
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Intern from Appalachian State
Exchanging Pottery?
Ironically, the purchaser wrote me a lovely email about how she loved the teapot on sight and how her brother's new home didn't have a teapot. She thought it would be the perfect gift. Just goes to show...
Art Babble
http://www.artbabble.org/
Nelle Fastman Pingree
Rice Hull Ash
Got someone interested and is having trouble.
John Britt
www.johnbrittpottery.com/wks.htm
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Low Melt Spodumene
http://clayartcenter.net/
It is not currently being produced.
John Britt
www.johnbrittpottery.com/wks.htm
Homework
Anyone reading this that was in the Digital Photo Class, where is your homework? You were supposed to send me small images suitable for the blog.
Slackers! Hope the dog didn't eat your thumb drive.
There is still time...it would be great is you could send me the images because everyone would love to see your work!
John Britt
www.johnbrittpottery.com/wks.htm
Polarizing Filters

They are not perfect but way more acceptable than the other images without the polarizers.
But they did a great job for not much effort.
John Britt
Nora Thomas Jar
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
August 31 - Sept. 4, 2009
Need 20-25 Soft Bricks
I need to round up 20-25 soft bricks (2600 -9 x 4.5 x 2.5) to rebuild a gas forge. Figured I'd ask as it's been a while since I've dabbled in the refractory world. We are coming down to Penland's monster auction in August, and was wondering if any potters are looking to sell a few bricks?
Thanks for your help,
Marc Maiorana
marcmaiorana@hotmail.com
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tony Clennell Missa 2009

He also has a video


Anyway, they were inspiring.
Thanks Tony,
John Britt
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Workshop Testimonial
3 Brooder lamps,3 300 w. bulbs...........$44.34
Adobe Photoshop Elements.................$57.49
Foam board, U bolts, tape....................$28.47
Gradated Paper..................................$71.90
Tripod................................................$29.99
New Camera......................................$209.00
Taking photos of my own pottery......PRICELESS!
John Britt
Monday, July 20, 2009
Mary Ruth Webb Sculpture

Here is another workshop participant, Mary Ruth Webb. One of the nice things about the Digital Photo Workshop is that you see some amazing work and you realize how many talented pottery/sculptors there are out there that you don't know about!
Free Styrofoam Peanuts in Spruce Pine
A friend of mine works at a place outside of Spruce PIne, and they have lots of styrofoam peanuts to give away free.
Here are the directions, and who to ask for:
Take Altamont Rd. off of 19 to a left onto Humpback Mtn. Rd.
Look for PRC Industries on the left. (Also a sign for Genesis Artisans is on the chain link fence.)
Take a left into a complex with brick warehouses behind a chain link fence. Pass a disused gate house on your right. Stay left towards a warehouse on the left with loading docks. Leave this warehouse to the left and go around it to a loading dock on the left side of the building around the first corner. If you get to a parking lot you've gone too far. Ask for Byrd; he's in charge of the peanuts.
They have very large bags full.
Liz Zlot Summerfield Benefit Auction


Hi Everyone,
I am writing to announce a benefit auction to assist our fellow ceramic artist, Liz Zlot Summerfield in her time of need. In April of this year Liz was diagnosed with a type of cancer called non-hodgkins Lymphoma. When she got the news of her cancer all studio work for Liz and her husband, glass blower Scott Summerfield, stopped. For almost all artists a halt to work combined with illness and bills is a hardship too large to manage alone. So, like most plans, our ideas for this benefit started out small and have since bloomed in to something that I believe will be a wonderful, fun and supportive event. With all that said, we have several ways that you can participate!
One: You can donate a piece of your artwork to be auctioned off! If you choose this option, we kindly ask that you have it arrive at the Crimson Laurel Gallery by no later than August 8th. However, the earlier we have it, the better. The address is: Crimson Laurel Gallery, 23 Crimson Laurel Way, Bakersville, NC, 28705. Also, please email me at lindsay@rogerspottery.com and I will put you on the list. I know time is running out for this option and we certainly understand if you can not donate work in this time frame. Please keep reading to learn about other ways you can participate!
Two: you can attend the live auction at Penland or visit the online sale as a buyer! We certainly need buyers too! The live auction is August 16th in the Northlight Building at Penland School of Crafts. Doors will open at 1:00pm at which point there will be light refreshments, Bandana Klezmer will provide fabulous entertainment and visitors will have a chance to take a good look at the work available in the live and silent auctions. The live auction of work will begin at 2:00pm and is expected to last around an hour or so. At the end of the auction visitors can pick up and pay for their pieces knowing that 100% of the proceeds will go to helping Liz, Scott and their young daughter, Roby, get through this really hard time. The online sale will be held on Etsy.com and will begin September 1st. I will post more information about the online auction (including the web address) as we get closer to the date!
Three: You can help us find more buyers by sending out an email of the postcard. You can access an image of the postcard in jpeg or pdf format by visiting the following link: http://rogerspottery.com/lzsbenefit. The links are in red on the right side of the page.
Four: You can make a monetary donation to a PayPal account created for Liz's benefit. Simply follow the link: http://rogerspottery.com/lzsbenefit and hit the yellow "donate" button on the right side of the page. By using this link you can be assured that all donations will go quickly, safely and directly to Liz. If you would like to embed one of these lovely yellow links to Liz's PayPal benefit on your website or blog please email me and I will send you the html code.
Thank you for all of your generosity! I know it means so much to Liz to have such a truly supportive community.
Warmest wishes,
Lindsay Rogers
Reed Handle Class

