FOLLOW US:
At the bottom of all pages, find links to FB, Twitter, Instagram, Mail and our Subscription List signup.
Also, on mobile devices, you will find upcoming Toronto Potters Events.
Video/DVD List
1. Paid up members at meetings may borrow DVD’s and Videos from our lending library.
2. The loan period is for 1 month (meeting to meeting) unless a request for a renewal is made. You can renew prior to the meeting by phoning either of the contacts written on each borrowed item.
3.There is fine of $10 if the borrowed items are not returned on the due date. This fine is now a $10 flat rate per meeting, no matter how many items are borrowed.
4.Persons responsible for the videos not returned, will be expected to reimburse the library for the purchase price (including shipping and sales tax).
NEW ENTRIES IN BOLD – 117-119
1. THE LEACH POTTERY St. Ives. Cornwall, England 1952. Filmed by a local photography club to show the daily activities at the Leach Pottery. This silent film was restored by Marty Grossman Film Productions in Toronto. It shows various stages of creation of some of the Pottery’s standard ware and Bernard Leach creating one of his willow jars.
2. MASHIKO VILLAGE POTTERY A silent film that shows an entire pottery making cycle as has been performed in this village for centuries. This is the village that Shojc Hamada chose to build his kiln in. One of the great painters on teapots, Masu Minagawa, is also shown at work. This film was restored by Marty Gross.
3. POTTERS AT WORK by Marty Gross at the workshops of Kumao Ohla and Shigeki Sakamoto (both on the Island of Kyushu). This silent film shows the process of creating pottery in these rural Japanese potteries.
4. FORM AND FUNCTION: Program One – Ceramic Aesthetics and Design with Robin Hopper
Elements of Form Introduction to: form and design; geometric form; integrated form; proportion and relationships; the Golden Mean; mathematics and nature; organic form; classical form; functional considerations for pots that work well.
5. FORM AND FUNCTION:Program Two – Ceramic Aesthetics and Design with Robin Hopper
Lids and Terminations How to make and design details that combine with overall form; top and bottom terminations;, trimming, lids; feet and lid styles and variations. Studio demonstrations and examples of different potters’ use of these details.
6. FORM AND FUNCTION: Program Three – Ceramic Aesthetics and Design with Robin Hopper
Spouts and Handles How to make and design spouts, finials and handles. Studio demonstrations and examples of many different potters’ work.
7. FORM AND FUNCTION: Program Four – Ceramic Aesthetics and Design with Robin Hopper
Pots for Eating and Drinking How to make and design tableware; plates and bowls and drinking vessels such as mugs, cups and saucers, goblets and tea bowls. Examples of a range of dinnerware styles from well-known potters.
8. FORM AND FUNCTION: Program Five – Ceramic Aesthetics and Design with Robin Hopper
Pots for Cooking and Serving How to make and design pitchers, jugs, teapots, wine and liqueur decanters, sake bottles, sauce boats, casseroles, steamers, bakers, serving vessels and pots make for storing. Examples of work by many potters.
9. ADVANCED THROWING ON THE POTTERS WHEEL: – Extended & Altered Forms with Robin Hopper Robin shows how a potter who possesses very ordinary size and strength can build tall pots using a variety of extension throwing techniques. He then shows how traditional shapes can be altered to produce innovative forms, and he encourages potters to use similar approaches to develop their unique creations.
10. RAKU CERAMICS – With Jim Romberg This video is geared to the intermediate potter. It covers raku clay, handbuilding, slab construction, slip painting, wheel throwing, manipulated shapes, glazing, kiln firing and smoking.
11. PAUL SOLDNER – Thrown and Altered Clay – A Retrospective Paul Soldner introduced American system raku and changed the course of contemporary ceramics. This video shows the evolution of his work over forty years, from functional thrown stoneware to his non-functional thrown stoneware to his non-functional raku sculptural forms, and cast bronze pieces. There are also segments of the artist throwing, altering, assembling, glazing and firing a piece.
12. ON THE WHEEL WITH NILS LOU Tape #3 – A composite piece, oval platter, square plate, upside down pot and more. Nils Lou demonstrates a tall composite piece, an oval platter, square plate, an upside down pot, adding extended elements and more.
