March 2024
MARCH 2024 | ISSUE #042
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Hello Potters
President’s Report
Memberships reopened in February and we have had such an amazing response. A huge welcome to all our new members and thank you to all the Supervisors and members who have made them feel welcome.
Easter is almost upon us and with it brings the clubs first community event - the Bluewater Festival on Good Friday. This is an opportunity to promote the club and your chance to sell some of your pieces. We are committed to giving our members a minimum of four opportunities like this throughout the year with Einpunpin in July and the Sandgate Arts Society Creative Trail (formerly 4017 open studios) in October being two more we have confirmed.
The committee held its second meeting for the year with a focus on planning workshops, Social Sundays and our new kiln. That’s right if you haven’t heard we have been successful in obtaining a gambling fund grant for a new kiln! A huge thank you to Ken and everyone who has been involved in the grant process over the years. What a boost to our club.
Happy potting
Suzanne
Memberships Are Up
Since Memberships were opened again at the beginning of February we have had an increase of over 50 new members. Welcome to those new members, we hope to meet you all down at the shed in the very near future.
New Members induction this Saturday 4 March 12:00 to 1:00pm
Thursday nights have been buzzing with the influx of new members and their excitement of learning all about SPCI and the wonderful world of clay.
Annual General Meeting
Sunday 7 April 2:00pm
As we have changed our financial year to end 31 December we legally require an AGM to review the financial report for the entire 2023 year.
However, it’s also a fabulous opportunity to have a say in your club and we have lots to share and for you to vote on, so please add it to your diary today. The AGM will be held down at the shed. All members welcome.
Have You Renewed Your Membership for 2024?
shorncliffepotteryclubinc.helloclub.com
Time has run out to renew your membership. The last day was 29 February. Email shorncliffepotteryclubinc@gmail.com if you still need assistance.
Hello Club is the portal that we manage our membership database (new and renewing) as well as events, and hopefully more things in the future.
It is important that you activate your account as Hello Club is the only way you will be able to renew your membership for 2024.
shorncliffepotteryclubinc@gmail.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 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.
Club Cleaning Bee
This Saturday 4 March 1:00 to 4:00pm
Come along and join in. Many hands make the work much lighter and you are bound to learn something new plus get to meet other members of the club.
Shorncliffe Pottery Club Inc. uses 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 (there’s one across the road from the shed) and use the unique ID number for the deposit. If you forget the ID number just take the recycling money and pop it into the tea jar in the shed’s kitchenette.
Club’s ID Number: C10465553
amount recycled to date:
$231.51
Good Friday 29 March
Calling for volunteers to run the stall and potters to sell their pieces. Keep an eye on your emails for more details.
SAS Easter Art Show
Is Very Close
Only 4 weeks to our artistic friend’s - the Sandgate Art Society’s annual Sandgate Easter Art Show on from March 29th – 30th. That’s very close so get planning and potting asap if you intend to participate - see deadline for entries below. Don’t forget to show your support for local talented artists and potters, by entering some of your ceramics in the show, or by simply popping along to see the exhibition. Everyone is welcome.
There are three categories - 2D, 3D and Photo / Digital, and each category has three awards. There is also a Best in Show award.
The exhibition is on at the Callan Centre in Pier Avenue, St. Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe 4017.
29 March 9:00 - 5:00 and 30 March 9:00 - 4:00
Opening Night Thursday 28 March 6:30 - 8:30pm
Entries close Friday 15 March
Entry details are available on the SAS website.
Magnificent Magnets
fund raiser and competition
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. More details coming soon.
Learn & Natter
(workshop & socials)
from our new coordinator Rebecca Mason
We have had a great start to the introduction for our 2024 workshops. The first beginners wheel workshop is already booked out. Don't be alarmed, there will be another one offered in April.
There are some great short workshops for hand building and slab building available in the next couple of months. Please log into Hello Club for dates and details.
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
Clay Gulgong
Is a biennial event that takes place in a region of north-western New South Wales, that is globally recognised for its strong links with the field of ceramics. Mansfield Ceramics is committed to bringing the best national and international artists to the beautiful town of Gulgong. So put it in your diary the next event is scheduled for:
15–21 April, 2024.
For further information:
It’s on again this year. If you are interested in putting some of your best work into the competitions the closing date for entries is drawing near. To enter use the link below to take you to the Arts/Crafts section. Once you log in you will find a range of pottery sections to select from.
Deadline for Entries 24 May 2024
BVAC Pop Up
Come along to the BVAC Winter Wonderland Pop-Up at the
Toowong Arbortoreum Botanical Gardens.
We will be trading from 10am - 4pm Friday - Sunday
A fabulous weekend of browsing through all the BVAC goodies for that personalised hand crafted treasure.
Pop Up Shop: 7 - 9 June 2024
Actor Seth Rogen Brings His Love of Ceramics to the Masses
in New TV Show
The star of films “Pineapple Express” and “Superbad,” actor and comedian Seth Rogen’s newest venture into the world of entertainment isn’t what you might expect. Instead of crafting jokes, he’s getting his hands dirty—quite literally—on the set of The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down. The new reality TV show, adapted from Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throw Down, its British counterpart, comes at a time of a surge in popularity of pottery. The show is hosted by actress Jennifer Robertson, who played Jocelyn Schitt in the beloved comedy series Schitt’s Creek, with Rogen serving as an executive producer and guest judge.
