My Blog

Epoxy for Ceramics

05/20/2012 14:28:00

If you need to repair a crack, or epoxy a piece that has popped off.....the Archie Bray has what you need. This epoxy comes as two sticks of clay-like material that you blend together. You will also need to purchase the colorant kit....has terracotta, turquoise, blue, green, yellow, and white.

This epoxy is AMAZING. It will hold large pieces together.

Order by calling the Archie Bray Clay Department 406-442-2521.

Eileen Powell , Ceramic Artist

04/22/2012 08:58:00

The Arts Center of Clemson, SC, was fortunate to have Eileen Powell teach a ceramic sculpture class. She examines nature, the sea, and the emotions we feel toward natural habitats with texture, and earthy, encrusted glazes.

Eileen has traveled extensively around the world guiding whitewater and sea kayak trips. She draws upon her experiences in her sculptural work, and encourages students to push beyond their limits to expand their creative process.

Please view her website:

http://www.eileenpowell.com/

Mica Gallery, Bakersville, NC

04/18/2012 08:47:00

http://www.micagallerync.com/artists/

This new, cooperative gallery is coming soon to downtown, Bakersville, NC. Artists such as Cynthia Bringle, Suze Lindsay, Kent McLaughlin, Joy Tanner, Will Baker........ are involved.

You can join their mailing list on their new website.

Using Press 'N Seal With Clay Molds

04/07/2012 14:40:00

This fish mold was made by cutting out some styrofoam. Using Pres 'N Seal over the entire mold allowed the clay to be pushed into the mold without unwanted marks . When the clay was leather hard, it was easy to invert the mold and release the clay. The front side was still moist enough to carve.

I have used the same piece of Press 'N Seal over and over....

Solo Exhibition: June, July, August 2012

04/01/2012 09:31:00

I unloaded the kiln with work for my first solo exhibition this spring. New work titled " Thermal Pools / Emerging Forms" will be exhibited at the

SC Botanical Gardens, in the Discovery Center, from June, July, and August. Here is a sample of the new work!

Atmospheric Effects at Cone 6 Electric

03/25/2012 13:56:00

This was my first single firing in an electric kiln ( 2160 degrees) , using Steven Hills single firing schedule described in Ceramics Monthly. The site below explains his firing schedule. The effect is amazing. With sprayed , layered glazes a rich, "atmospheric-like" glaze is achieved.

http://ceramicartsdaily.org/firing-techniques/electric-kiln-firing/glazing-and-firing-techniques-atmospheric-like-effects-in-an-electric-kiln/

Emerging Pottery Artists

03/05/2012 14:39:00

The 25th North Carolina Potter's Conference was last weekend. In addition to demonstrations by Cynthia Bringle, Jack Troy, and John Glick, new emerging artists were invited to do demonstrations.

Here are three artists that are definitely on their way to "greatness".

Martha Grover makes delicate porcelain pitchers, baskets, jars, etc. that appear to be dancing like a ballerina.Ronan Kyle Peterson makes colorful, terracotta pieces that may have a surprise inside or on the bottom.

Jake Johnson makes pod-like forms that are wood fired or reduction fired with shino glazes. They are very light weight, and tactile to handle.

All three artists sell their pottery on Etsy ..... now is the time to collect!

NC Potters Conference

02/25/2012 17:22:00

The NC Potter's Conference will take place on March 2, 3, and 4th. The cost includes demonstrations, lunch, and dinner on Friday and Saturday.

There are only 150 openings which means the group will have a lot of interaction.

Cynthia Bringle will be one of the demonstrators. She is amazing to watch.

Please check out www.randolphartsguild.com for further details. The location is Asheboro, North Carolina.....great opportunity.

First Single Firing with Steven Hill glazes!!!

02/06/2012 11:39:00

This was a single firing in my quirkly little gas kiln using Steven Hill glazes. This "odd" kiln fires cone 5 1/2 on the bottom and cone 9 on the top. I used Steven Hill's formulated glazes for cone 6 electric firing.... all turned out beautifully!! I also used John Britt glazes from his Ceramics Monthly article about using Turner White as a base in cone 6 to cone 10. John's orange recipe was my liner and modifier. ( really nice smooth glaze)

The firing took 11 hours, but I feel I can cut this to about 10 hours.

When I reached temperature, I turned the kiln off and let it cool naturally to 1700 degrees. Then I re-lit the kiln and controlled the cool down (held at 1600 degrees for 45 minutes),then contolled cooling until 1500 degrees. I shut the kiln off at 1500 and allowed it to cool naturally. ( see Steven Hill's firing schedule on his video)

There were crystal formations and gorgeous glazes!!

Reminds me of a trip to the thermal pools of Yellowstone!!!

Why are we attracted to certain glazes?

01/29/2012 10:32:00

I could not figure out why I was so attracted to a new glaze from the Steven Hill workshop. Then, the aha moment came!

It reminds me of a trip to Yellowstone. Try figuring out why you are attracted to your glazes. It makes a nice study to expand upon.