A few weekends ago saw the first of Art Maniaโs new and popular pottery workshops.
On Saturday night, a group of energetic and excited women arrived at the studio for โsculpt and sip.”
Apart from myself, all were new to the Art Mania Studio experience.
Sip and Sculpt was an evening of wine, food and hand-building with clay.
Each of us were given a portion of clay and after Kristie demonstrated a few key techniques, we were told to go for it. To make whatever we imagined. The volume was high, the energy sparkling with possibility and the wine flowed. Everyone was keen to give hand-building a go.
There was bonding in collective creativity, the opportunity to have time out from partners and children and a general enjoyment of the night.ย
Part way through the evening, the group broke for a chance to enjoy one of Feeโs legendary platters. There were four types of cheeses, fruit, salad vegetables, cold meat and crackers. Everyone tucked in and continued to laugh and chat. And of course, more wine was poured and sipped by all.
In the first half of the workshop, we were encouraged to get their pieces completed, ready for stage two, after the break. One of the advantages of the weather warming up, is that pieces will dry faster.
At the studio, we work with two different types of glazes. There are under glazes. These are the glazes used for your base coat. These glazes are matte and after firing, do not change. What you see on your piece, as you glaze, is the colour your piece will stay. The other kind are fantasy glazes. These will change colour after firing. They also contain small chunks of glass and crystal. These little pieces will melt on firing adding a gloss and shimmer to your piece. Under glazes are the only ones that can be applied before the first firing. This first firing is known as a bisque fire.
On Saturday night, the group was offered that chance to apply an under glaze to their pieces. Part of the workshop was this opportunity to under glaze their work and then have it fired. Once the firing is done, a clear glaze will be applied before a second, glaze firing, is done. In around six weeks, the members of the workshop will be able to come in and collect their completed work.
I have to confess, the group was just a little loud for me. I only have a small voice and Iโve learnt over the years that there are times that I am just not going to be able to be heard. This doesnโt bother me, I like the dynamic energy. The joy of people letting go and letting themselves see what will happen, what they can create. I can sit and create, let the conversation wash over me and enjoy the night. They were a great group and I hope everyone comes back and participates in some of our other workshops.
Weโve also just launched our fourth term program. Part of next term are more sip and sculpt workshops. We are also running a high tea!
This is my favourite time of the term. When the current term is about to wind up and the next term is shimmering and sparkling just out of reach.
I love to sit down and workout what Iโd like to try in the coming up term. Itโs a lot like Christmas for me. So please, check out whatโs still left this term, you might be lucky enough to snag a spot. Check out next termโs offerings and find something youโre interested in. Or maybe something that will push you outside your comfort zone.
I hope to see you in class soon!
– Sam Ogilvie
