July 2024
JULY 2024 | ISSUE #046
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Hello Potters
From the President
Welcome to July!
June brought with it our latest Cleaning Bee, one of our best yet. Such a great group of enthusiastic volunteers working so hard to make our studio shine. Plenty of laughs and snacks shared too. Thanks Sandy for leading the afternoon. We look forward to seeing more new faces joining the fun next time.
We now have a new dedicated work space in the back room for when we overflow the front room. We are looking for some canvas to recover the table if anyone has any they are willing to donate.
All that talk of Xmas in the last newsletter inspired us when creating our next Sunday social. Mid winter Xmas Sunday 21st July 10am to 3pm. Open to all members, this is a clay play and social event which includes Xmas themed project ideas, shared lunch, buy sell or exchange for pottery supplies and the magnet prize giving. See Helloclub for more details. And don’t worry if you are more grinch than elf, you can ignore Xmas and work on whatever you like.
Magnets are collecting on shelf #1 and are looking amazing. You still have time to finish your pieces in time for the judging on Sunday 21st July but don’t delay.
The Einbunpin festival is on Sunday 28th July, and we are looking for members to provide pieces to sell and volunteers to promote the club. Check Helloclub for details on volunteering and your emails for sales paperwork. Hope to see you down there.
Happy potting
Suzanne
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 documentation or you can request a copy from the Membership Officer here or read it here.
Hurry up. Time is Running Out.
Entries close 21 July
Create a fridge magnet which celebrates pottery or the Shorncliffe / Sandgate / 4017 area. Magnets will be judged with 2 x $30 club vouchers to be won. They will then be sold at Einbunpin and Sandgate Arts Society Creative Trail with money raised going to the club. So get your creative ideas flowing. See poster above or in the studio for details.
Above is a promotional photo taken by member Amy Stevens showing the very talented Fiona throwing the most adorable mini pot off the hump for the magnet competition. I can’t wait to buy one myself 🤣 Thanks Amy and Fiona, love your work.
Join us at the studio for a social fun day. The theme for the day is Xmas.
The studio will be open from 10am to 3pm and all members are welcome.
Spend the day working on a clay project and socialising with your fellow clay lovers.
Xmas project ideas provided
Dress in your best Xmas attire or accessories to be in to win
Bring a plate to share for lunch at 12.00
No charge for the session
Buy, sell or exchange pottery supplies - don’t forget to bring cash
Magnificent magnet competition winners will be announced at 1pm
Got a favourite piece of Xmas themed pottery? Bring it on the day to inspire
your fellow members
It’s almost that time again. Only 4 weeks to go. So get your pottery ready for the fantastic Einbunpin Festival.
As usual we are holding a stall at the festival for you to sell all of your wonderful ceramics.
To sell your pieces refer to the email sent to all members. Fill out the form and follow the instructions.
Running of the stall is by volunteers, so if you can spend some time helping at the festival have a look on HelloClub for volunteering opportunities for the day.
Please note that although we will take plenty of care with your items we take no liability for any damages which may occur.
Sunday 28 July
Brighton Rd. Sandgate, QLD, 4017
Learn + Natter
(workshop + socials)
Learn the art of making 2-part plaster moulds
Further information and bookings on Helloclub.
Get in quick limited spots available!
When
Sunday 7 July 09:00 – 15:00
Where
Shorncliffe Pottery Club Inc
____________________________________
Intermediate Wheel workshop
Expand on your skills and learn to throw with larger amounts of clay!
Go to HelloClub for more details and to book!
When
Sunday 14 July 09:00 – 15:00
Where
Shorncliffe Pottery Club Inc
We are trying to cater for all members of our club, therefore providing workshops on other days, not just weekends. Same with the themed socials. So ensure to check availability on Helloclub. If you're not sure how to do this, please speak with a supervisor at the shed.
We are looking for ideas for what other skills you would like to learn or further develop, so please reach out and provide some feedback.
If you would be interested in hosting a workshop or Sunday (or other day) Social, please contact me and I'd be happy to discuss this further or alternatively, if you would like to suggest a workshop or instructor for a possible workshop, please also contact me.
happy potting
Rebecca Mason
WOODFIRE WA 2024
CARLOTTA STUDIO
16th – 21st Sept
Another wonderful group of artists are demonstrating at this year’s event.
Fergus Stewart (Scotland) Jann Kesby (NSW) Ted Secombe (Victoria) Robyn Lees (WA) Stu McKay (WA) Mary Wallace (WA) and more, from pop in artists.
There will be salt firing, train kiln firing, kiln building, drum kiln fast firing, pit firing (notes from Mary, re pit firing, will be sent separately after registration) and a little bit of Raku. No previous wood firing experience needed.
What to bring. 12 pieces of BISQUED stoneware clay no taller than 30 cm. No platters but small slab plates are ok. I recommend Clayworks LGH as it will fire in all the kilns with ease. There are plenty of slips for the salt kiln and glazes are provided.
A pair of gardening gloves will be handy when stacking the wood. PPE is provided white stoking the kilns.
