Whatever gets you through
whatever makes you roll, whatever keeps you making Art. I know many think that I just travel the world and make all the things that enter my little mind. So not true! I do whatever gets me through and makes me rock and roll. I made 90 small soap dishes for an old age home. I am pleased to make a reasonable item for people that maybe won't get much for Christmas and don't have the money to buy handmade.
I wish I could make one offs all day long. I wish I didn't have to worry about my bank account. I wish I had a mentor. I don't! So as my teacher Mick Casson told me "some and some"! Some for you and some for the market place. Trouble is most potters forget about making for themselves when the money rolls in for the pretty stuff the market wants. Thats all they make.
I made some jugs today after making the dishes on Monday. They are a stretch. I have made jugs for over 25 years and small changes sometimes takes years. The little cone on the back for a termination point for the double handle came to me in my sleep. Some dream of beautiful women, distant destinations, exotic vacations and I end up thinking about pots. If I could afford it I's take therapy. Actually I think it is too late.
I think the people that are most happy are those that give to others. My soap dishes make me feel happy. Most that have the least give the most.
Comments
A brilliant teacher
Michael Casson is described as one of the greatest figures in post-war pottery and is often portrayed as the person who brought pottery to the masses thanks to his BBC television series The Craft of the Potter, which was originally shown in 1976. In this programme he introduces us to the mysteries of glaze & fire. This aspect of pottery seems to absorb some potters completely. They are forever trying to find out what happens to a glaze inside a kiln.
The Craft of the Potter - Glaze and Fire (Part 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jwR8AunMIE
The Craft of the Potter - Glaze and Fire (part 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jEHtOGFp5o
#1: Handcrafted Mugs.
#2: Bowls.
#3: Soap Dishes.
#4: Spoon Rests.
#5: Sponge Holders.
#6: Vases.
#7: Teacups.
#8: Plant Pots.
How much money can you make in ceramics?
Your earnings per hour will increase with your experience. Mid-level potters earn about $20/hour while senior potters earn $25/hour. The most experienced potters can earn over $30/hour! After you determine how much your time is worth look at the cost of your raw materials and the cost of firing your kiln.
#1 Alfred University - New York State College of Ceramics
Alfred, NY
#2 Cranbrook Academy of Art
Bloomfield Hills, MI
#3 Ohio University
Athens, OH
#4 Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
#4 Rhode Island School of Design
Providence, RI
#6 California College of the Arts
San Francisco, CA
#6 Pennsylvania State University--University Park
University Park, PA
Find online Ceramics tutors for private lessons
https://www.superprof.ca/lessons/ceramics/online/
7 YouTube Channels to Follow To Learn Pottery At Home.
https://ceramic.school/7-youtube-channels-to-follow-to-learn-pottery-at-home/
https://ceramic.school/
Ben
Albert
M G