May 2021
ISSUE #008
Hello Potters
Well wasn’t the SAS Easter Art Show fortunate to be able to go ahead, and what a show it was! Read some of the highlights below. Also there are numerous exhibitions to participate in, as well as a wheel workshop later in the month – I hope you’ve secured a place. Plus there is a curated selection of pottery podcasts providing hours of listening pleasure. It’s all here in your monthly pottery newsletter. So read on…
We really want to see our talented members’ work, so upload your pics to our instagram or facebook page, or email them for inclusion on our social media sites.
Ed Trost - newsletter editor
shorncliffepotteryclubinc@hotmail.com
Hi Everyone and welcome to our May edition!
April went by in a flash for me, one moment it was the 1st and I was attending SAS Art’s Easter Art Show, checking out all the amazing 2D and 3D creations, and the next thing I know Ed is asking for our contributions for this newsletter, meaning we’re coming to the end of another month. However, April wasn’t all hassle and bustle for me, I did participate in something I had never tried before with pottery - a raku firing experience. One Saturday afternoon I made the trek to the southside for the Brisbane Visual Arts Community open weekend and participated in the Raku Experience presented by Ceramics Arts Queensland. I can only claim credit for the application of the glaze (the vessel and glaze were supplied by CAQ for the experience) and watching my piece go through the raku firing process... and now, I’m in love!
I’m hopeful that at some stage in the future the SPC Inc will be able to host a raku firing day for our members. Would you be interested in attending?!
Do you have a suggestion for something you would like the Club to do or offer? If you do please don’t be shy, send us an email (shorncliffepotteryclubinc@hotmail.com) with your suggestion/s or feedback on how we’re doing!
But in the meantime, something that the Club is offering now, well later this month, is a wheel throwing workshop which is part of the ‘Pushing the Boundaries’ workshop series with Jackie Gasson. It’s set to be a fun and informative workshop, particularly if the hand building workshop in February is anything to go by!
Something else to start thinking about is our annual Expressions exhibition and what you will create to enter into it this year. I know it’s only May and the end of October is 5 months away, but it will be here before we know it. So why not start creating now so you don’t need to rush or stress closer to the time. The committee is working hard to find a suitable location that has availability for the duration of the exhibition (traditionally a Thursday bump in and a Sunday bump out - but we are willing to be flexible with the duration to make it work). If you know of any halls or spaces within the 4017 area that would be suitable please let us know via email.
Finally, do you have skills in the use of Excel (or are willing to learn) and wondering how you could use them to help the Club… well, we have just the role for you - Treasurer! It is not a time consuming role, all the systems are set up and we will provide a handover, and training if needed, but as we are a small committee we would like to fill the role to help share the load. If you are interested in helping us in this role please email the Club or chat to one of our volunteer supervisors when you’re in the shed.
Well that is it for now, I hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter.
Cheers and happy reading!
Tamara Vitale – President, SPC Inc.
Tuesday Mornings
9:15am—12:00pm
Thursday + Saturday Mornings
9:00am—1:00pm
Thursday Evenings
6:00pm—9:00pm
SESSION FEE — $7.00 per visit, payable either in person using your debit or credit card or by EFT to the club’s bank account.
Account name: Shorncliffe Pottery Club Inc.
Bank details: BSB 064124
Account number: 10518225
Please let us know via email if you are intending to come to the club so we can maintain Covid-19 regulations on numbers within the studio.
From the Kiln Corner
We have had a typical month with a constant flow of bisque, earthenware, midfire and stoneware. It is good to see everyone so focused and productive. I love loading the kiln up as it is usually a challenge. I am getting more innovative about packing and it is getting easier. The best part of the job though is opening the kiln door and seeing how things have turned out and how glazes have changed during the firing process.
We have had a few disasters with glaze running on to shelves. Several people have made different size sacrificial bowls (stoneware clay) to go under pottery pieces we are concerned might have a glaze that runs. So the shelves are feeling safer. Thank you to those who have made sacrificial bowls. So if anyone is interested making some for the club let me know and I can provide you with some clay.
To avoid clay disasters in the kiln we ask you to clearly mark your clay packets with the type of clay and know the firing temperature of the clay you are using. The temperature range is marked on the packaging. Terracotta clay is not suitable above earthenware temperature, the clay can melt and can cause damage to kiln shelves and other peoples work. It is also important that you use the correct glaze for the firing temperature and include the information on your firing sheet and declaration. We only fire unknown recycled clay to earthenware.