13. HANDBUILT CLAY SCULPTURE Artist Christine LePage combines the techniques of hard slab, soft slab, and press molds to create a sculpture, which is then barrel fired.
14. GIFTS FROM THE FIRE
The Ceramic Art of Brother Thomas The award winning portrait of the Benedictine Monk Brother Thomas Bezanson, who creates some of the worlds most exquisite porcelain pottery using traditional Japanese and Chinese methods. All the technical aspects of making a single piece are interwoven into the story of Brother Thomas’s life and work.
15. CONTEMPORARY CERAMIC TEAPOTS American Craft Museum A broad range of interpretations of the teapot form from over 80 potters.
16. THE ART OF CLAY PRINTING With Artist Mitch Lyons This video shows a technique that Mitch Lyons has developed using clay as a printing medium. This is not a firing process but rather the use of clay as a vehicle for the completed object.
17. PIEPENBURG ON RAKU: Clay, Glazes & Tongs
18. PIEPENBURG ON RAKU Firing & Reduction
19. STEPHEN JEPSON’S
#1 Advanced Throwing Projects & Techniques
#2 Advanced Throwing…bottles and closed forms, covered jars and casseroles. 6 types of lids and how to make them fit, goblets, teapots, throwing off the hump.
20. Excerpts From Guild Workshops and T.P. Lecturers.Various excerpts from 1995-1997. Compiled by Paul Peddle.
21. Exhibition 2000 – Toronto Potters at John B Aird Gallery. Guest Lecturers at Toronto Potters Meetings 2000/2001 Compiled by Paul Peddle. Ingrid Nicolai, Joyce Wheatley, Ian Symons, Alan Pace and Brett Jones.
22. WEST OF SHINO – John Chalke in the Rockies: A documentary of Alberta clay artist, John Chalke, and the year spent on the design and construction of a woodburning kiln on his land in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Infused with the characteristic humour of John Chalke, the video touches on the relationship between the artist, his work and the land. Witness a three chamber climbing kiln take form, the experimental features incorporated in the design and the canopy of nature surrounding the site. A firing of the kiln brings these threads together in a dance of flame and ash.
23. MAKING MARKS:CERAMIC SURFACE DECORATION: Decoration with Robin Hopper Films 23-28: A six program series demonstrating the decoration and enrichment of ceramic surfaces. Full of close-ups of surface details, working processes and tools. Making Marks takes the viewer through a broad range of decorating options at various stages of the clay process – from techniques with soft clay, to colored slips, pigment glazes and firing methods. Numerous examples of finished pieces are shown illustrating the application of these techniques by artists from around the world. Hosted by Robin Hooper, author of Functional Pottery and The Ceramic Spectrum.
23 . MAKING MARKS – 1. Introduction Surface Removal Cutting, carving, surface expansion, faceting, sgraffito, expanded spring wire, scratching, filigree, washed wax.
24. MAKING MARKS – 2. Marks of Addition & Impression Burlap & slip, modeling, sticks, found objects, paddles, paper & slip, sprig molds, stamps, lino cuts, rolled rope.
25. MAKING MARKS – 3. Liquid & Coloured Clays Mishima, Onda, faceted laminated clays, dotting, combing, neriage block-making, feathering, marbling, fluted laminated clays, hakeme, mocha diffusions, thrown colored clays, drawing with slips.
26. MAKING MARKS – 4. Pigments & Resists Brushes, wax resists, underglaze pastels, banding, paper resists, underglaze pencils, majolica, sponge stamps, ceramic water colours.
27. MAKING MARKS – 5. Glazes & Glazing Dipping, brushing, applying dry materials, trailing, spraying, crystalline glazes, pouring, glaze mixing, multiple glazes, stamping, glaze intaglio, glaze development, surface & firing temperatures.
28. MAKING MARKS – 6. Firing & Post Firing Effects Raku firing, reduced lusters, primitive pit-firing, wood firing, reduction (gas), oxidation (electric), sagger firing, resonate lusters, salt & soda firing, post-firing reduction.
