Why doesn't my crackle slip crackle any more? (+playlist)

Kids Clay Camp At Odyssey ClayWorks

Odyssey ClayWorks is happy to announce 
our Summer Clay Camp Schedule! 

Ages 4-15. Camp begins June 16.
 Click here for details and to register online.

NCECA 2014

Milwaukee    March  19-22      Michael Kline will be pert of a panel on social media  and  Cynthia Bringle will present the closing lecture ...

Beginner Wheel Class At Odyssey ClayWorks

Do you know someone who has always wanted to try the potter's wheel? Let them know we are offering the perfect class for beginners at Odyssey ClayWorks. They will learn all the basics of throwing, trimming and glazing. Students will bring home mugs and bowls they made with their own hands. Click here to register online.

Henry Pope - Pitcher Demo

IDEAS for Clay Club March 12, 2014

Yo Clubbers,

I got nothing else planned for the Clay Club this year. If anyone wants to host or has ideas...let me know.

If no one else has anything for March- I was thinking of a Demopaloosa . We did it before at Odyssey with Mellie, Bailey (recently accepted into Alfred MFA!), Gabe, etc.  About 5 - 10 demos lasting 5 - 7  minutes each. I video them and post on Youtube.

If you want to do that...... I will have to get volunteers to demo....... and find a location in Asheville or I can do it at my studio in Spruce Pine?

Let me know.

Nice Photos

Here are some of my favorite type of photos!

Water Falls on Roan Mountain

Here was the scene a week or so ago when the water rushed over our bridge!

Snowing inside the Kiln Shed or Making it Snow!

I am sure all you hippsters have heard of "making it rain" but have you ever heard of  "making it snow"?

This happened while I was getting ready for a workshop and firing outside. It was very cold (5 F) and so when I came out I noticed a lot of "steam" coming out of the kiln which would be normal at 200 F but at 1064 F that is quartz inversion and the clay was turning to ceramic and losing chemical water. So that is usually not that visible but since it was so cold you could see it.

But that isn't the amazing part....

Ice forming on old spider webs..  like rime frost..

Chemical water leaving.....

But when you opened the kiln lid the moist air hit the very cold shed room and it started snowing!  It was amazing. (I swear....and I have witnesses - Bridget Fox and Cheryl)

Kristen Flournoy's Ceramic Luminary

Got a nice Kristen Luminary for a trade at Christmas and it is really NICE!!!

Valerie Schnaufer Pottery

Here is another new Clay Club member Valerie Schnaufer:


Her web site is:
http://www.rabbithopstudio.com/

3" x 15" x 15" Low fire slips and oxides

1" x 15" x 15" Low fire slips and oxides and found objects

2" x 9" x 9" Low fire slips and oxides and found objects

Lee Wolfe Pottery

Lee Wolfe is another relatively new Clay Club person at

http://www.leewolfepottery.com/

Danny McLain Pottery

Here are some images of a new clay club member Danny McLain:

Glaze Workshop at John Britt's Studio

Here are some photos for you of the class in the deep end of the glaze pool. 

The lifeguard is the guy with the glasses pointing at random lifebuoys to keep us all afloat! Sure wish he had some sunblock to keep the blinding rays of his super duper glazed intelligence from scalding our feeble little minds into fried jerky.

I did finally get a chance to go back thru my tests and all was not lost in the dog insanity :)

THANKS...again!
Bridget Fox

WORKSHOP WITH LINDA McFARLING

Many people are under the impression that Linda is deceased because they haven't seen her in  while but ....that is not true. Linda is alive and well - for now anyway- so sign up for her workshop. You don't want to miss out on experiencing Linda McFarling's being. She is a wonderful teacher and potter and and ok person....eh... so so. But you will learn a lot from her personal instruction  on FORM and SURFACE!!!

Pots with Sass!
at Shakerag Workshops in  Sewanee, Tennessee 
Session One: June 8 - 14, 2014
Course Description
In this fun packed week we will explore various techniques that will enhance and add a little sassiness to your work. Techniques to be covered include faceting, fluting, darting, and much more. Come with a playful attitude and willingness to take chances. Bisque firing only.

