February 2023
ISSUE #029
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Hello Potters
Isn’t it great to be back in the shed mucking around with mud? We have a big year ahead of us, with lots of creations to make and ideas to implement. The Easter buns are back on the supermarket shelves so it mustn’t be too far to Easter (only a bit over 9 weeks away). That means the SAS Easter show and the Bluewater festival are also coming. So get potting and see what you can create for these exciting exhibitions. Not to mention numerous other exhibitions to enter your work into – see below for details.
There are also some more useful pottery tips from the ‘Creative Wisdom’ newsletters further down that may make your pottery life much easier. Plus we have popped all the tips, hacks and techniques onto a ‘Tips’ page on our club website so that you can refer to them easily.
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 social media.
Ed Trost - newsletter editor
club email: shorncliffepotteryclubinc@hotmail.com
Tuesday + Thursday + Saturday Mornings
9:00am—1:00pm
Wednesday Mornings
10:00am—2:00pm
Thursday Evenings
6:00pm—9:00pm
SESSION FEE
$7.00 per visit, payable by debit or credit card at the shed.
From the Kiln Room
The kiln crew has had a lovely vacation and we are gearing up to start firing.
We are starting off with all kiln shelves in good condition. Gus and I took the ones with glaze that had ran and ground the shelves down. Gus handles the grinder as I still have problems holding it. The shelves are in the kiln now having been bat washed. So, they are all cured and ready to start back to work.
In saying that please take care cleaning all glaze off bottom of pots and don’t put glaze on too thickly as that is one of the major causes of glaze running onto shelves. Also, remember to leave a clean edge at the bottom of thee pot. If in doubt leave us a note and we will put it on a sacrificial plate.
We would love to have more sacrificial plates to help protect the shelves. If you would like to help make some we can give you some clay. Also, if one gets ruined by your glaze running – please replace it.
MAJOR CHANGE THIS YEAR
IF YOUR NAME OR MARK IS NOT ON YOUR POT, OR DOESN’T MATCH THE PAPERWORK ON THE FIRING FORM – IT WILL NOT BE FIRED.
Linda, Gus, Jean, Katrina, Lynne, Douglas
And Catherine and Gabriel from the glaze room
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!
Join the Club
Don’t forget to renew your membership or risk losing your shelf space (as it is becoming scarcer and scarcer). Only $52 per year which equates to $1 per week. Even cheaper if you have a concession or student card.
Use this link to renew your membership and pay by Credit / Debit Card or EFT from your Bank Account or by Square at the Shed.
www.shorncliffepotteryclubinc.com.au/membership
Don’t forget to let the Membership Officer know that you paid using your Bank Account by emailing to this address:
Gift Certificates Available
The SPCI Gift Certificate is now available for purchase from the Membership Officer. If you would like to purchase this wonderful gift contact Tamara V. here
shorncliffepotteryclubincmembership@hotmail.com
Club Clay Options and Details
These are the current clay bodies that we generally have in our store. If you have another clay that you prefer, speak to Linda R. to see if she can get it in.
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 as well as being respectful to each other in words and actions is something in which the club takes great pride. When members are working in the studio or interacting with other members via electronic means, everyone has a right to feel safe and not harassed.
The Code of Conduct can be found in your membership document or you can request a copy from the Membership Officer here or you can read it here.
Shorncliffe Pottery Club Inc. has signed up with Containers for Change - a simple recycling system for cans and bottles. It’s easy to do. Take your recyclables to a Containers for Change site and use our unique Scheme ID number for the money from the recycling to go directly into the Shorncliffe Pottery Club Inc. bank account.
Club’s Scheme ID Number: C10465553
If the Scheme ID isn't working (argh technology!) and you get cash instead from the recycling machine, just pop the money in the tea jar in the club’s kitchenette.
amount recycled to date:
$193.20
thank you!
Club Tuition for Members
by Members
Tuition could be in wheel throwing, handbuilding or glaze making. The rate is $35 per session for up to 3 hours, but could be less dependent upon session length. From this, the club will take 20% commission. All payments must go via the club.
The club entry fee of $7 will apply for the learner 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 :
Due to popular demand
Six week block workshop with Clare Houston
After positive feedback from Clare’s wheel throwing workshops in 2022 Clare has generously offered to take wheel throwing courses in 2023. This year Clare is offering two courses. Beginners and Level 2.
Beginners is the first course on offer and will commence on February 13. This workshop will run in a block of 6 weeks, with up to 5 participants. These classes will be conducted on a Monday evening, so that participants and tutor have the shed to themselves. More information on L2 will follow at the completion of the beginners’ course.
These workshops are offered only to members. If you are not a member of the club please go to our website and follow the online form to join up. www.shorncliffepotteryclubinc.com.au/membership-page
About Clare
Clay experience:
Clare completed an internship of three months duration at Windmill Pottery in 2019. This involved participating in all processes of a working pottery, including making clay, assisting with classes as well as throwing on the wheel, trimming and finishing to create objects from bowls, mugs, lidded vessels and teapots.