29. VARIATIONS: RAKU WITH GORDON HUTCHENS In this video,, Gordon Hutchens provides options to potters who have mastered basic raku processes. Working shots capture each stage of the process, including clay preparation, glaze mixing and application, firing and post-firing techniques. He demonstrates the use of slip resists, terra sigillata, saggars, found objects, fuming and a variety of glazes to create variations on traditional raku techniques. Throughout this program Gordon, shares his reflections on his craft.
30. ART OF THE POTTER – Shoji Hamada & Bernard Leach
Hamada working on the wheel, glazing, decorating, and firing his massive kiln. Leach discussing the criteria of beauty in pottery and his philosophy towards craft. Filmed in Japan and England, this is an American Film Festival award
31. BLACK POTTERY OF NICARAGUA – Shows the production of present day native pottery. Forming, decorating and firing is shown. Spanish translated into English.
32. COLOUR AND FIRE – Interviews and studio visits with 20th century potters. Follows the exhibition and book of the same name. Interviews and intimate visits in studio with many leading figures including Volkous, Duckworth, Mason, Natzler, Woodman, Shaw, Higby, DeStaebler, and many others.
33. DAVID LEACH: Ceramic Technique – David focuses on the development of five functional pieces. Shown in their entirety are a bowl, plate, covered box, his famous teapot, and a two piece bottle. Forming, trimming, carving, fluting, and the brush decoration of each piece are illustrated.
34. BEGINNING HANDBUILDING Graham Sheehan introduces potters to basic handbuilding techniques. He shows modeling, coil, and slab building methods using five different projects of increasing complexity. The video provides details about how clay should be prepared, how it can be joined to another piece and how glazes can be used to decorate forms. The program concludes with finished pieces fired in an electric kiln.
35. BEGINNING TO GLAZE AND FIRE Sheehan shows beginning potters how to complete their pots once they have reached the leather-hard stage. The program demonstrates the use of electric kilns for successful bisque and glaze firings. Topics include kiln selection and operation; slip decoration; bisque loading and firing; use of cones; waxing; glaze mixing; glaze application; glaze loading and firing.
36. MARIA – INDIAN POTTERY MAKER – Maria Martinez demonstrates her traditional Indian pottery making. An award winning film by the National Park Service.
37. MICHAEL CARDEW – A COFFEE POT – Assembled from slides taken of Cardew as he works, his humour, philosophy, and love of pottery and life comes through in the soundtrack which is all Cardew talking as he works.
38. A PAPER CLAY WORKSHOP #1 A video on paper clay from the authority. Everything you need to know including making the clay, clay modeling, sculptural work, wheel, advanced techniques and firing.
39. SMALL SCALE PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE TO PHOTOGRAPHING – The combination video/book gives you all you need to know from equipment to film developing and more.
40. BEATRICE WOOD – Mama of Dada Premiering on her 100th birthday, this broadcast quality video celebrates the artistic and emotional expression of this unique person. She is seen in studio talking about her work, life, and experiences with the great artists of the century.
41. TORONTO POTTERS LECTURES: Tara Imerson, Karen Rushforth, Alan Page, Alex Yeung Compiled by Paul Peddle.
42. BETTY WOODMAN – Thinking Out Loud When Betty Woodman thinks out loud, she draws many worlds together, bringing the eye of the painter to the surface of the clay that is her canvas. “What I’m doing is as much painting as sculpture,” she says. “This is what ceramics is all about. It’s about form and about painting and about painted, three-dimensional form. In this interview with critic John Perreault, Woodman leads us on a journey through her studio and into the mind of the artist at work. As the clay takes shape in her hands, she talks about the traditions that have influenced her work from decorative Medieval pitchers and plates to the curvilinear forms of architectural moldings. Painting the surface of her latest series of vessels called Kimono Vases, she describes the way fabrics wrap the body, creating juxtapositions of pattern while still revealing the form beneath. Woodman, whose career spans more than three decades, has gained international recognition for her boldly colored vessels. “I like the exuberance of Baroque architecture,” she says. “If I err in any direction, it is in having too much rather than too little in my work.”