Rogen’s journey into the wonderful world of clay began with his wife, Lauren Miller, who introduced him to his first pottery class. Since then, he hasn’t looked back, often found working on pieces between takes on set and, in one episode of the new series, he even presents one of his own creations—a tribute to his hometown—combining his love for Vancouver’s landscape with his fondness for, as he puts it, “smoking a lot of weed.”
by Seth Rogen - Not bad, don’t you think?
We have popped all the tips, hacks and techniques that have been published to date in these newsletters onto a ‘Tips’ page on our club website so that you can refer to them easily.
Choosing the Right Clay
When it comes to pottery, choosing the right clay is crucial for achieving the desired results. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of clay. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying clay for pottery, from understanding the different types of clay to selecting the best clay for your projects.
Clay is available almost everywhere and is inexpensive. It has multiple transitional states; when moist, it is pliable and elastic, and can be moulded into any shape. It can be incised or scraped when it reaches the consistency of chocolate, after drying slightly. As the water dissipates into a brittle state, the material dries further, depending on its thickness and the relative humidity. At this juncture, it can be re-softened by applying water. However the clay is formed, it will not be permanent until it is heated to extremely high temperatures.
There are several types of clay available for pottery, each with its own unique characteristics and suitability for different projects. It is essential to understand these differences to choose the right clay for your needs.
1. Earthenware clay
This clay is porous and fires at a lower temperature. It is ideal for beginners and is commonly used for making decorative pottery, tiles, and sculptures. Earthenware clays are low-fire clays. Low-fire clay is fired at temperatures ranging between 804°C and 1,154°C. When potters discuss the cone at which a particular variety of clay is fired, they are referring to the pyrometric cone system. This is a method for classifying the temperature and the effect of time with the firing.
2. Stoneware clay
This clay is denser and fires at a higher temperature, resulting in sturdy and durable pottery. It is suitable for functional items like bowls, mugs, and plates. When wet, stoneware clays are often grey and plastic. Their fired hues range from pale grey and beige to medium grey and brown. Fired colours are significantly affected by the type of firing. Stoneware clays are typically fired at high temperatures, around 1,186°C - cones 5 to 10. Stoneware clays are referred to as “Stoneware” because the fired items exhibit characteristics similar to those of stone (hard, dense surface with varying hues). After maturing in a kiln, stoneware should form strong bonds with its glazes and be impermeable. It is durable and tolerant during the throwing and firing phases. Stoneware is a common type of clay used by production potters.
3. Porcelain clay
Known for its delicate and translucent appearance, it is often used to create elegant and refined pottery. However, it can be challenging to work with due to its fine and less forgiving nature. Pure kaolin (kaolinite, or china clay), ball clay, feldspar (used as a flux), and quartz (silica) are the main components of porcelain. Mixing the body of porcelain clay with various minerals reduces the firing temperature and improves its workability. Porcelain holds fluidity and can be manipulated even when extremely thin to create translucent, delicate forms because it is composed of such minute particles. As a consequence of its lack of plasticity, it can crack and deform during the drying and firing processes due to its optimal density not being reached until the clay nears its melting point.
4. Ball clay
Ball clay is the most plastic clay and contains very limited mineral impurities. It contains a large percentage of kaolinite and quartz, with around 10-25% mica. Ball clays occur naturally as very thin mineral-rich sediments or deposits. Ball clays lose colour on firing. At the greenware stage, it is grey. After being fired, it acquires a faint buff hue. When properly fired, it produces a delicate white colour, making it popular among potters. Ball clays are frequently utilised for floor tiles, toilets, basins, vases, and tableware due to its high plasticity and binding capacity. Ball clay by itself is typically too fine and slippery for use. It can be used for wheel throwing but is mainly used in slip casting and as an additive to other clay bodies.
Factors to consider when selecting clay
1. Intended use
Think about what you want to create with the clay. Are you looking to make functional items like plates and bowls, or are you more interested in sculptural pieces? Different types of clay have varying strengths and textures, so it’s essential to choose one that suits your desired end result.
2. Workability
Consider your level of experience and comfort working with clay. Some clays are easier to manipulate and shape, making them more suitable for beginners. Other clays require more skill and experience to handle effectively.
3. Firing temperature
Take into account the firing temperature of the clay. If you have access to a specific kiln or firing method, make sure the clay you choose can withstand those temperatures.
All in all there are quite a few elements to consider when choosing clay. But fear not, if you are unsure as to what you need, just ask the Supervisor at your pottery session. SPCI carries a wide range of clays at discount prices and if we don’t have the one you want, we can usually get it in for you. Otherwise there are clay suppliers in the city that also carry a range of clays, however you will be paying a retail markup on the price with these businesses.
Edited courtesy of an article by Moss 51 Art+Design
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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