Do you remember the red maple leaf teapot that I made for a friend in Canada?
Well, I finally got a chance to deliver it to Heidy Keirstead-aka – HCK Pottery! While in Canada, I had the opportunity to be a visiting artist at her studio The Corner Studio in Kitchener, Ontario.
The Corner Studio is a shared ceramic studio, buzzing with activity and creativity. Spending a week in a studio space with all the other ceramic artists was a great way to learn about a new (to me) country and culture. Since I was already outside of my ‘comfort zone’, I decided to work with a completely new clay.
PSH 542 Grey is a modification of an existing PSH clay body- developed for/with ceramic artist, Becky DeLeo . She wanted a cone 6 clay that had the color and appearance of unfired clay. It was such a hit, it’s now part of PSH’s lineup of clays. I haven’t seen anything like it in the USA. and since the artist who was responsible for the creation of the clay was also the owner of The Corner Studio –I knew it was the clay for me!
I normally test a new clay body, but since this is Becky’s signature clay and she gave advice on what kind of slip/clay combination will work. I’m working without knowing exactly what the outcome will be (exciting!) – doing a sgraffito surface design opposite of what I’m used to: White slip over a DARK clay body
Some unfired designs using the PSH 542 Grey Clay
during my visit, i gave the studio a hands on demonstration of my sgraffito and surface design technique. I was most nervous about this part of the visit, but it turned out to be one of my favorite things I did!
everyone’s test tiles–a big thank you to Heidy for helping me get all these tiles ready!
My visit was only a week long–which isn’t very long when it comes to a pottery timeline, but I did manage to make a nice collection of pots while at the studio.
I noticed a couple of themes in my work: Peace and Canada geese
For my teapots, i decided to combine the two: PEACE AND GEESE
I have more to say about my trip, including the finished pots from the trip, so stay tuned for more.
I just wanted to share a few highlights while they are fresh in my memory and give a big Thank YOU to Heidy and Becky and all the other artists at The Corner Studio for their hospitality. I had a wonderful time visiting your studio, and hope you’ll get a chance to visit mine soon!
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