Talk and demonstration by Ruthanne Tudball

On the 16th June we were very fortunate to have Ruthanne Tudball come to give us a talk with images and a demonstration of how she throws several of her signature pieces.  Ruthanne Tudball was born and brought up in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in California, a short ride from the sea to the west and the Mojave Desert in the east. So the primal connections to such physical elements as the mountains, sea and desert formed her and been essential to the inspiration for her making pots.  To great effect she demonstrated her influences with images of land strata, beaches, rocks, seeds, leaves ad scenery with direct comparisons displayed in her work.  She lives now in Norfolk with her husband, David, who she met when she was only 15 and he was 18.  Nowadays her influences are worldwide as she travels a great deal.

After her talk Ruthanne commenced to throw pots.  Her unique style involves completing the piece entirely while it is still attached to the wheel head, to this end handles, lids and spouts are all thrown first and the body of the piece is then thrown to fit.  As with all experienced and expert craftsman Ruthanne made it all look so easy.  Her working method is clear to see and while being precise is also free and loose and relaxed.  She talked of the need to make time to play and of recognising that there are occasionally days when head and hands are not working together and so it is better to go and catch up on chores.  I have attended many CCGG (and other) events, never have I been so engrossed and never has the audience been so silent and attentive.  Comments included being thrilled to have just joined as new members and “now I understand what is meant by ‘freeing up’”.  For those who were unfortunate to miss this splendid day please go to Ruthanne’s website:
Ruthanne is a fellow of the Craft Potters Association and a member of the Contemporary Applied Arts and was recently elected as a member of the International Academy of ceramics.  She can be seen at Art in Action again this year 19th -22nd July.

Fran Osbourne

New work by member Fran Osbourne.
You can see more here.

Kiln Firing Day at Crofthandy

 May 12^th 2012

 Following a busy day building a wood burning kiln and paper kiln at Crofthandy the previous week, the Firing Day on 12^th May was held under clear blue skies. The result was really excellent, though a few pots blew, but that was a learning curve for the kiln controlling team of Nina, Lynn, John and helpers. We learned a lot about that kiln and once it got to temperature it was so efficient that we managed firing after firing and only fired up the gas Raku kiln at about three o'clock to finish off the day’s pots and to show the kiln in action. The Raku team of Fran and Lynn managed to get many really good results  and all who took part were enthused and excited by the results, going away happy at the end of a long day. The paper kiln firing, inspired by Jane Gibson’s day at Krowji, unfortunately didn't get to the desired temperature, but great interest was shown in the technique which is one to master over time. We will try again before too long. Looked so easy when Jane did it!

Now that the kiln has been built it will remain at Brenda’s place for the foreseeable future so we can plan and organise another members’ day with fire and possibly roast potatoes! A very successful get together and much learned about the mysteries of building and firing. Thanks to all who helped make such a good event; Brenda for hosting and cooking, those that helped build the kilns, the firing team of Lynn, Nina and Fran and John for his knowledge, skill and trailer! See you all again at the next Firing Day.

Residential Ceramics Courses

Residential Ceramics Courses with Jill Fanshawe-Kato and Laurel Keeley at Coombe Farm Studios

The courses offer the opportunity to work with two of the best ceramic artists working in the UK and the chance to work directly from the beautiful surrounds of Coombe in South Devon..

Coombe Farm Studios has been established for over 25 years and are situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty one mile from the village of Dittisham on the River Dart in South Devon. Coombe Farm Studios enables students of all ages to discover and develop their creative interests through short courses tutored by professional artists who make a living from their art.

For more information and to book a place contact Lara Lloyd at lara@coombefarmstudios.com Tel 01803 722352 

 

