Alfred University Summer Ceramics, Sunday July 9th Sunday was a clear, cool, low-humidity, glorious summer day in Alfred. I spent as much time outside as possible, but I did make it to the studio in the morning to remove the plastic covering the drying “circle mold” plates. Today was the Alfred Farmers Market, complete with … Continue reading Alfred Ceramics Day 14
Alfred University Summer Ceramics, Saturday July 8th Today I returned to the studio after a two-day trip back to New Jersey to see son, Jonathan and his wife Iris, who were visiting from Durham, North Carolina. It was a quiet Saturday morning, with not much activity. I was pleased to see that the soda kiln … Continue reading Alfred Ceramics Day 13
Alfred University Summer Ceramics, Wednesday July 5th After an evening and night of careful stoking by student volunteers, in the morning the wood kiln had become warm to touch. The wood pieces (shavings from a saw mill) are about a meter long and of small diameter (~2-4 cm). Wood is inserted through a hole made … Continue reading Alfred Ceramics Day 10
Alfred University Summer Ceramics, Tuesday July 4th This morning work began on preparing pots for three kilns — a large wood-fired kiln, and two small kilns: a salt kiln, and a soda kiln. The majority of the space in the kiln is for In-Chin’s bisqueware, but some space was reserved for student work. In all … Continue reading Alfred Ceramics Day 9
Alfred University Summer Ceramics, Monday July 3rd I arrived in the studio early to begin working on a slipware bowl. Soon it was time to see In-Chin’s demo on throwing medium sized bowls, large plates, and a large jar. In-Chin at the wheel is like watching a majestic fish swim in the ocean: calm, relaxed, … Continue reading Alfred Ceramics Day 8
Alfred University Summer Ceramics, Sunday July 2nd On Sundays there’s less activity at the studio. I took it easy as well. The cross bowl and clay form were drying nicely, and five plates and a pitcher were now out of the bisque kiln and ready for glazing. Three of the women near my bench encouraged … Continue reading Alfred Ceramics Day 7
Alfred University Summer Ceramics, Saturday July 1st Having spent the morning reflecting, writing, and catching up with family, I only arrived at the studio after lunch. Since it was the weekend, fewer people were in the studio. I set about removing excess clay from a mold I made yesterday. Instead of the cross theme, I … Continue reading Alfred Ceramics Day 6
Alfred University Summer Ceramics, Friday June 30th I arrived at the studio in time to watch the beginning of a demo by one of the grad students. He began by throwing various clays on each of three large vertical canvases, rhythmically spreading or squeezing the applied clay, then throwing paint on the canvas and adding … Continue reading Alfred Ceramics Day 5
Alfred University Summer Ceramics, Thursday June 29th When I arrived at the studio in the morning, a demo on 3D clay printing was in full swing. Using the latest in robotic technology, this growing branch of ceramic art employs 3D printing to obtain unique shapes and textures (here is an example). I attended the demo … Continue reading Alfred Ceramics Day 4
Alfred University Summer Ceramics, Wednesday June 28th I arrived early in the studio and put the mugs and pitcher outside to dry — since they were still far too damp for the bisque firing this evening. It was neat to see how cold they became outside in the dry windy morning. One can tell … Continue reading Alfred Ceramics Day 3
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