As usual thank you to Catharine and Gabriel who persevere with keeping glaze buckets full. The buckets seem to get drained of glaze with all the fabulous pottery which is being made. Buttermilk seems to be one of the most popular but can only be made in limited quantities.
Kiln 2 had a major failure but fortunately it happened after the kiln reached temperature. Gus as usual came to the rescue and repaired it. He figured it was one of two things and the first which was also the simplest and least expensive was a new thermacoupler and sheath. So the kiln is up and running again. His expertise is invaluable.
Now for reminders : ) Please make sure the glaze is cleaned off the bottom of pottery. And make sure you put your initials or sign on your pieces so it is readable. It really helps us to identify pieces and get them on to the owner’s shelves.
Happy potting
Greg, Linda, Catharine and Gabriel
Do you know anyone that shows an interest in your pottery?
If you do, why not invite them to come and try pottery for themselves. The first session is free and you know that once you have made something with clay… you’re hooked!
If you haven’t already – don’t forget to join the club!
Remember you need to be a member of our club to use the facilities and have first access to join the workshops.
shorncliffepotteryclubincmembership@hotmail.com
Being Respectful, Feeling Safe
The club’s Code of Conduct was written to guide the safety and respect of members. Developing friendships, being co-operative, sharing ideas and skills and being respectful to each other in words and actions is something in which the club takes great pride. When members are working in the SPC Inc studio or interacting with other members via electronic means, everyone has a right to feel safe and not harrassed.
The Code of Conduct can be found in your membership documentation or you can request a copy from the Membership Officer here or you can read it here.
Help Please
The newly incorporated Shorncliffe Pottery Club has been running with a core committee of six. Within this committee the members have multiple roles. These roles are ongoing and necessary for the smooth running of the club for its members. There are other initiatives and opportunities available to the club, but we would like some more assistance to make these happen.
In the day to day running of the club Gus and Linda are doing a great job managing the kilns and firing, keeping the club clean and the storeroom well arranged. They make sure that everything that members need when they arrive at the club is there for them. To enable the club to be open on more days and to give our two hard workers some time for other things some assistance in the day to day operations of the club would be greatly appreciated.
Tamara our president is currently also doing the role of treasurer. There are many things that Tamara does on behalf of the club especially in making phone calls and making contact with members of our community for assistance and this has been very noticeable in organising the Expressions Exhibition, liaising with SASArt for the Easter Art Show, and in making contact with the Brisbane City Council to secure a lease for the premises.
We are urgently seeking a member to take on the role of treasurer on a more permanent basis. The system we have is very simple, no MYOB or specialised software is involved.
There are many opportunities for clubs to access grants, such as the Gaming Fund. These funds allow clubs to purchase much needed equipment and to expand and renovate their facilities. There would be a huge benefit to the club if we could gain funds for a new kiln. The committee has also identified other items which would make things easier for the members and grant funding could cover these items. Ken has been identifying these funding opportunities, but is also heavily involved in securing a lease independent of the PCYC for the club. The committee would greatly appreciate the assistance of a member to assist in grant writing.
Over the Easter break a combined exhibition with SASArt and Shorncliffe Potters was held at St Patrick’s College. The preparation for this involved collecting and painting the plinths before they were delivered to the hall at St Patrick’s and then the removal and return to our shed afterwards. The committee, along with the help of some members, achieved this, but it is many hands that make light work.
It has been a yearly and much anticipated event for the Shorncliffe Pottery Club and SASArt to hold the Expressions Exhibition. However, it was after the Easter Exhibition that the committee members realised that for Expressions to be successful many more volunteer helpers would be necessary. To be able to continue to hold exhibitions, the committee seeks the assistance of some members to form a sub-committee to manage the Expressions Exhibition and exhibitions into the future.
For members, if you find that you can help in any way please contact us on the club email. shorncliffepotteryclubinc@hotmail.com
Workshops
The response to the Jackie Gasson wheel throwing workshop further exploring ‘Pushing the boundaries’ has been fantastic. We were able to extend to fill two workshops on the 23rd May. Jackie will demonstrate wheel throwing techniques and share lots of information from her wealth of knowledge.
There will be further workshops as the year progresses and the committee is exploring other presenters who may be available to extend the members’ skills. Please let the committee know if there are pottery related skills you would like to learn about. Watch this space to see further workshop offers in the second half of this year.