Skill Level
Some basic throwing skills required.



To sign up - contact;

http://www.shakerag.org/registration/

or contact :
Director
Claire Reishman
c/o Shakerag Workshops
290 Quintard Road
Sewanee, TN 37375
931-598-5651 x3165
Artist's Biography
Linda McFarling attended Wesleyan College where she earned a BFA with a major in Painting. She has exhibited in galleries throughout the nation and has taught in several different workshops. She lives and works in Burnsville, North Carolina.

Artist's Statement
My aim as a functional potter is making pots that honor the rich traditions of the past while hopefully adding to them. I am currently working with several different clay bodies, fired in a salt-soda kiln. I restrict myself to only a few slips and glazes. I find myself very inspired as well as challenged working within these confines: it allows me an intimacy and interaction throughout the whole process.

My primary interest has always been in form. I want my work to show a strength and freshness from the making through the firing. I prefer to work in a style that lets one pot tell me what to do with the next. Each kiln load, while yielding exciting new pots, also gives me invaluable information for further refinement – slow, steady, always evolving.

I especially try always to keep a playful, risky attitude in the studio. Most of my work is altered on the wheel using various techniques such as faceting, fluting, and darting in an effort to create soft, strong, lively vessels that reflect my intent.

My whole purpose in making pots is to share with the user the joy I derive from this incredible creative process.



Artist's Website
www.lindamcfarlingpottery.com

Featured Artist of the Month 2014

Heidi Preuss Grew

http://www.heidipreussgrew.com/

Used Propane Gas Kiln For Sale (Marshall, NC) SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

Used Propane Gas Kiln For Sale (Marshall, NC)
Inside dimensions are 30" x 34" x 34", brick/insulation. All 6 burners work (though the kiln hasn't been fired in a few years) the door and insulation are both new and the shelves and kiln furniture are included.

Asking $2,250 or best offer. SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD  SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD  SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD 

Jim and Jan Kransberger

CAPTAIN OF . . . (industry) - Jim Kransberger; 17" x 10" x 7-1/2" Clay figure, tin pail, brass mast, aluminum sail, acrylic paint

BARFET CLOWN -Jim Kransberger;  6-3/8" x 4-1/2" x 3" Ceramics with acrylic paint:

OUT OF THE BLUE - Jan Kransberger; 13" x 8-1/2" x 3-1/2" kiln cast glass

Los Zorros Studios

Our website is LosZorrosStudios.com and includes a link to our Etsy site.

We also have a facebook page at facebook.com/LosZorrosStudios.

Travis throws and I carve... way more info on the site! I've attached some images.


(828) 279-0830 

LosZorrosStudios@gmail.com

Thanks so much!

Cristal Rose and Travis Fox

Roan Mountain Snow

Went for a short ride yesterday and found plenty of snow on the Roan!

New Clay Club Folks

We have had a lot of new folks come to Clay Club and I was wondering if anyone would send me images of their work I could post with a link to your websites or Facebook pages. That way we can get to know who is who.

NEEDED Velva-cast or Kaopaque

If anyone has Kaopaque or Velva-cast in the Asheville/Penland area, David Eichelberger needs some and would love to buy it from you at a reasonable price.

eichelbergerclay@gmail.com

Clay Club at the New Center for Craft Creativity and Design

We had a nice time at the Clay Club last night. We want to thanks Stephanie Moore and Jennifer Halli for inviting us to meet there and staying late for our visit.

The space is beautiful and they have lots of stuff planned for the future.  It will be a great addition to Asheville.

Here is their website which lists all the things that they do and you can sign up for an email newsletter of events.

Thanks again!

Here is where we meet and had some brief remarks by Stephanie Moore and Jennifer Halli.

Here are some of the works from the Grant Recipients that are in the current show

Lark Books is closing Asheville Offices!

