas, techniques, glaze recipes etc... Since making pottery is so entirely handmade, every artist will have something different in their piece even if they are making similar items.

I have met several potters online and in workshop and all have added so much to my skill set but Ginger Steele truely takes the cake. I have always been struggling with lids. I managed somewhat but was never entirely happy. I spent last weekend at Ginger's studio learning how to make thrown lids for small/big jars, teapots, casseroles. It was all hands on and I gained so much. We also exchanged some patterns and stamps and I am very excited to see how we incorporate it in our work. We made casseroles, jars, pitchers, bowls... etc.. Attached is a picture of some of the work I did and later carved. I did it in her clay so I can get then fired in her kiln. I really like the way the lidded pieces turned out and I have never had such good fitting lids.


One key thing I realized was that I was working with very soft clay, which wasn't letting me manipulate the clay enough for lids seats. The most important thing was to make the lid seat before pulling up the wall. It might be second nature to everyone, but I had not realized this.
One big take away was that I really need to let go and experiment more... not worry about wasted clay, or waste my time thinking about how to use my scraps of clay etc.. etc.. So I am very convinced to purchase a pugmill and I will getting one very soon. I think it will change the way I work, evolving my work in different ways.
I am looking forward to working with her again on her handbuilt work.

8 comments:

Ann said...

Charan -- these pots are fabulous! I can't wait to see the finished pieces.

Ceci said...

Charan...thank you for sharing your clay experience with Ginger. What a wonderful treat!

Care said...

This is amazing. If one is willing they will just keep on learning...

Love Hand-building!

Sister Creek Potter said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sister Creek Potter said...

Charan, I was reading your blog way back when you were creating your studio! Then I lost track somehow and have just now 'found' you again. I am grateful for how generous YOU are in what you share through your blog. I am now experimenting with your trailing tool! Thanks for that. I bought a pug mill a couple years ago and you remind me what an incredible machine it is and how much I depend on it for my day by day functioning. Good luck with your experimenting--we all profit from what you learn and share! Gay

L'Officina said...

Thank You for sharing. I read your blog every day and I alwais find something that inspire my work.
Thank you very much! Great work!
Best regards from Italy
Sonia

Susan Thompson said...

Your pots are lovely - what wonderful results after just one weekend. Keep us posted on how you decide to glaze them.

LustingWanderluster said...

Charan, your pottery is wonderful. I would like to feature you in the EtsyConnection if you're interested. Thank you, by the way, for following the corresponding blog to my newsletter.
Just to remind you, go to http://etsyconnection.blogspot.com to check out the few newsletters that I have parked on that blog. The newsletter is published weekly and sent out to my opt-in subscribers. Email me at etsyconnection@gmail.com if you are interested in being featured. You would make a very nice addition. I, too, am a potter but not nearly at your level. You are something to aspire to! -Karen

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