43. HAND BUILDING WITH MARY ROGERS (BBC) Part of the acclaimed Craft of The Potter series hosted by Michael Casson.
44. SOFT SLAB TECHNIQUES WITH LANA WILSON – San Diego clay artist Lana Wilson has developed a loose way of working with very soft clay to make organic looking, sculptural vessels. She demonstrates how to achieve her unusual clay surfaces by texturing and stretching the slabs in various ways. Three unusual handle variations are shown, as well as a unique, quick method of constructing a box. Lana adds a bit of wit and humour to her detailed step by step instructions. Beginners as well as advanced potters will enjoy this video.
45. JURORS COMMENTS – Biennial Exhibition 2002
46. NILS LOU ON THE WHEEL #2 Teapots, goblets and more
47. INLAID COLOURED CLAY WITH VIRGINIA CARTWRIGHT – Virginia Cartwright shares her unique techniques of making folded hand built functional pieces. She carefully integrates delicate marbleized patterns of colored clay into her forms. Step by step instructions are given on making coloured clay, forming it into patterned loaves, and applying thin slices of the loaf to heavier slabs of clay. The basic folded shape that is demonstrated can be used for a variety of containers such as teapots, bottles, and covered jars.
48. POTTERS OF HEBRON – A visual portrait of a Mediterranean pottery workshop, nestled in the Hebron Hills southeast of Jerusalem. POTTERS OF HEBRON focuses on the craft processes within the workshop, as the potters fashion earthenware jars, called zirs, whose origins are found in antiquity. Step by step we are led through the process until the craftsmen’s work is complete.The documentation of these contemporary and yet traditional craft techniques not only serves as a record of man’s artistic achievement, but also as evidence of a rapidly disappearing pre-industrial technology.
49. SEDUCED BY COLOUR
The New Majolicia with Matthias Ostermann An outstanding video taking us on a tour of the major exhibition of the same name. A selection of pieces are discussed and the entire show is viewed. There is a wonderful and detailed 35 minute demonstration of majolica techniques by Matthias Ostermann.
50. TOSHIKO TAKAEZU – Portrait of an Artist A half hour journey into the zen like world of an international acclaimed potter. A friendly visit with and portrait of the artist as she teaches, works, and discusses her work and influences.
51. IRMA STARR DEMONSTRATES THE LOST ART OF 17TH CENTURY ENGLISH SLIPWARE POTTERY – Irma Starr Demonstrates the Lost Art of 17th Century English Slipware Pottery Irma Starr does a wonderful presentation demonstrating the craft. Visually well done with very clear instruction. Examples are shown as well.
52. CELEBRATING THE CYCLE: THE WOOD FIRED POTTERY OF MATT JONES A very well done film that brings together the entire wood fired pottery making cycle. Follow North Carolina potter Matt Jones as he mixes glazes, decorates, glazes and goes through an entire firing process with excellent detail.
53. TORONTO POTTERS WORKSHOPS
Monica Johnston, Christie Gruppe, Joan McNeil, Louis Schlar, Aleksandr Sorotschynskii Compiled by Paul Peddle.
54. TORONTO POTTERS WORKSHOPS
Thomas Aitken, Diane Creber, Ken Gangbar, Zhou Ying Compiled by Paul Peddle.
55. REITZAGAMA … AN INSIDE VIEW OF WOOD FIRING. Don Reitz builds and fires an anagama kiln. This is a visual feast for clay artists of all levels. Watch Don as he builds his anagama, loads, fires and unloads. Views of inside the kiln show incredible detail.
56 ARTHUR GONZALES AT JOHN NATSOULAS GALLERY
57. ESTER SHIMAZU AT JOHN NATSOULA GALLERY
58. THE ART OF MAKING TEAPOTS (Handbuilt Teapots) Virginia Cartwright shares with you her techniques of making spouts, lids, and handles without the use of the potters wheel. Her delicate handbuilt teapots are folded from thin slabs of clay. She demonstrates three different forms and shows examples of other artist’s work from her collection. Virginia Cartwright has taught ceramics for over 25 years and has exhibited her work and presented workshops throughout the U.S. and abroad.