Coombe Farm Studios

Dittisham

Dartmouth Devon TQ6 0JA

01803 722352

www.coombefarmstudios.com

Jane Gibson - Paper Kiln Firing

On Saturday 14th April 19 members met at Krowji, Arts Centre Redruth for a talk and demonstration of paper kilns by Jane Gibson. Jane’s interest in paper kilns and pit firing was inspired by the fire markings on low fired pots and the colour flashes from pit firing she saw on her travels to the Indian sub continent where she observed and documented the skills of village potters.
From this she has evolved a making and firing process that most can manage in a small workshop and back garden.
When we arrived at Krowji , Jane, with the help of John Osborne and other committee members, had already set up a base of firebricks and sawdust, ready for the ‘beehive’ kiln. She soon had us all tightly rolling newspapers ( preferably the Telegraph, she joked) into circles of varying sizes and constructing a dome shape about 3 ft in diameter and 2 ft high.We had all brought 2-3 bisque fired pots , some burnished. Pots were wrapped round in
a selection of copper wire, packets of salt or copper oxide, copper sulphate, dried banana skins or seaweed, copper wire, held on with cloth bandages. We hoped this alchemy would give fire markings of pinks, yellows and browns. Once the pots and sculptures were placed inside the paper beehive thin slats of wood were built like a wigwam around the outside and the kiln was lit.
While the kiln burned, we lunched and then were treated to second excellent presentation from Jane. She talked about the technique, her work, her travels to India and China (where she met CCGG members last year) that inform and inspire her, and her involvement with Kent Potters Association.
We managed to unpack the kiln later that afternoon. Better fuming and colour results were obtained from pots that had been burnished first, particularly over a terra sigillata slip. We all came away knowing how to construct a paper kiln, apply oxides, and other materials to our pots, and how fire a paper kiln. (The pots are finally washed and polished with beeswax to
protect them.)

There was enthusiastic talk of building another paper kiln on 12th May as well as the wood fired raku kiln, so if you are going to the next Kiln Firing day start making some pots, and save some newspaper !
It was a fascinating day. Jane was an excellent presenter and we left inspired to explore this technique further.
Further photos of the kiln firing are on our Facebook page and some interesting articles by Jane on India potters are on http://www.janegibsonpottery.com/846154/articleshttp://www.janegibsonpottery.com/846154/articles

Jenni Phillips

“From the Shore”

Barry Marshall-Johnson with Andy Nicholls
An exhibition of thrown and hand built ceramics inspired by the Cornish shore and the sea.
May 12th – 19th . 11am – 4 pm
at 22 Tower Park, Fowey, PL23 1JB.

Kiln Building and Firing days

CCGG Kiln Building and Firing days
Poldice Halt, Crofthandy, nr Redruth
May 5th - Building from 10 am
May 12th –Firing starts 10 am

Jenni Phillips new website

Take a look at Jenni's new website which was completed this morning.
www.jenniphillipsceramics.co.uk

Andy Titcomb teapots

These three teapots made by member Andy Titcomb have been selected for an exhibition at the American Museum of Ceramic Art in Pomona California. Big Fish Small Pot V: International Small Teapot Show and Competition.

Visit to Tony Lattimer, Ceramic Sculptor, in Penzance

Tony Lattimer’s monumental ceramic sculptures show how far he has
journeyed in his artistic life. Now centred in the far reaches of West Cornwall his sculptures sit equally well in the intimate space of his gallery in Penzance, where they take on the appearance of so many attendant figures, or in the bleak openness of the Lands End peninsular complementing the granite monoliths scattered in the exposed landscape.
Tony has evolved a ceramic form of expression that although it has resulted in very large pieces, has an undoubted human connection. Witness the number of viewers drawn to hug the examples in Tony’s gallery. And who could doubt the particular presence of so many standing figures in the eerily lit WW2 bunker that serves as his unique exhibition space in a field near Lands End.

His work also presents a feeling of place demonstrated by the rugged slab built shapes and the use of local clay slips providing a contrasting palette of white body and free applied dark marks. His surface layering, glazing and firing techniques result in organic textures and, big as they are, Tony’s sculptures demand close inspection and handling by the viewer. An element of Wabi Sabi is never far away in much of Tony’s work, many of the marks and surface treatment arising spontaneously during the making of piece.
Large ceramic sculptures require special building techniques, special equipment and not least a large kiln. Tony and his wife Kathy together continue to develop the processes needed to make, fire and transport such pieces, a scale of operation alien to average potter or ceramicist.
Tony’s dedication to his art is exemplified by turning “a perfectly good four bedroom Victorian house into a Gallery with a one bedroom flat above”, the building of a studio and kiln in a Lands End field and the conversion of a dank bunker into a truly contemplative space for his work. Tony and his wife are generous with their time and knowledge and anyone visiting Cornwall would be well advised to make for Penzance and see these unique ceramics. Hugging is allowed!
by Barry Marshall-Johnson

