Hi Matt, really enjoying your videos. On the face jug video, you used a wooden tool to smooth around the eyebrows, nose, etc. You didn't mention that tool on this video, but I'd like to know the model on that tool. Thanks
Hi Donna. Firstly, thank you for the support on Patreon! You’re amazing. To be honest I don’t know the brand, I bought that tool along with a whole bunch of other equipment years ago. It doesn’t have any markings on it other than the ancient price sticker and that doesn’t mention a brand name. Apologies.
Great videos, thanks for sharing, Im new in the ceramic "world" and I love your work, wanna start one workshop on my own but im affraid its gonna take years to learn how to throw smooth pots like yours, what about slip casting? Whats your opinion on using molds, is it honest? Thanks for all, your videos are very inspiring! Regards. Alfonso
What is the size of your studio - square feet? What is the design? Work stations? Kiln placement and safety for electric and gas kilns? Thanks for the tool and equipment lesson.
I’ll add that to the list of video ideas - Do another studio tour. I did one early last year but a lot has changed since then. Thank you so much for your support on Patreon!
Pug mills are indeed nice. One of my classrooms had a Walker, which are huge, and are no longer in production. Generally, I just use the living pugmills, known as, "students". I just reclaimed/ recycled over 80lbs. a couple weeks ago. It indeed takes time and energy... In regards to sponges, Mudtools makes one, that isn't supposed to pulll the grog to the surface, kind of like a chamois. Potters seem to find unique signing solutions they like, and stick with it. I've talked to a potter, who uses a porcupine quill.
Matthew, your off the top of the head discussion about your tools was just right. That ability is great for presenting your craft. Have to catch up and watch your live videos but I'm heading to the studio the noo. Thanks for sharing!
I love the fact that you use so few tools - and that most of them are not actually overpriced ceramic tools but rather standard hardware shop widgets. I know a lot of potters that think they need all these fancy and expensive tools to do great pottery. You don't. You just need good skills (which comes with lots of practice). It's actually very similar to the music business. I used to be a recording engineer and producer - running my own studio for 13 years. So me artists feel like they need all sorts of expensive equipment to make great music - but then you have a blues singer with an old guitar making amazing music. Or as a recent example with huge susces - Billie Eilish and her brother making the album of the year in their bedroom with $3k studio. I love that! As a sound engineer I can say that working with great and expensive equipment often makes you life easier. And it sure is nice. For example, its much easier to a record a great sounding vocal with $15k mic that a cheap Chinese one. But in the end of the day, when its all mixed and done hardly anyone can hear the difference. Personally, I must admit that I love tools, gadgets and widgets. But I am also honest about it. It dosen't make me a better potter. Its just fun :-)
I love your stories especially because my wife and are musicians also. Well she’s more of one than me. I agree that talent and skill wins out in just about every situation over its good equipment. But the good equipment can make your life easier. Cheers!
@@MatthewKellyPottery Ahh nice. I am actually not surprised. Most people I know - including myself, that works with arts do more than one thing. For me it has mostly been photography, music and pottery. However, in the past many years I have made most of my money from online marketing - with a focus on organic search optimization (SEO). But I never can or will give up the arts. Nothing else gives me such a strong personal kick :-)