According to the Asheville Citizeins Times:

"Landmark craft publishing house Lark Books will close its offices in downtown Asheville and move into parent Sterling Publishing Co.’s New York office, a spokesperson confirmed Wednesday morning.

“Sterling Publishing is consolidating the operations of its Lark Books craft imprint into the New York office, effective Feb.19, 2014,” said Mary Ellen Keating, spokesperson for Barnes & Noble — which is the umbrella owner of Sterling — in an email. “As part of the consolidation, Sterling will close the Lark office in Asheville, North Carolina."

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20140219/NEWS/302190033/Lark-Books-close-Asheville-offices

Pairing Elements: An Artful Dining Experience

River Arts District restaurant The Bull & Beggar collaborates with local artists on Pairing Elements: An Artful Dining Experience

ASHEVILLE, NC -- Matthew Dawes and Drew Wallace, co-owners of the Bull & Beggar, are excited to present Pairing Elements, an evening to celebrate art, food, and collaboration.  On Monday March 3, two seatings at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm will be offered, featuring a five course set menu inspired by nature’s elements: earth, water, ice, fire, and air. 

Kathryn Adams, Josh Copus, and Nick Moen invited local artists to design and make handmade tableware in collaboration with Chef Matthew Dawes that reflects the dinner’s theme.  A full wine list and specialty cocktail menu complements the food, served in handblown glass.

The Bull & Beggar recently opened in the Wedge building on Paynes Way and thoughtfully reflects the dynamic arts culture of Asheville, North Carolina.  Handmade tableware elevates the dining experience and reinforces the connection between craft and local food movements.  Guests will dine with handmade ceramics, glass, and metal tableware, offering a new way to experience the River Arts District’s evolving landscape.

Tickets are $75 per person and include a complimentary cocktail.  Availability is limited to forty guests per seating.  Guests may meet the artists and take an element of the experience home by purchasing the limited edition tableware.

Participating Artists

Kathryn Adams

Anja Bartels

Josh Copus

Tina Councell

Elisa Di Feo

David Eichelberger

Ben Elliott

Joe Falzone

Geoff Koslow

Andrew Massey

Nick Moen

Lindsay Rogers

Hayden Wilson

To make reservations, call 828.575.9443 or email thebullandbeggar@gmail.com

www.the-bull-and-beggar.com

37 Paynes Way #007 • Asheville, NC • 28801

For further information contact:

Kathryn Adams (Glass Artist) - KathrynAdams.art@gmail.com - 203.217.7822

Nick Moen (Ceramic Artist) – nsmoen@gmail.com - 651.428.1548

Fixing Hard Panned Glazes

CLAY CLUB Wednesday Feb 19, 2014

Clay Club Feb. 19, 2014

We will have Clay Club this coming Wednesday February 19, 2014 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at the Center For Craft Creativity and Design in Asheville.

They are in the newly renovated Lark Books space on Broadway (aka Merrimon) :

67 Broadway Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801

The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design advances the understanding of craft by encouraging and supporting research, critical dialogue, and professional development in the United States.

Current exhibition on view at The Center's Benchspace Gallery & Workshop is Taking Shape: Celebrating the Windgate Fellowship.

This special exhibit is the first group display of Windgate Fellows’ work, spanning a range of approaches, media, and processes. Taking Shape features a selection of recent objects completed by Fellows awarded years 2006-2010, revealing a cross-section of up-and-coming perspectives on craft.

For more information on The Center, Taking Shape, and the Windgate Fellowship Awards please visit their website: http://www.craftcreativitydesign.org/. Also visit them on Facebook and Twitter.

Here is their current exhibit:

http://www.craftcreativitydesign.org/taking-shape/

I will find out more by Monday but we will probably have a short talk about what the Center for Craft Creativity and Design is doing and tour the exhibit.

http://www.craftcreativitydesign.org/

Artists who need help with Affordable Care sign-ups

Yo Clubbers,

Mary Vogel can help any of our artists to find out if they qualify for subsidies in obtaining health care from the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care).