Clare also completed a three month internship at ceramic production company Made OF Australia.
Clare has completed ceramics classes at the Brisbane Institute of Art and is currently taking classes with Bill Powell at Ceramix, School of Clay and Glass and tuition with Jackie Gasson and the Sunshine Coast Clayworkers.
She was recently awarded First Prize in Wheel throwing at Shorncliffe Pottery Club’s “Expressions” exhibition, 2021.
Teaching Experience:
Clare has experience in tutoring one on one and in small groups in her previous career as a chef for over 20 years and Chef Trainer at the Edgwarebury Hotel as part of the Regal Hotel group in North London, UK.
Clare holds a Graduate Teaching Diploma from Griffith University.
Clare says “I'm really enjoying my journey learning ceramics and pottery, and I'm looking forward to passing on skills and knowledge to other club members.”
The program will include clay preparation, throwing a cylinder, a bowl, an altered cylinder (e.g. vase or similar shape), trimming and turning and preparing pieces for firing.
Start date is Monday 13th February 2023
Time will be 6.00 to 9.00pm
The cost will be $260 for a 6 week block, payable in advance. The usual $7 entry fee and a block of clay is included in the price. Firing will be extra.
A beginners tool kit available from the cheap shops is recommended. Other tools will be available for purchase from the club.
Please notify the club of your intention to be part of this workshop series
on this email shorncliffepotteryclubincmembership@hotmail.com .
Payment instructions and confirmation will be emailed to you.
But hurry there are only 5 places available.
Olympic Cycling Great Anna Meares Turns to Pottery for Creativity
Anna Meares was fearless in the velodrome, scrutinised by thousands of people and under pressure to pull off a gold-medal ride. But life after sport in a small Adelaide art studio, surrounded by eight other beginners, she sat staring at a block of clay. After decades of strict training routines and working with coaches, Meares was frozen by the endless possibilities. But that first class was a turning point in Meares's personal life post-sport, the catalyst for new friendships and renewed self-confidence.
"My first [piece] was a bit wonky and I had a few that just fell over. The first one that I did make really fell apart [when I was] trying to get it off [the wheel]."
"So, it taught me more patience and mindfulness. It's just the ability to turn my head off to really get into a creative space to just sit, be present, and focus on trying to make something."
It wasn’t long before the shed in Meares' backyard became an art studio.
"In the end, I liked [pottery] so much that I sold my sauna – which I had as an athlete – to buy myself my own wheel," Meares said.
She and her neighbour Carol quickly established a weekly pottery night, giving them both a break from the evening parenting routine and letting them hone their skills.
Meares and her family moved to New Zealand earlier this year, but the new adventure came with a caveat – the at-home pottery studio had to be re-created. Pottery is also proving to be a great way to make new friends, with Meares' neighbours eager to give the wheel a go.
"Like our pottery nights back in Adelaide I will have a red wine, and water bubbles, for people to just relax and have some nibbles as well.
By Michelle Gately – ABC News
Sumptuous Surfaces Workshop
with Shannon Garson
In this two day workshop explore the world of ceramic colour and drawing without using glazes. With a painterly approach, learn to work in an intuitive, expressive way to achieve layered, sophisticated surfaces, using a mix of underglazes, oxides and glaze stains taking your work to the next level.
This is a two day workshop:
Saturday, 20 May, 1-7pm; and Sunday, 21 May, 9:30am-4:30pm.
Morning and afternoon tea provided. Please bring a plate of food to share for Sunday lunch (plates and cutlery will be provided).
$500 for members; $545 for non-members.
Brisbane Institute of Art – 41 Grafton Street, Windsor, QLD, 4030
Mark Douglas
Partner of Cheryl Ryan, Lifetime Member of SPCInc.
Dear Cheryl and family .. Our deepest, deepest sympathies to you on the sad passing of Mark .. from the Committee and Members,
Shorncliffe Pottery Club Inc.
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:
Carmela Anile, Carolyn Campbell, Amanda Francis, Simone Mackie, Cheryl Ryan, Alice Vosten, Rochelle Wolff
If we have missed anybody, our sincere apologies – drop us an email so that we can include you next time!
MEMORY VESSEL
Showcase a memory of Brisbane
Museum of Brisbane is seeking submissions for an upcoming ceramics exhibition in 2023. Artists working in ceramics in the Greater Brisbane Region are invited to submit their own original ‘memory vessel’.
Right now, the medium of ceramics is experiencing a cultural renaissance across the globe and we want to celebrate its impact in Brisbane.
Let your vessel tell a story as it holds a memory of place. You can interpret this idea however you like; whether it be a literal representation or a thought or feeling that you meditate on as you create your vessel. The purpose of this project is to create a large-scale display that showcases the diversity of Brisbane ceramic practice now. It will offer a cross-section of cultural production and a celebration of ceramic movement in Brisbane in recent years.
Together, we will highlight the incredible clay community.