59. HANDMADE TILES Volume 1 – Forming the Tile – The ‘Handmade Tiles’ video series is a visually exciting and thoroughly comprehensive journey into the art of tile making. Intended for the beginner tile make, the accomplished artist and the tile lover alike, Frank guides the viewer through each step of the tile making process, with detailed and easily understood explanations, and clearly presented ‘how to’ demonstrations. This video is the ‘live’ companion to Frank Giorginis highly praised book ‘Handmade Tiles’.
Forming the Tiles Reveals the process of creating an original carved relief tile model, the layering technique, plaster mold making and production of the resulting clay tiles. Also demonstrated is direct carving into plaster and the use of a hand tile press to produce low relief tiles. In addition, surface decoration with coloured clay inlay and shellac resist is disclosed. These techniques are all performed on the clay in its pre-fired stage.
60. 41 HANGING LIGHTS AND PLANTERS – A series of 54 videos. In dynamic colour, these tapes feature Susan Peterson performing ceramic processes on a studio set; she also uses film clips, drawings, slides, objects and other visuals on every tape. All ceramic subjects are covered: hand building, throwing, mold making, casting, design, decorating, clay and glaze composition, glaze calculation, kilns, firing industrial processes, ceramic history and ceramic artists.
61. GLAZING AND FIRING (Jepson Video) Includes: Preparing greenware for bisque, loading electric and gas bisque, firing electric and gas bisque, waxing, glazing, dipping, pouring, spraying and mixing glazes, glaze testing, decorative glaze techniques, loading a glaze kiln and glaze firing, finishing fired ware, sources for materials & supplies and much more.
62. KEY PRINCIPALS OF SUCCESSFUL FIRING (Orton Firing Institute) – The Orton Foundation’s head man, Dick Schorr, stars in a condensed version of the 4 hour seminar that features firing-related plots including: controlling a kiln, using cones, solving firing problems, how a kiln works, what happens during firing and much more. This informative video provides entertaining, useful information to everyone from beginners to those already experienced at firing.
63. CLAY WHISTLES … THE VOICE OF CLAY – A how –to video on making clay whistles and song playing ocarianas (including “sweet potato”).
64. TORONTO POTTERS WORKSHOPS 2003. Compiled by Paul Peddle.
65. CERAMICA Y CULTURA: THE STORY OF MAJOLICA. – The History of Spanish and Mexican Majolica This leader resource guide was developed in conjunction with a traveling exhibition on the same name. It presents an opportunity to look into the forms and functions of majolica objects to understand more about the cultures that formed the pieces and the history of the times in which they were produced.
66. HOW TO MAKE CANE HANDLES – By Sheila Clennell from Sour Cherry Pottery Learn to prepare handles for lids, plates and bowls, baskets and tea pots. You will begin with cane preparation and progress to some simple cane additions, finishing with one of the most complex forms – a teapot handle.
67. DAUGHTERS OF THE ANASAZ – Lucy Lewis, Emma Lewis Mitchell and Delores Lewis Garcia Lucy Lewis and her daughters Emma and Delores continue to make fine art Acoma pottery much the same way as their native American ancestors the Anasazi did over a thousand years ago. This film documents the entire process for the first time. It covers the digging and mixing of the clay, forming the bowl, building the coils, scraping and polishing, applying the white slip, painting the design, and the outdoor firing. Filmed on location in New Mexico in 1990.
68. CERAMICS – THROWING FUNCTIONAL FORMS WITH ALLEGHANY MEADOWS. – Part of the Art is: Video Series – Crystal Video This introduction to throwing functional pottery illustrates how to throw basic forms and demonstrates how to trim finished pieces. Ceramist Alleghany Meadows shows how to create functional forms including a drinking mug, a vase, a pitcher with a handle, and a plate. Close-ups of the techniques and cross-sections of the forms bring the process to life.
69. QUIET PLACES: POTTERY RETREAT – Visit to Choisin Pottery, the beautiful home and studio of Robin Hopper and Judi Dyell on Vancouver Island An inspirational visit to Choisin Pottery, the home and studio of Robin Hopper and Judi Dyell on Vancouver Island. This video is about their pots, personalities and lifestyle. It shows how Robin and Judi interact with their beautiful surroundings, friends and their craft.
