Tim Compton's Ceramics Blog

I seem to start a newsletter each month and it sits on my desktop as I get busier and busier. Eventually, I realize it’s half way through the month and most of the information is long past due. Fortunately, I have had a wonderful day to stop, rest, and reflect on all the good things going for me right now. Let me take this chance to fill you in on the things I’m thankful for in this turkey day newsletter. Here it goes!

I am thankful for my fantastic ceramics job at the Indianapolis Art Center. I love spending my days working in the studio getting a chance to solve problems as they arise and constantly improve the area I work in. My daily interaction with all of our students frequently provides me with feedback about how I’m doing and some good stories to tell my wife. Exciting projects on the upcoming horizon include the menagerie of student work leading up to the end of the semester, a wood firing Dec. 3^rd and 4^th, a new roof over our wood kiln to hopefully be partially finished before the firing, and spring classes with sign up starting Dec. 1^st.

This upcoming spring I am happy to offer four classes including woodfiring (Thursdays 6:30-9:30), drawing and painting on clay (Fridays 12:30-3:30), clay wood and metal (Fridays 6:30-9:30) and my usual intro to wheel throwing (Sundays 3:30-6:30).

So, if you live in the Indy area, and you are interested in learning about clay, check out my classes at http://www.indplsartcenter.org/

Despite being super busy at the art center, I have still managed to make a bit of work and have been fortunate enough to get into some shows. The biggest one “Cup the intimate object” was my first invitational and had work by some of the biggest names in the biz. I’m very thankful for being included, so make sure you check out the work at http://claylink.com/zen/

And, to top things off, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without mentioning the deals that follow. If you haven’t gone black Friday shopping yet take a meander around my Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/trcompton. This year I have decided to do things a little bit different. I realize I have been privileged to continue making pots in my life after college. I now have so many pots that my shelves are overflowing, so it is time for me to let others enjoy these pieces. From now until Christmas, everything in my store will be 15% off with the coupon code “MerryChristmas”. (The Twist) If there is a piece that you really like but still can’t afford with the discount send me an offer at trceramics@gmail.com, and if it’s fair I’ll sell it to you at that price. As an artist I know I have drooled over a piece I could never afford, so in the spirit of Christmas I’ll do my best to make it happen for you.

Before I end, I need to make sure I properly thank the people that truly keep me going. First, thanks to my wife who deals with my workaholic tendencies and loves me through it all. My family who has always supported me no matter what route I have taken. And lastly, all of you who have taken my classes, purchased my work, and encourages me to keep my hands muddy.

Thanks again,

Tim Compton

I just received an opportunity to take part in my first invitational show. This is very exciting for me and it couldn’t have come at a better time… What a week!

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, maybe not monumental, but definitely a good one. THREE SALES ON THE ETSY SIGHT IN ONE NIGHT. I know it doesn’t seem like much but it feels like a tone of progress. When I;m sitting in that little studio on my own for hours on end, It can often feel like I am spinning my wheels a bit. Nights like this give me that little boost, the pat on the back, and let me know I’m getting somewhere. Thanks everyone who has encouraged along the way even if it is a like or reblog on the tumblr page. It is all greatly appreciated.