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In a bit of pottery related trouble....

  • 14-05-2008 2:42pm
    #1
    dory
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 4,575 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    Hello. During the summer I'm going to work in a school for underprivileged children in India. They do trades as well as academic studies to give the students a better chance in life. I've worked there before and going back in June.

    A few months ago I suggested to the principal that pottery would be a good idea. So now I'm in Malaysia doing a pottery course for a month.

    Trouble is, this stuff is hard! I can make things and can handle the wheel, but the firing and glazing part is worrying me. It's not covered in this course so now I have to get the equipment and teach myself from a book. But the more I read the more I'm afraid of blowing up the school. I was going to get a gas kiln to save on electric bills, but it sounds dangerous. Also, glazing, that just sounds confusing. Could I ever just paint some clear nail polish on it?

    So, what I'm asking here is, does anyone know about this? Is it possible for someone to teach themselves or should I try and hire a professional? The school is up a mountain so that will be no easy task. Or, does anyone know a good website for pottery? Got some good advice from http://www.creativeglazes.com/ but it doesn't cover everything.

    I found a kiln on ebay here:
    it looks very small though. Is that the sort of thing I should get?

    Thank you in advance. I feel like someone in mad debt here. I can't leave this principal down, he's a total legend. And I presume he's told the kids they'll be doing pottery in June.

    I could post some cute photos of the students if it would help! :)


Comments

  • #2
    lovelyjuvly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10 ✭lovelyjuvly


    As someone who tried ceramics, I'd definitely recommend getting some tuition! I tried the wheel, and felt like a contestant in the generation game (if anyone remembers that!) I know some work can crack in the kiln if it's not put in at the right temperature etc, and most has to be biscuit fired first.
    There are different temperatures depending what sort of clay you use. It would be a shame to put lots of time and effort into making a piece of work, only to have it ruined.:eek:
    The glazing isn't too bad, but you do need to know what you are doing.

    If it was me, I'd get some tuitition, so I could teach with some confidence! There are a few courses run here if you need info, let me know.


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