Requirements:
• Your vessel can be any colour, style or shape that you like
• Your creation can use clay in any way, using the technique of your choice
• Submissions must be no smaller than 10cm x 10cm x 10cm and no larger than 15cm x 15cm x 15cm, and dry. Unfired pieces will not be accepted
Registrations close: Sunday 29 January 2023
Vessels on display: Saturday 13 May – Sunday 29 October 2023
Please note: This project is non-acquisitive. Items will be borrowed only for display in this project.
SAS Easter Art Show
Sandgate Art Society are very excited to announce that the annual Sandgate Easter Art Show will be on from April 7th – 10th. So show your support for the local talented artists and potters by entering some ceramics in the show, or by simply popping along to see the exhibition.
There are three categories - 2D, 3D and Photo / Digital, and each category has three awards. Plus there is an overall Best in Show award.
The exhibition will be held in the Callan Centre, Pier Ave, St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe. Entry details are available on the SAS website.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
THE AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS ASSOCIATION EXHIBITION 2024
Deadline for proposals: 15 February 2023
TABLED is an exhibition that invites potters to design and make tableware in collaboration with a chef, a cook or an artisan food producer.
It uses the terrain of the tabletop as a forum/place/arena to tell a story about the age-old relationship between food and pots.
Your proposal will outline your collaborative vision – anything from a high-end dining experience through to the service of tea or the celebratory presentation of fresh seasonal produce.
The TABLED exhibition will speak to the plurality of ways that food and pots enhance each other, and our daily lives.
TABLED will be presented at Manly Art Gallery & Museum (Sydney, NSW)
from 19 April – 9 June 2024
Ipswich Art Awards
Entries close 7 March 2023
Held annually since 2000, the Ipswich Art Awards is the foremost visual arts awards for the Ipswich region and celebrates emerging and established artists.
There are 8 categories open for entries, with a total prize pool of $16,500:
Entry fee $35 per submission
Winners will be announced at the opening night on Friday 26 May 2023.
An exhibition of entered works will be free and open to the public from 27 May – 3 June 2023 at 1 Nicholas St, Ipswich.
2023 Immanuel Arts Festival
25 to 28 May 2023
Friday and Saturday: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday: 9.00am to 2.00pm
The Immanuel Arts Festival is a celebration of fine and contemporary art and is the largest of its kind on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. It has showcased the artistic talents of our region for over 40 years and draws more artist entries and visitors each year. The Festival proudly promotes visual, creative and performance art within the Sunshine Coast community and will be held at Immanuel Lutheran College.
Save The Dates
Australian Ceramics Open Studios (ACOS) is an annual, nationwide, weekend event that celebrates clay, community and creativity.
Hosted by The Australian Ceramics Association, ceramics studios around Australia open their doors to offer a peek into their making, practical demonstrations and the opportunity to take home a handmade piece.
NOTE: Expressions of Interest for opening your studio will open in May 2023.
Speed Dry Your Clay
Don’t throw trimmings into a plastic container and let them sit for a week or so to dry before reclaiming. Reclaiming works best when the clay is bone dry. Here is a simple technique to speed the drying process. Purchase a wastepaper container from an office supply store. Get one that is made out of expanded metal so it contains many holes. These containers are usually sprayed with paint, so it does not rust but you could use a plastic bin as well, as long as it has mesh like sides. When you trim or carve your pieces, throw the scraps in the container to air dry. It will take half the time to dry and you can wash out the empty container with water to easily clean it.
50 Years of Handy Hints
We are fortunate to have received a very useful book titled “Collected Wisdom – 50 years of handy hints” from the Ceramic Study Group, Australia supplied to us by Clare H. from her trip to Gulgong. It is a collection of tips and techniques gathered and published in their newsletters since the 1960’s. Each month we will delve into this vast archive of information regarding all things ceramics and bring to you snippets of their collected wisdom.
March 2004
Unwanted wax removal: The usual way to remove any unwanted wax is to re-bisque the pot, but did you know that turps can also be used? Dip a cloth or paper towel in turps and work it onto the waxed area, this may have to be repeated a few times depending on how much wax you want to remove. Once the turps has evaporated the pot can be glazed in the usual manner. Do not do this near any heat source!
Microwave wax removal: To remove unwanted wax from a pot, microwave it on high for 5 minutes – saves re-bisqueing.
Oxide removal: When bisque ware is decorated with oxides a mistake can mean considerable mess and delay. If you use a wet sponge to clean the pot the oxide may become smeared, difficult to remove, and the pot must be allowed to dry before decorating can resume. Try using a pencil eraser - it efficiently removes oxides without wetting the pot and can remove precise spots.
President: Douglas Ainsworth
Vice President: Ken Bull
Treasurer: Tamara Vitale
Secretary: Rose Kennedy
Committee Members: Suzanne Bell, Barbara Fletcher,
Linda Rosenthal, Gus Saunders
Newsletter Editor: Ed Trost
email: shorncliffepotteryclubinc@hotmail.com
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