It is really cheap too! $75.00 for a day and lunch!!
No one has better deals!!
Contact John for more information: jbritt@main.nc.us
Laurie Knopp Cup
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Nelle Pingree I
Sarah Danforth Sculpture

Sarah has great work and as you can see here photos are top notch too!
For more information on her work contact her at: sarahdanforth@hotmail.com
Digital Photo Class July 19, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
My Lovely Wonky Pots
While doing demonstrations during stroll, I hand built about half a dozen wonky pots. People stopped by and wanted to know where they could get some finished ones. Anyway, They came out of bisque this week and today I started painting. Tomorrow night I'll clear glaze them and fire them on Monday. I think I may have happened upon something. People came into the studio today and ordered two.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Haynes White
Digital Photo Class

Looking forward to meeting you.
We do have 2 spots that have come open in the Sunday, July 19 class from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., if you know anyone who is interested in taking their own craft photography.
We provide a delicious lunch with homemade bread by Joy Tanner!
John Britt
Metchosin View
TRAC donations
Give it up!
It is a good group and needs our support in this economic climate or any climate for that matter.
John Britt
Killer Ash with in focus image!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Summer Workshop
When I went in for class the other evening, the studio was filled a group of folks working hard and enjoying themselves during a one week sculpture workshop with local artist Lisa Clague. Many of the folks were staying at the Bed and Breakfast adjacent to the studio and word on the streets was that it was a great time all around.
Below is a write-up of the class I'll be teaching--I think there are still a few openings in the class and at the B&B. Feel free to contact me here with any questions, or send an email to will@williambakerpottery.com
Monday August 3rd –Saturday August 8th , 10 -4 pm.
Cost: $125 plus $25 materials fee and $15 propane fee
Clay is available for $11/bagTo register call Mayland Community College 1-800-4-MAYLAND, ext.219
Students will build on their wheel-throwing experience to take their work to the next level. We will cover the fundamentals of creating work on the potter’s wheel, as well as the finer points of creating forms with great attention to detail. Class will consist of daily demonstrations and individual discussions to allow each student to progress according to their needs. This will allow for hours of one-on-one instruction and assistance.
Additionally, we will be able to fire a small soda kiln with small works made during the first two days. This will provide the opportunity to explore the soda firing process, with the remainder of students’ work bisque fired on the last day.
Experience: Some basic wheel throwing experience is helpful but not essential.
Class topics: An emphasis on wheel thrown functional pots, as well as discussions of aesthetic and functional considerations. Exploration of the soda firing process, including discussions of flashing slips, firing techniques, etc.
Firing: During the first two days we will make small works to be fired in the soda kiln, students’ work made during the rest of the week will be bisque fired by the end of the class.
Tools/ Supplies students should bring: towel, bucket, throwing tools, sketch book
For accomodations check here http://www.bakersvillebedandbreakfast.com/ or 828-688-6012.
If you speak with them be sure to mention to class, they have a special discount package available including an option for dinners.Hope you can join us in beautiful "downtown" Bakersville.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Spruce Pine Batch

After returning from Asheville to get a bunch of glaze chems, mostly feldspar, I went by the Spruce Pine Batch to ship some pottery. I thought to myself, "These guys must sell some silica, some lime, maybe some feldspar?" Sure enough Loretta handed me their price list. The prices are very good and you don't have to drive to Asheville!!! So check them out next time you need 50# of Silica or a bag of spar! Maybe if enough of us buy from Tom at the Batch he will carry more ceramic glaze material.
Killer Ash
Nice Ash !
Slugs
Penland summer marches on....
When: Friday, August 7, 2009, 10:30AM – 4 PM
Where: Meet in Penland’s lower clay studio
Each year Lucy Morgan Leaders are invited to participate in the Director’s Luncheon and Workshop, held Friday afternoon, just before the weekend’s Annual Benefit Auction. Patrons enjoy a catered lunch in one of the studios and then participate in a hands-on activity in that studio. The clay studio is this year’s host studio for the hands-on portion and we need plenty of folks to help!
The patron's luncheon happens in the upper clay studio and after a break patrons can head downstairs to lower clay to try their hand at working clay. The clay studio is offering one-on-one wheel throwing and also handbuilding for those interested. Plus, we’re offering a raku firing option. Patrons can glaze an already bisqued pot and watch as it is fired. They can pick up their finished raku pot Friday evening after the auction. The auction organizers would like the luncheon patrons to choose from a variety of activities and to be able to flow from one activity to another as they wish, not unlike how things work at Community Day. Some patrons may choose not to participate at all, but will still be interested in watching what all happens. We expect about 100 people.
The event is 1:15 to 3:00, Friday, August 7, and volunteers should arrive around 10:30am to get set up, eat, and stay until around 4 to help clean-up and pull the last raku pots. Besides wheelthrowers and handbuilders, there’s a need for floaters/greeters to help shepherd people through the studio. Volunteers get lunch in the Pines (12:15-1pm) and an auction T-shirt (pick up in volunteer headquarters – lower metals). All volunteers are invited to the volunteer party after the auction Saturday night, August 8. This year’s party features live music by Brian McGee. If you’re interested in helping, please contact me, Susan at clay@penland.org, so I can put you on the list. I will make you chocolate covered peanut butter bons bons. Thanks!!!
MISSA 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
A Productive Meeting

Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Clay Club Meeting Tonight in Bakersville
See you all tonight,
David Trophia
Crimson Laurel Gallery
688 3599