“A good teacher must not only know what she teaches, but also be able to set afire her students’ interest and dedication. Such a spark does not generate itself alone; no, the teacher has to be aflame herself. She must not only know but must love her profession passionately.”
– Marguerite Wildenhain
“The Invisible Core”
Thanks to Kit Cornell, I recently had the opportunity to teach an afternoon, hands-on workshop at Kit's studio in Exeter, NH. I apprenticed with Kit back in 1997-2000 and felt right at home in her studio. It was a great opportunity to try teaching a short workshop, rather than the usual 2 or 3 hour class that meets one a week.
Eight women gathered around as I threw and altered a rectangular casserole on the wheel, and then onto two hand-building projects. After a quick demonstration of my hand-built trays and soap dishes - the students then tried some new techniques using paper templates and texture to work on a small tray themselves.
I really enjoy teaching and look forward to making my way back to a classroom someday. I used to teach at the Amherst community arts center, but unfortunately they closed last year. For now, my home studio can accommodate one or two students for more of a private lesson. Students do make a lot of progress with one-on-one attention - but the energy of having a full class of 6 or 8 students is really fun.
“A good teacher must not only know what she teaches, but also be able to set afire her students’ interest and dedication. Such a spark does not generate itself alone; no, the teacher has to be aflame herself. She must not only know but must love her profession passionately.” – Marguerite Wildenhain
The Asparagus Valley Potters' Guild took a day trip to the Fuller Museum last week for the Warren MacKenzie traveling exhibition. My good friend Kit Cornell, whom I apprenticed with many years ago, joined us for the trip and spent a few days visiting with me. We really enjoyed time to talk on the bus and back at home over a bowl of soup and a glass of wine.
I am SO excited. Tim and I went hunting today for winter berries and it was the first time I've found some. Every year before my holiday open house I gather greens, hemlock, pine, holly...and usually buy some winter berries from a florist. Tim and I found a swampy area with plenty for our display. It was a nice break in this beautiful 50 degree day...from the glazing marathon I've been running. By Tuesday I will have fired 5 kilns in 7 days...tonight is the fourth electric firing this week...two bisques, two glaze loads...and Tuesday will be the next firing of the gas kiln. I will unload the pots Thursday and load them into the car - warm and ready for our show. Join us in Wakefield for our 9th annual Deep Blue holiday open house with friends Marianne Snow and Mary Taggart. Saturday, December 5th from 10am-4pm. 4 Salem Street, Wakefield, MA.
Now I'm quite busy in the studio finishing some smaller pieces for my next big gas firing and also glazing lots of dinnerware for orders. My next show will be my annual holiday open house with Marianne Snow and Mary Taggart in Wakefield, MA. Deep Blue is December 5th!
I've just come back from a day away in Concord, MA for a Warren MacKenzie workshop, lecture, and exhibit coordinated by Lacoste Gallery. This show is in conjunction with a traveling exhibit that has taken two years to come to Boston and opens at the Fuller Museum in Brockton, MA tomorrow. I plan to attend the Fuller in late December after my show season is over...but today offered a wonderful little dose of inspiration to take back to the studio. I want to wake up early to trim the two dozen bowls waiting for my attention and am SO happy daylight savings will offer an extra hour to spend in the studio.
Check out the Asparagus Valley Potters Guild blog for a recent post about my apprentice Tanner and my interest in teaching others how to maintain studio equipment and keep costs down. No need to hire an electrician for simple kiln repairs - you just need someone to show you.
