I was thinking......
The Long winter
by Tom Richards on 04/09/12
Just finished my teaching duties for the winter semester at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, it took a lot of energy and persistence. I really enjoyed teaching both my classes - each class had its own unique challenges.
"Mud in the Morning" was made up of a combination of
beginning, intermediate and advanced potters. I tried to present material that
would be of interest to everyone, doing two demonstrations each class period. I
may have overwhelmed the beginners with some of the material but they were
exposed to different construction methods, studio equipment and the need to
slow down and to "take your time".
"Explorations with a Gas Kiln" had a completely different
set of challenges. The class had advance and intermediate potters. The class did heavy reduction and oxidation/oil spot firings with the K I A's small natural gas kiln. We explored the
effect of those different atmospheres and temperatures have on glazes. It was a
lot of fun watching even the most experienced potter expand what they knew
about the glaze & firing process. I know I learned a lot.
I was very energized after each class; the creative energy could keep me going for hours. The work that both classes did was amazing.
I really don't know how much of my own work I actually accomplished during the last 3 months, while helping others with theirs but I do know that I have made some changes in what I make. Some of the changes were intentional but some occurred unconsciously. That type of change - the one you are not aware of until you look back and say "oh that's different" - then try to figure out where the influence came from - always interesting.
I also took the Anagama class. Taking the class forced me to make pots - making me focus on making new work. It was good to forget the other "stuff" and just get lost in the making. We having a firing coming up later in the month. I can't wait.
