I belong to the Etsy Mud Team, a group of artists and crafts people who love working with clay. It’s a fairly diverse group who make anything from ceramic jewelry, functional pottery, to sculptural ceramic objects. We all employ different techniques, materials and processes down to a personal preference for various clay bodies. We are also at varying levels of accomplishment in our clay careers - which is good since ceramic artists are normally very generous with their clay knowledge. The Mud Team is currently working on a teapot “challenge” and entries are due next week. I’ve opted out of the challenge, but decided to look at some of the teapots that I have made since I first touched clay.
In January 2002, I enrolled in my first ceramics class at the University of Southern Maine, after taking a leave of absence from my job at United Airlines and the events of 9/11. I knew that I would love working with clay and it was indeed love at first touch. My very first project was a mask made from stoneware clay - which I have displayed in my bathroom (a post for another day). My class ended up working without much instruction the first month, because my professor’s mother was ill and he flew back to Taiwan to be with her during her last few days.
I was so eager to try making things out of clay and ended up checking out a gazillion books from the library during my prof’s absence. The teapot above is the result of my early experimentation. I was so pleased with myself and have displayed it proudly in my dining room ever since it came out of the kiln, despite the fact that the glaze never fully melted, the lid is ill fitted and it’s heavy enough to kill someone!
Making a teapot isn’t all that complicated once one knows the rules… One being to make the spout higher or at least level with the body so that one can fill the teapot full of liquid. Make it too short, and you’ll only be able to fill the body of the teapot half way, or risk spilling tea everywhere. There are more guidelines that Clay Times has outlined nicely in this article.
Meanwhile, I’ve been substitute teaching every week since August 20th in a K-5 Denver Public School. Guess what? I really like teaching and being in a classroom. I’m even contemplating getting a “real” teaching license which would require a return to school for me to become licensed. One of my goals in life is to leave this world a better place and my job at United didn’t fulfill that desire need nor does working solo in my studio producing work. I think teaching might be a good match and something that I can think about this school year. One of the teachers with whom I was sharing a classroom last week, told me that she thought “I had the gift of teaching.” I was so flattered, but didn’t confess that I was thinking of pursuing teaching as a career.
I’ll be subbing 2 days this week, but have reserved Monday, Wednesday and Friday as full on studio days! I’m ready to get a little muddy again…
Have a good week everyone,
~Cynthia
Tags: functional pottery, stoneware, teaching, teapot
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one of my fellow jafa’s just got back into teaching and she LOVES it. She says it energizes her. To have a love of teaching and be good at it is a real blessing for society. So sending my best wishes on that regard.
Now I am a teapot gal, I love my teapots so I enjoyed reading your post. I rather like the finish on your teapot
and for a first teapot, very nice looking piece.
Your posts are well written and easy to follow. It is no surprise that fellow teachers think you should pursue teaching as a profession.
Great post, with generous explanations.
I made a slab teapot in my first hobby class and was rather proud of my effort…until the then boyfriend said it looked like a square pig!
Congrats on the teaching .If it feels right, do it!
Jafabrit - it’s funny, the first couple of days that I subbed, I was exhausted. But, last week it was so awesome. The day flew by and kids recognize me in the hall and stop and say hi. Kid energy is good, I wish I still had some of it myself!
Thanks Janet, my fil thinks I should write a book - I think he’s biased! But, I like writing when I have time so that I don’t have to rush and I can edit etc.
You know a long, long time ago, I was studying education and I dropped out because I was so disgusted by the philosophy. Now this was the 80’s, but it was something to the effect of “reach 80% of the kids, most of the time” The 80/20 rule. I thought that was crappy. What about trying to reach everyone - especially the 20% that have the most difficulty???
My first tea pot could pass for a square pig too Dinah, but I love it anyway!
I can see where you would love teaching, Cyn. It seems to me you would be a ‘natural’ at it. I think it would be a loss to the art world, but it might fulfill you in ways that art can’t and you would still do art on the side, so to speak. You are such a “people” person that you must have to stymie that part of you to do your art.
That’s so great that you’ve been substitute teaching!! I love kids, and although it would be a difficult job, I think it would be fun and inspiring….
I’ve been thinking about teaching again, too, but so far it’s just thinking. Unless you live in a really remote area, teachers on call here need the same qualifications (min. 6 years post-secondary) as ‘regualr teachers.’ It’s very well paid for on-call work, though.
Cynthia, what a schedule you’re juggling! Teaching is a gift, and you’re wonderfully gifted as an artist. Best to you in thinking of a new venture.
Jean
http://www.JeanLevertHood.com
Teaching wouldn’t mean that I would give up art making, Mary… in fact, becoming a licensed art teacher might be practical - Though there are fewer of those positions available. Plus, with an extended summer vacation, there would be ample opportunities to have concentrated time available.
I was scared to death to sub, Diana, but it’s been a lot of fun and even rewarding. Though I have only subbed at my daughter’s school and not some of the more disadvantaged ones.
I’m really still thinking too, Andrea. Subbing gives me a way to try it without committing to it long term. I love the flexibility and the pay check doesn’t hurt either. Here in the US, and at least Colorado, the only requirements to become a substitute teacher are that one has a Bachelor’s degree, passes fingerprint and background check through the CBI and then just wait for the application to wind its way through the system. I waited 6 months for my 3 year license. The pay is not that great - here in Denver it’s only $87.50 a day, more for long term assignments.
Thanks Jean!
Your teapot is wonderful. I’d have it proudly displayed too; if I ever made one that is…thanks for the clay times article! Next year let’s make killer teapots!
Thanks Sheila, and I’ll plan on it…
Great work Cynthia! I just love the tea pot! Wonderful post!
*HUGS*