70. TAKING THE MACHO OUT OF BIGWARE By Tony and Sheila Clennell. – Tony is a studio potter and instructor at Sheridan College of Craft and Design. He shows you that making big pots is a matter of technique and not strength. You will learn how to make pots two to three times the scale you are presently working at. Vases, bowls, large casseroles and jugs are demonstrated.
71. THROWING WITH SLABS AND COILS – In this instructional video, Bonnie Staffel uses slabs and coils to extend her throwing repertoire. The video follows her in excellent detail as she makes plates, platters, pans, oval pots and other vessels. She combines the slab roller, extruder and potters wheel.
72. ARCHIE BRAY FOUNDATION 2001: A CLAY ODESSEY – Features David Shaner, Peter Voulkos, Ken Ferguson, Rudy Autio, Josh DeWeese and others. This video covers the 50th anniversary of the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana. The three day event includes demonstrations, stories, history and personal tributes to this vital institution. Featured include David Shaner, Peter Voulkos, Ken Ferguson, Rudy Autio, Josh DeWeese and others along with archival footage.
73. FROM THE KILNS OF DENMARK: CONTEMPORARY DANISH CERAMICS – Visit with eleven artists in their studios, as they talk about their influences, approaches, methods and personal styles.
74. FOUR HANDS, ONE HEART: ED AND MARY SCHEIER – The Story of America’s Most Acclaimed Potters Outstanding film following the life and work of these two important figures in American studio pottery. Heartwarming and inspiring.
75. FUNDAMENTALS OF FIGURATIVE SCULPTURE – A Sequential Approach to Modeling The Human Figure in Clay. Sculptor Pat Keenan shares his refreshingly direct methods of modeling the human figure in clay, addressing many technical problems which confound students and teachers alike.
76. POTTERY DECORATION: TRADITION TECHNIQUES BY TOM SHAFER – Tom Shafer demonstrates and teaches a variety of techniques and shows examples from the work of many potters.
77. RAKU HAWAIIAN STYLE Chronicles the 1999 Raku Ho’olaule ‘a’, the biggest raku gathering in the world An entertaining film that chronicles the 1999 Raku Ho’olaule ‘a’, the biggest raku gathering in the world. Meet the participants and guest artists as they work together to make this gathering so special.
78. RUTH DUCKWORTH, A LIFE IN CLAY In this intimate documentary, filmmaker Karen Carter focuses her perceptive eye on 86-year-old working ceramist Ruth Duckworth. A study in contrasts, Duckworth’s ostensibly simplistic philosophy, “Work comes from play,” belies the complexity of her vision, from her ceramic sculpture to her extraordinary mural work. Calling herself a survivor, Ruth fled Hitler’s Germany, studied at the Liverpool School of Art in England, and taught sculpture at the University of Chicago. As Carter’s conversational portrait reveals, Ruth did more than survive; she became a pioneering artist, enriching the form and nurturing our collective wonderment through “A Life in Clay.”
79. NCECA PRESENTS JEFF OESTRICH – Jeff Oestreich is one of the most influential studio potters working today. He apprenticed with Bernard Leach in St. Ives, England. His work is included in major collections worldwide. In these highlights from his demonstration and interview, Jeff demonstrates thrown and altered pots for the table and reflects on his life as a studio potter in Minnesota.
80. NCECA PRESENTS SAM CHUNG – Chung is currently Associate Professor of Art and Design at Northern Michigan University in Marquette. In this video he demonstrates the construction of his remarkable porcelain pouring vessels, using paper templates and slab construction. Chung discusses his concern for form and the role of drawing in developing ideas and translating them into actual pots. His creation of two teapots is wonderfully documented, providing viewers with real insight into his process and unique approach to porcelain vessels.
81. OUT OF THE FIRE STUDIO: A DOWN TO EARTH LOOK AT HOW WE MAKE POTTERY with Cindy Clarke and Jim Willet DVD First in a series presenting basic techniques for making pottery on the potters’ wheel. Cindy demonstrates clay preparation, throwing and trimming for basic forms.
