Office by Alex Penny
Where I like to post my thoughts on ceramic work I make and Ceramic work made by others that I like. Website: http://trcomptonceramics.com
 |
 |
So it was such a nice day today… 55 in January, in Indiana, that I decided to head up to the roof to do some work. I have been meaning to head up to the roof of the art center for a while to check on ventilation stuff, but once I got up there I turned into a little kid. What is it about being on the roof of a building that is sooooo cool. Anyway, we got our work done and learned a lot about some issues going on with that stuff and it was all a good time.
So when people ask me what I have been up to lately, I try to explain to them that we totally gutted all of our studios, took out an old kiln, moved in a new kiln, painted all the studios, and moved everything back…. IN A WEEK AND A HALF. Yep, its been a busy one, but we are ready for classes on Monday at the Indianapolis Art Center. Looking forward to it.
Some pieces were a little dry, but considering most of the wood was wet, I’d say we did ok. All in all, I’m pretty happy with the firing and really can’t wait for the next one.
Unloading wood for the wood kiln and these are the small spiders waiting for us… Ew
Later Note: As we continued to unload the truck there was one seriously four inches across getting very aggressive. I don’t get squeemish about bugs very easily, but that thing was freaking me the hell out.
Welcome Welcome Summer Weather, and welcome to the June issue of the Trcompton Ceramics Newsletter. I would especially like to welcome my newcomers from my most recent session of classes at the Indianapolis Art Center.
Speaking of classes, I have the first week of ceramics classes starting this week and my very first weekday class this evening. Needless to say, I am excited. Sadly, if you were looking to sign up for this class it is chalked full. The good news is that there is still room in my Sunday class if you are interested in clay, even if you have never done it before, sign up for my intro to wheel throwing class at THE INDIANAPOLIS ART CENTER by clicking on that link.
In other fun news, I was invited to participate in a reduction cool wood firing at Ball State a few weeks ago and got amazing results. What does reduction cool wood firing mean you might ask? Well, that’s when we fire the pots in a wood kiln (like a big oven fired only by adding wood, and lots of it) up to about 2000 degrees. We then close everything up tight letting almost no air in and slowly cool it down while adding little bits of wood. The result is deep dark chocolate tones with beautiful flashes of royal purple, burnt toasty oranges, and deep forest greens. To say its beautiful is an understatement.
Lastly to report, I did manage to do some teaching and volunteer work over the class break. My wife and I volunteered at the “spin-a-pot activity” at the Broadripple art fair. We were able to help tons of people work with clay, many for the first time.
As if that wasn’t enough I’ll top of the “feel good” section of this newsletter with my recent activities at Emily’s (my wife) school. For one day I was a visiting artist, demonstrating for over 330 students on the potters wheel. The highlight of the day was my early afternoon performance for 100 second graders, the school principal, assistant principal, and nurse (taking pictures). It was a handful but all seemed to have a great time.
Finally, in late celebration of my birthday (May 26th) I am having a birthday sale through this Thursday. If your interested in snagging a bargain definitely check out my ETSY STORE and look in the BIRTHDAY SALE section. Remember it only lasts till Thursday and ceramics make a great fathers day gift.
Take care, and thanks for your continued support.
Stay up to date daily by following me on facebook, twitter and my tumblr blog.
Oh my goodness it has been to long since I have taught a clay class. GOOD NEWS my classes start up next week. I am happy/sad to announce that my Tuesday class is FULL!!!! For those of you who are saddened by this fact, GOOD NEWS there is still room in my Sunday class. I have new plans and motivations for this next round of classes hoping to make them the best ever!!! If you are just curious about a class, or wanting to take my class, go to The Indianapolis Art Center website and look for Fall or Summer (both are still taking sign ups) ceramics, and Tim Compton for instructor. Hope to see you around.
Ok, now I’m going to bed because I have to get up WAY to early tomorrow (about 4am) to start a wood firing at the Indianapolis Art Center. If you happen to be in the area stop by and throw in a piece of wood.
