Clay and Our Free Time

 

What is Wedging?” she asked.

 

wedged piece

Jan asked a reasonable question and the simplest response is to reply that wedging is a process to rid the clay of air bubbles and to ensure an even consistency – similar to kneading bread but not exactly the same. The prepared clay is then used to make slabs, sculpt or to throw with (make items on the wheel). Of course, the throwing process leaves an unfinished portion on the bottom of the pot which some potters don’t trim off (get rid of) but peel most of the clay away (similar to getting rid of but not as “finished). I prefer to trim the excess with a tool for this purpose, particularly with porcelain as I believe it “presents” the form of the piece better – to me it is more pleasing to the eye. Once finished trimming, the work may undergo a number of processes from painting the surface of the clay with oxides, stains or carbonates, decorating the surface with engobes or slips or simply firing the clay to a bisque (placing it in a kiln so it becomes firm), I’ll leave the next stage until later.

 

   Mixing Plaster for Press Molds

Deb and I took a refresher lesson from Klari in casting plaster -okay, we watched her do it. I wanted to do some relief surfaces for slab forms and Deb did a more complex two part mold of a baby. They have a wonderful invention here – and probably have it other places but we’ve not seen it – a drying cupboard. It works on the same principle as an oven but it draws the moisture out of the clay and the next day the mold is ready for use.                

Deb is doing press molds of the baby and I’ve been pressing clay into the forms and then stretching it thinking it would have more tensile strength for my forms but it isn’t working that way so it is frustrating. Just taking some time to think of next steps.

In our Free Time…..

Today Margaret, Deb and I went to a massive flea market on what I believe is the outskirts of town. All of us came back with some pottery treasures and all of us bargained. Probably go for another visit.

Margaret and Deb talking while we wait for the bus

market "stall"

 

Our Danish Friends –

Lisbeth Nordskov, jeweller  (www.lisabethnordskov.dk ), surrounded b Gitte Helle, jeweller(www.containerjuvelen.dk), Betting Shori, glass artist, (www.bettingschoori.dk ), Lone Villaume, designer(www.lonevillaume.dk  and Ellis Hinz-Berg, textile designer .

As you can see from these artists’ work (check out their websites), it is elegant and innovative. After the opening of their work we went to yet another exhibit of photographs at the Danish Institute – where we very happily became their guests for the evening meal at a local Hungarian restaurant – much gaiety and as a bonus, leftovers for three days

Lona, Bettina, Ellis surround Lisabeth

And, last evening, we went to see the premier Hungarian Folk Dance in the local theatre. The dancers were charming and venues sold out to enthusiastic crowds who have a manner of applauding that is rhythmical itself and the audience seems to sense how to change the pace of clapping simultaneously.

There are many outstanding artists throughout Hungary performing this festival week and the menu in Budapest includes non-Hungarian artists Ashley McIsaac, works by Arvo Part and dancer Bill T. Jones – but we are in Kecskemet and are celebrating the local fare and are totally delighted with it. 

4 thoughts on “Clay and Our Free Time

  1. Kit Grauer

    Plaster casters- brings me back to the beginning of our teaching careers- remember the fabulous face molds- I still have several of your trays with lusters.
    Such a pleasure to share in your adventuree this way. Do you also do SKYPE? Too much fun to SKYPE you in for Easter brunch!

  2. Sonia Hutson

    My dear
    How exciting to be preparing for a salt firing! I will be most interested in hearing how that turns out. It will be also be interesting to see how your painterly style works with that technique.
    What a fabulous opportunity to network with fellow artists and continue being a life long learner!
    Remember to have fun and not take things too seriously.
    Sonia

  3. gitte helle

    Hello you two wonderfull ladiiies…how nice it was to meet you!!!!Inspirering and laughtering….Thinkin about you day after day eating yourself through doggybag after doggybag, trying to get sober after our night in the restaurant…

    Unfortunately I think I left my camera in Keschemet..either in the studio or in the hotel…I lived in room 220 from the 20 march..( I also left my favorite blue pans..in the hotel…) Is it possible You could ask??? Then I will buy you 10 kg of pommefrites when we see each other again.:-)

    Hope you are enjoying every moment of ………..not having your own shower……..
    Love from gitte

    1. Mary Daniel Post author

      Hi Gitte,

      The camera is not at the studio or gallery and of course they haven’t seen your blue pants! If you email the hotel about the kind of camera you left and tell them I’ll be dropping by to pick it and the pants up if they are there, that would be a help. However did you leave your pants behind?????

      When we see each other, – no need for the pomme frites – perhaps some cherry herring though!
      Kindest regards
      Mary

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