Is this too geeky an entry?

[morgaina]

I went back to work in my studio again today. It was at least 2 weeks since I had done any throwing. There was the Modern Art Fair over the previous weekend and all the effort it takes getting ready for that, then I took Gavin to Portland, then tidying up the studio after the packing for the fair. I’ve heard that only 10% of a potters time is actually done in actually forming the pottery, the rest of the time is spent doing supplementary chores. Bookkeeping and marketing are the least enjoyable for me, especially anything that has to do with record keeping. I got some throwing done, not a lot and I didn‘t approach it in an efficient way, fairly typical for the first day back at the wheel. Maybe 11 complete items after I put them together. I'm dissatisfied with the clay body(s) I am using. My friend, Michael, makes & sells a body from local clays, I like supporting his business, using local clays, it’s a strong clay, little shrinkage, fired color is good, and less shipping costs, but the clay is short, short, short. Whereas Laguna’s dreaded B-Mix is like throwing in a good dream, but it cracks easily, and shrinks considerably. I occasionally mix my own clay, but it is an incredible amount of work and also shrinks a lot. I regularly try other clays, but for their various attributes I like the Wendt & the B-Mix.

Comments

Re: clay geek

[copper-oxide.livejournal.com]

Hum? changed to Vashon Red? That will change the looks of your work, as you know. I use Oregon Red for my redware and like that very much. But shipping for commercial clays, ouch.
When I used to order clay by the ton the shipping cost more than the clay itself. And that was when gas was under $1.50/ gal.
Michael, whom I mentioned before, is working on a clay body from local clay that is for cone 6, when he gets it to his satisfaction I'll bring you some to try just for fun.

Re: clay geek

[gwen-the-potter.livejournal.com]

Shipping is not an issue for me. I buy 1000 lb lots, and Seattle Pottery delivers for $30. Or, I take the ferry across and pick it up myself. It's just across the Sound. I usually wait til I want a lot of stuff (shelves, glazes, clay) and have it delivered all at once.

1000 lbs usually lasts me 1-2 years, depending on how productive I am.

I still want to use the Vashon white, I'll just have to be cautious when I work, to cut down on mixing the clays.