Mary Vogel along with 6 other people have been hired by the Bakersville Clinic as Certified Application Counselors. 

There are offices in :

The historic Bakersville Courthouse and 

210 Oak St. in Spruce Pine (next to Mayland Printing)

Open 9 - 7, Mon - Fri and Sat 10 - 2 in SP.

 If you aren't sure how to apply or what the rules are, call 688 2104 and add you name to the list (this is the Bakersville Clinic, they will contact me).

Ceramics Monthly Issues Looking for a Home

Anyone want past CM's? Otherwise, they're for composting.
Thanks! GGSmith
potteryggs@mac.com

Cassie Ryalls Butcher at Grove Park 2014

We got to see a small exhibit of Cassie Ryalls Butcher's sculptures at the Grove Park while we were there, as well as an Akira Satake piece at the Edison Restaurant. Then ran into Lynda Banner and Gabriel Kline's stuff in the gift shop!  Can't get away from all the potters!

http://cassiebutcher.com/

Grove Park 2014

Had our 20th anniversary and we stayed overnight at the Grove Park in Asheville, NC. Thought I would do the Instagram Sepia trick. 

Mikpo Blog 2013/2014: Cville Redux

Mikpo Blog 2013/2014: Cville Redux: These pix are from our 20+ years in Charlottesville, VA, a beautiful area, home of Thomas Jefferson, the most brilliant and inventive Fo...

Spring Classes Now Enrolling At Odyssey ClayWorks

Classes begin March 24th. Click here for more information.

Sgraffito And The Thrown Form with Anja Bartels

Hand Built Pottery For Daily Use with Heather Hietala

Beginner Wheel with Lindsay Rogers

Creative Containers For Flowers with Tacy Apostolik

The Art Of Etsy with Raina Lee Scott

Pots That Pour with Linda McFarling

Intermediate Wheel Throwing with Donna Flanery

Cancelling Clay Club and rescheduling for Feb. 19, 2014

Yo Clubbers,

We are cancelling Clay Club do to weather and rescheduling it for next Wednesday Feb 19, 2014.

It will still be at the Center for Craft Creativity and Design but next week and I will send out more information on the pot luck. We will have to provide all food so I will try to make sure we have something for a main course.

The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design advances the understanding of craft by encouraging and supporting research, critical dialogue, and professional development in the United States.

Current exhibition on view at The Center's Benchspace Gallery & Workshop is Taking Shape: Celebrating the Windgate Fellowship.

This special exhibit is the first group display of Windgate Fellows’ work, spanning a range of approaches, media, and processes. Taking Shape features a selection of recent objects completed by Fellows awarded years 2006-2010, revealing a cross-section of up-and-coming perspectives on craft.

For more information on The Center, Taking Shape, and the Windgate Fellowship Awards please visit their website: http://www.craftcreativitydesign.org/. Also visit them on Facebook and Twitter.


67 Broadway Street
Asheville, NC 28801
828.785.1357

Clay Club Feb. 12, 2014

We will have Clay Club this coming Wednesday February 12, 2014 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at the Center For Craft Creativity and Design in Asheville.

They are in the newly renovated Lark Books space on Broadway (aka Merrimon) :

67 Broadway Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801

Here is their current exhibit:

http://www.craftcreativitydesign.org/taking-shape/

I will find out more by Monday but we will probably have a short talk about what the Center for Craft Creativity and Design is doing and tour the exhibit.

http://www.craftcreativitydesign.org/

Feedback wanted on a proposed "Craft Identity Statement"

​
NCECA is asking for feedback on a proposed Craft Identity Statement that came out of a ​​think tank led by the American Crafts Council along with the Center for Craft, Creativity & Design and crafthaus. From the NCECA blog post:

"[The think tank's] purpose was to examine to what extent the word “craft” still had resonance and meaning in contemporary culture as a good descriptor of the creative work produced in studios today. In our cohort, we examined how and whether the meaning of “craft” carries understandings to larger audiences in the broader culture.