Malcolm Sutcliffe Studio Visit

25th February 2012-02-29

21 CCGG members attended this studio visit and were rewarded by seeing Malcolm demonstrate glass blowing and colouring an open rimmed bowl, an upright bowl with tighter rim and then, most dramatically, a plate. It was so much more informative to see serious pots being made (instead of demonstration style "easy", simply showman-ship pieces). The demonstration then became interactive as two lucky names were drawn out of the hat for hands on instruction. Helen Jay and Lee Warton then had their safety instruction and a chance to make a clear vase each.

Malcolm and his wife were extremely hospitable and generous with their time, donating their £115 fee to Shelter Box. CCGG is very grateful to Malcolm for his inspiring glass studio day.

Nic Harrison and Peter Fluck

March 17th Studio visit to Nic Harrison
(Helston) and Peter Fluck (Helford)

Andrew Nichols new work

Some photos of new work by Andrew Nichols

MAAC event

Saturday March 24th, 2012 Studio Visit: Sally and Alasdair (Neil) MacDonnell

Alasdair's wide range of sculptural forms, mostly wall hangings, using textures and patterns derived from found objects, wrappings and industrial scrap, reflect his interest in architecture, antiquities and tribal art. Sally's unique, amusing and quirky figures relate to her view of femininity and humanity.

2, Kennington Road, Bath BA1 3EA Saturday 24th March 2012, 10.30am – 3.30pm

Contact Joy Bosworth, tel. 07779 221678 or e-mail info@joybosworthceramics.com for more information and an early booking.

NB MAAC is the Members and Associates Advisory Committee of the Craft Potters Association.

CCGG Film Day

Tired of staying in watching old films on TV? Why not come out to Stithians Village Hall on Saturday, January 14th and see what Carol, Penny and others got up to in China in 2011.This CCGG Film Day is our first event of 2012. It starts at 10.30 am and there will be a shared lunch, so if you have any tasty Xmas leftovers

FREE Pottery Kiln Front Loader

FREE Pottery Kiln Front Loader - good to go!

Kilns + Furnaces front loader kiln FREE 14.08kw approx 240ltrs space. Need 1 new element otherwise in working condition but no longer required as the new one arrived yesterday. For information contact Linclon Kirby Bell at his studio in Newlyn. Telephone - 07943 445822 p.s. a ceramics buddy! Email - lincolnkb7@hotmail.com for address

Barbara Bell and Andy Titcomb

Members Barbara Bell and Andy Titcomb will be exhibiting at The Winter Gallery Polzeath (next to the newsagents) from November 5th until end of February everyone is welcome to the opening evening on Friday November 4th 6.00pm - 9.00pm

Tony Lattimer - Natural Forces new date again!

Saturday 19th November 2011
Tony Lattimer  - Natural Forces

Group visit  to Tony Lattimer's personal Gallery at Morab Road, Penzance, to view a display of his large, contemporary pieces. Tony will give a talk, sharing his philosophy and ideas on making sculptural ceramics.

More details soon

FIRE WORKS CERAMICS & GLASS

Announcing an exciting new event for 2012. ` FIRE WORKS CERAMICS & GLASS`
May 11.12.13th 2012 at Blackthorpe Barn, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. The show is being organised by potters Tim Huckstepp & Mike Goddard, who both have long standing experience of British & International events. Blackthorpe Barn is situated in Rougham Forest, just off the A14 J45, having superb links to all the major towns in East Anglia. The Barn has a long & distinguished history, and is a truly beautiful location for such an event. To broaden the public appeal an element of glass is being included. On site camping and an exhibitor catering facility, will help to provide you with a social as well as a great business opportunity. You can apply straight away, participants will be selected, and we will allocate spaces between now & November 30th, to give you maximum planning time. We have a simple basic web site set up to provide you with further information. Downloadable application form.
www.fireworksceramicsandglass.com

Doug Fitch

Here's some photos from the Doug Fitch event/AGM
More photos can be found on our Facebook page