Tea and coffee is available around the clock. Bring your lunch. There is a fridge and microwave in the studio. You can pre order lunch from the Lavender Farm 300 metres away. We are totally off the grid so if we deplete the battery storage the generator will top them up and the power will be restored. In this event a little patience is required.
Weather: September and it’s spring but bring warm clothing for the chilly nights.
Accommodation: There are plenty self-contained, BnB’s and camping facilities in and around Nannup and Carlotta (14km south of Nannup).
The cost for the workshop is $500
If you have any questions or need a registration form please contact me.
0408 904 271 - if I don’t answer please send me an sms or email me.
2023 Woodfire WA workshop results are still available to view on the website
I look forward to hearing from you.
Cher Shackleton
Cohorts Down Under Workshop
Announcing an exciting workshop with 2 ceramic artists direct from the United States who are dedicated to advancing the frontiers of clay.
Simon Levin, a potter and educator living in Pawnee, Illinois, has more than 30 years' experience working in clay and building community along the way.
Ann Marie Cooper, a potter and gallerist living in Bellingham, Washington, has more than 20 years’ experience working with artists in the gallery sector, and 15 years as one herself.
During this two-day workshop, join Simon Levin and Ann Marie Cooper as they teach techniques and pushing students’ creativity. Through quick demos, and hands-on teaching, participants will bolster their studio practice with new ways to create.
Discussion and questions will be used to drive ideas and creativity. Be ready to ask the questions you have wanted to ask about all things related to clay, wood & soda firing as well as the inspiring Cohorts.Art mentorship program founded by Simon Levin and managed by Ann Marie Cooper.
Special thanks to Bill Powell of CeramX School of Clay and Glass on the Gold Cost, Queensland, for hosting this event.
7 + 8 September 2024
1 Winderadeen Crt. Nerang, Queensland 4211
Pottery Goat by King Charles
Sells for $16,000
The small ceramic animal, which had been treasured for 55 years by Canadian Raymond Patten, was auctioned in Staffordshire on Tuesday. It was given to him on his 21st birthday by a great aunt who worked as a cook at Cambridge University.
"I believe she knew the future King on a personal basis. I have treasured the goat all my life," Mr Patten said. He said his aunt "told me Prince Charles had made it".
Charles Hanson, of Hansons Auctioneers, added: "Raymond decided to part with the goat due to its historical significance.”
Why don’t you send in some photos and text
for inclusion in the club’s newsletter?
Include your name, the title of your work (if any), and a short description
of what it is or why you made it.
Amy enjoying making her Grecian style water vessel on a brisk Thursday evening
All images © Eléonore Joulin, shared with permission
Gastronomical Goods
Eléonore Joulin casts humble foods in a fresh light with her gastronomic collection of ceramic goods. From her studio in Brussels, the artist layers crinkled cabbage leaves into a vegetal dwelling and twists a long sausage into a sculptural, worm-like shape. She outfits many forms with a bulb and cord, turning a wedge of blue cheese or a big pickle into a functional design.
Most works begin with experimentation as Joulin explores the possibilities of a particular metallic oxide or other chemical compound. “For instance, titanium is unstable and iron is very coloring and the combination of (those) two oxide(s) gives a wide range of beige to brown, which was the start of exploring the texture of bread,” she shares. This specific research is on the artist’s mind at the moment as she searches for the proper glaze for a French brioche.
www.instagram.com/eleonorejoulin
click on an image to view larger
We have popped all the published tips, hacks and techniques onto the ‘Tips’ page on our club website so that you can refer to them easily.
What is Spooze?
When you have cracks in dried greenware, there are 2 ways of repairing them. One is the often-tried mixture of vinegar, toilet paper, and slurry. The other is "Spooze".
So what is Spooze? 🤷
The late Peggy Heer was a US potter, who in 1996 published a recipe for what she called "Spooze": consisting of one-third of fully dried chips or shavings of the clay body, one-third ordinary white vinegar, and one-third corn/glucose syrup. (If you want to stop the smell when it goes off, she suggests including a drop or two of peroxide). Mix it up, goop it well into the cracks, wipe off the excess, let it dry, then bisque as usual. 🤗
Peggy Heer 1996 SPOOZE Recipe
1/3 dry clay body you are using
1/3 vinegar, ordinary white kitchen vinegar will do
1/3 corn/glucose syrup, white or brown
A drop or 2 of peroxide. This keeps the Spooze from giving off a real stink.
Customisation
Make thinner by adding more of the corn/glucose syrup or vinegar.
Make thicker by adding more of the dry clay body. The recipe is only a base to start with.
I use my dried trimmings for my Spooze and have a Spooze jar for each clay body
I use it – then wash tools, brushes etc after using as the Spooze will become cement like and is not good for tools or brushes, if they are left. If they are left without a good washing, soak them in a cup of warm water till the Spooze comes off.
Have a fun, sticky time. Peggy.
Peggy Heer in her studio
Our Committee
President: Suzanne Bell
Vice President: Rose Kelly
Treasurer: David Grugeon
Secretary: Amy Stevens
Committee Members:
Ken Bull, Barbara Fletcher, Clare Houston, Melina Wales
Newsletter Editor: Ed Trost
edtrost1961@gmail.com
email: shorncliffepotteryclubinc@gmail.com
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