"We wondered whether the application of “craft” to everything from galleries and museums, to church sales, lawn care, cuisine and beer is making the “C-word” confusing for the outside world. We also discussed whether working together across a range of media interests to establish effective, shared language about craft can make an impact on communications to engage broader audiences."

Read the rest of the blog post and follow the link there to complete the survey. Despite the mention of "clayworld," they're looking for feedback from anyone, not just NCECA members or ceramics people, so spread the word.

THE “C-WORD”: CRAFT IDENTITY SURVEY NEEDS CLAY WORLD FEEDBACK

Grovewood Gallery Opening — February 8, 2014

The In Crowd: Grovewood’s Studio Artists Exhibition

February 8 – May 10, 2014

Opening Reception: February 8 (3 – 5PM)

http://www.grovewood.com/events/the-in-crowd-grovewoods-studio-artists-exhibition/

NC Clay Clubberz Helen Purdum and Lisa Gluckin representing!

Gluckin Place Setting

Art Show Waynesville NC

Local Flavors--A New Exhibit at Gallery 86 

(February - March 2014) 

 Artist Reception Sunday Feb. 9th 1-4 Waynesville NC
Gallery 86 opens 2014 with a new exhibit called LOCAL FLAVORS. Twenty five local artists will be featured in this very special LOVE THE LOCALS exhibit in conjunction with Downtown Waynesville's thrust to get community support for local business. Ms. Steiwart coordinated the exhibit. The exhibit will run February 4- March 29, 2014.

The artist reception will be held on February 9th, 1-4 pm at Gallery 86, Waynesville.

Please come by!

Mellie Mae Lonnemann

Studio Mae'd
www.mellielonnemann.com

Gas Kiln FOR SALE 2014 Raleigh NC..SOLD, SOLD, SOLD, SOLD

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLDSOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLDSOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLDSOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLDSOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLDDowndraft Kiln IFB/Hard Brick combination, /venturi burners, shelves for Sale - $3000

Kiln designed and originally built by John Britt
Must be taken down and moved by buyer

Location: Raleigh, NC

Outside measurements of kiln are 49 1/2 in. X 63”. It will hold 10-14 12” X14” shelves. The kiln will house shelves 2 deep. The inside of the kiln measures 32” deep, 45” wide and 44” high- 35.6 Cubic Feet. Hard brick up to firebox and then soft bricks above.

This kiln was built in September 2005 and used for 3 years as a soda kiln. Then the kiln was restacked, new arch put in and used as a gas reduction kiln. I get no residual soda. The kiln has been fired a total of 35 times.

Included in price are
Detailed plans to build the kiln
2 Venturi B-4 burners with Ransom pilot w/ H19RA BASO valve
Arch Form
16 12” X 24” shelves - in good shape
All posts
SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLDSOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLDSOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLDSOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLDSOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD

K-12 Educators Workshop At Odyssey

2-Day Workshop, April 11-12

Friday, 6-9pm & Saturday, 9am-4pm

Click here to register online

Get your hands dirty while renewing your professional development credits! Friday night we will explore underglaze and glaze interaction to produce exciting new results. Glazed tiles will be fired overnight and unloaded Saturday afternoon. Saturday morning we will use roofing felt to construct robust forms with soft slabs of clay. Wrapping up the afternoon we will delve into Amaco's Balsa Foam to experiment with printing and embossing on clay.

 

Clay Olympics Article

Hey Clubbers,

We are in a article in the February 2014 issue of Carolina Arts - on page 31-32.  

Here's a link to the February download - it will take several minutes to download (http://www.carolinaarts.com/214/214carolinaarts.pdf). Downloading the entire PDF file to your desktop is the best way to view the paper - then you can enlarge the page to any size you like. And, you will be able to check it out from time to time without having to download it again.
It you haven't already we'd "like" it if you would "Like" our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/carolinaartsnewspaper). 

Help us spread the article. 

Thanks to 

Tom & Linda Starland
Carolina Arts
843/825-3408
info@carolinaarts.com