Club Tuition for Members
by Members
Tuition could be in wheel throwing, handbuilding and glaze making. The rate is $35 per session for up to three hours, but could be less dependent upon session length. From this, the club will take 20% commission. All payments must go through the club.
The club entry fee of $7 will apply for the beginning member, but the tutor will be admitted as a volunteer for that session.
If this is something that you would like as a tutor or a learner please contact the committee using the club email : shorncliffepotteryclubinc@hotmail.com
SAS Easter Art Show – Review
The exhibition was held in the Callan Centre at St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe and even though Brisbane was in lockdown aftershock, the event persevered and was a huge success. A lot of people attended and there were quite a few sales. It was good to see a selection of ceramic work from current and past members as shown below in the photo gallery. Congratulations to all of the 3D winners.
First Place - ‘Rabbit Proof Fence’ by Grace Cross
Second Place - ‘Fly me a Dream’ by Russell Solomon
Highly Commended - ‘Ibis’ by Marie Smith
Special mention must go to Tamara, Gus, Ann and her husband for organising the plinths, freshening them up, delivering and removing them from the event. Without the help of these people the event would not have been as successful. So well done people!
3D Winner - ‘Rabbit Proof Fence’ by Grace Cross
The State Barrier Fence of WA was originally designed to keep pests out of agricultural areas. The movie, Rabbit Proof Fence, used this barrier as a symbolic portrayal of the Stolen Generations where mixed race children, ‘half-castes’, were taken from their families to acclimate to Australian ‘white society’, marry Caucasians, hence diminishing the Indigenous population.
“We say sorry.” K Rudd PM 2008
On Thursday evening we had a FaceTime chat with Max in his new home near Newcastle in the north east of Great Britain. He is yet to settle in properly as there were removalists still moving furniture when we called. He, and his daughter have bought a beautiful home with a conservatory leading out to a manicured garden with views out to the sea. It is really picturesque and will be delightful in summer. Max hasn’t found a golf or pottery club as yet but we are sure that he will do so soon, once he has settled in to his new location.
Spring Fever - Early bird prices until 31 May 2021
350 Layers of Coiled Clay Form an Organic Low-Carbon Home
A Bologna-based studio, Mario Cucinella Architects, teamed up with the 3D-printing company WASP to design a low-carbon home that’s easily and quickly reproduced. Called “Tecla,” the prototype is a pair of sloping domes that can be built in only 200 hours using an average of six kilowatts of energy. It’s made of 350 layers of coiled clay, which is sourced from a nearby river, that serves as thermal insulation for the earthen structure complete with a living area, kitchen, and sleeping quarters. Two skylights embedded in the roof of the 4.2-meter-tall domes allow light to enter the 60 square metre space.
Wheel Throwing Workshop
with Jackie Gasson
Only a few weeks to go until the next workshop – it has been so well received that we have increased the number of workshops to two. A morning workshop and an afternoon workshop.
Following from the successful ‘Box for a Box’ handbuilding workshop with Jackie Gasson, Jackie is back to guide our members in two wheel throwing workshops. The theme continues with ‘Pushing the Boundaries’ with the purpose to challenge and extend your skills, this time in wheel throwing.
The workshop will cater for all skill levels, from beginners to the more experienced. Everyone is guaranteed to learn a lot.
Jackie will demonstrate the basics of throwing and using good technique. Come ready with questions or problems and she will help solve them from her 45 years of experience.
The club has 5 wheels available, so if you would like to bring your own wheel that will be a great help. We will assist to unload and load. Please let us know if you can bring your own wheel.
Morning tea, coffee and biscuits will be available.
The Details
Date: Sunday, 23 May
Times:
AM Workshop 1 : 9am to 12pm
PM Workshop 2 : 1pm to 4pm
Ability: all levels
Location: Shorncliffe Pottery Club
Cost: $60
Clay: Walkers 10 or similar fine grog clays for wheel throwing. The club will have clay available to purchase.
What to bring: Tools for throwing (the club has some to share), towel, apron, a small bucket for water and a larger bucket to take your slops home, and a box to take your works home.
Payment: To the club bank account or the Square at the club. Use your name and Gasson as reference.
Bank Details: Shorncliffe Pottery Club Inc. BSB 064124 Account 10518225
Registration: Please send an email to the club to assist us with confirming numbers… shorncliffepotteryclubinc@hotmail.com …and let us know if you are bringing your own pottery wheel.
To all our valued members who are having a birthday this month, we hope you have an exciting day and are spoilt rotten by your loved ones:
Nicole Domonkos, Lyn Michell, Damel Martin
If we have missed anybody, our sincere apologies and drop us an email so that we can include you next time!
The Editions exhibition is on this month and features our current workshop tutor – Jackie Gasson
The Ekka Is On Again –
Entries Closing Soon
The quintessential Royal Queensland Show is on again this year in August but it’s not all about who has the best in breed. There are also the Arts’ categories and entries are all online this year – so it will be easy to put your piece in for a slice of the prizes.
The competition features three classes – Representational sculpture inspired by the real world; Abstract and/or stylised; and Outdoor. Entries often include works sculpted with wood, clay, metal, stone or plaster.
For information on delivery and collection dates, times and location, please read the Important Exhibitor Information.
Entries Close 28 May 2021
2021 Siliceous Award Entries Open
The $7,000 award will be given to the artist who best presents a work of ceramic excellence in any format. There is also a $1,000 people's choice award generously sponsored by Queensland Electrical Solutions.
The 2021 Award is open to ceramicists across Australia and the winning entry will be acquired by Ceramic Arts Queensland for its permanent collection.
Entries close 3 September so - start creating that masterpiece!
Opening Night: Friday 22 October at The Butter Factory Arts Centre Cooroy
Download the entry form, complete and submit to info@ceramicartsqld.org.au
The Explosive Truth
Many of us are initially taught that we need to avoid trapping air in our clay, or it will cause the clay to explode. While there is some truth to this, it's not the whole story.
Air doesn't cause explosions. Moisture turning to steam with no path to escape does.
Source of the myth: Trapping air in your clay can prolong the drying process, which can lead to explosions. But correlation doesn't imply causation. Air pockets can be a contributing factor to clay explosions, but aren't the cause of them.
Thanks to Linda Rosenthal for this gem
Maybe you have a pottery tip to share or want to ask a pottery question.
Send to the editor here
High Fashion Sieves?
Stockings of assorted ‘gauges’ are flexible, washable (or cheap enough to throw away) and fine or coarse enough for most clay and glaze sieving needs. Tie knots at the top of the legs, then cut the legs off. The pantyhose section will also fit over a bucket for larger sieve batches.
Thanks to Linda Rosenthal for this tip by Dianne Peach.
supplied by Ken Bull – curated by FeedSpot
If you like to listen to people talking all things clay, then these podcasts will surely keep you happy for hours on end. Click on the link at the end of each description and it will take you to the podcast.
1. Tales of a Red Clay Rambler
Podcast features weekly interviews with ceramic artists from around the world. Host Ben Carter talks with potters, sculptors, and designers about their creative practice.
2. The Potters Cast
Here you will find the show notes, resources, and much more. Paul Blais is a potter that makes and sells functional pottery. Stay tuned to listen to the latest updates.
3. Wheel Talk
Ryan & Becca are potters, small business owners, and creatives. Becca is a full time potter and studio owner, while Ryan is a full time website developer and part time potter. We love to share our ups and downs in an honest, informal manner.
4. The Potters' Round Table
We believe the sharing of creative energy and knowledge will improve the quality of our art and increase the appreciation within our community.
5. The Mud Peddlers
Two nerdy ceramic artists share the behind-the-scenes of their worlds of clay. Be prepared to go in-depth into the world of clay.
6. The Slip Cast
Do you listen to podcasts all day in your pottery studio? We do too! Introducing The Slip Cast. Join us as we talk with our favourite ceramicists and non-ceramicists, discuss studio trials and tribulations, and get curious about all things clay.
7. MudTalk Podcast
Podcast shares thoughts from the world of pottery, ceramics and all things clay. We love to hear your thoughts about working with clay, running a business, and living the clay life.
8. CLAY is a 4 letter word
Candid conversations about ceramics, pottery, sculpture, art and how that fits into our lives. A look at ceramics and how do we still make new pots and art in our contemporary society?
President: Tamara Vitale
Vice President: Ken Bull
Secretary: Caroline Schleimer
Acting Treasurer: Tamara Vitale
Committee Members: Gus Saunders, Linda Rosenthal,
Clare Houston & Ann Gillespie
Newsletter Editor: Ed Trost
Email: shorncliffepotteryclubinc@hotmail.com
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