82. A POTTERS PROGRESS with Denise Buckley – DVD – Drawing on twenty-years of experience as a potter and teacher, Denise’s precise and light-hearted teaching methods make it fun to learn the joys of hand-building and the art of throwing on the potter’s wheel. For beginners, her step-by-step techniques make it easy to follow, while for the advanced potter there’s a treasure trove of ideas for tackling more ambitious projects both thrown and handbuilt..
83 NCECA PRESENTS LISA ORR– In this recording Lisa Orr demonstrates techniques for forming asymmetrical utilitarian pottery by throwing and pressing into bisque molds. She shares her broad approach to developing rich surfaces, including stamping-while-altering techniques as well as rouletting, slip trailing, and sprig application. Lisa Orr’s work illustrates some of the potentials for lush glaze surfaces on earthenware pots fired in electric kilns.
84. NCECA PRESENTS BILL VAN GILDER – DVD – Bill van Gilder has been a professional potter for more than 30 years. He apprenticed in Ireland and the UK graduating from Harrow School of Art, London. He later established two large production potteries in South Africa. He returned to the USA in the 1980’s and established a studio/gallery atop South Mountain in Maryland, which he still operates today. He also founded The Frederick Pottery School, Frederick, M.D. As well as he is on the faculty of The Art League Alexandria VA.
Bill often leads workshops in the USA and abroad, on forming, decorating, firing and kiln building. He has recently designed a line of professional potters tools. He writes a regular column on teaching techniques for Clay Times magazine. He is also creator and host of a new DIY Network Television series about making pottery. Van Gilder’s work is exhibited and held in numerous collections worldwide, and has been featured in many ceramic periodicals and books.
85. NCECA BETH CAVENER STICHTER – DVD Beth Cavener Stichter is currently a full time professional studio artist with her M.F.A from Ohio State University. Over the past two years, she has been an artist in residence at both The Archie Bray Foundation in Montana and The Clay Studio in Philadelphia. Recipient of the American Craft Council’s Emerging Artist Fellowship in 2004, she has shown and taught workshops extensively across the country and shows no sign slowing down.
86. M.C. RICHARDS: THE FIRE WITHIN M.C. Richards’ extraordinary career, stretching from Black Mountain College to Creation Spirituality, from Rudolf Steiner advocate to philosophical artist, continues in spite of her death in 1999. In front of our very eyes we see M.C. engaging in contemplative questioning regarding the nature of art, imagination, wholeness, community, and our place in the cosmos. In this thought-provoking documentary, you hear from a cadre of her followers as they carry on her important work of inspiring people to live creatively, to believe in themselves, to experience the sensuality of existence. Author of the underground classic, Centering: In Pottery, Poetry, and the Person, and Toward Wholeness: Rudolf Steiner Education in America, M.C. was a poet, philosopher, potter, and painter. But above all she was a teacher.
87. GET A HANDLE ON IT Tony Clennell www.sourcherrypottery.com. A great handle is capable of making an ordinary pot exceptional. Learn a variety of handle making techniques that will take your work into a new realm. Handles are pulled, thrown, hand built, altered and discussed.
88. POTTERY AND DRAGON KILN VILLAGE – Tao Yao 2008 International award winning documentary on ceramics. Tao Yao (in Chinese means pottery and dragon kiln) is located eighty kilometers North of Yellow Mountain. This village pottery making can be traced back to the Tang dynasty (nine century AD). They hand build large pots, that are fired in a long dragon kiln. It is a unique tradition that has existed in this area for over 1000 years. Today, this group of potters is the last generation left and they are still working and living within the old tradition.
89. EXTRUDE IT! – Volume I – Extrusions as handles, feet, and additions. David Hendley Volume I covers extrusions used as additions, and the projects demonstrated include a coffee mug, a plate, and a bucket with an extruded clay and brass wire handle.
90. EXTRUDE IT! – Volume II – Hollow extrusions made with two-part dies. David Hendley Volume II covers the exciting area of designing and using two-part dies for hollow forms. With these dies, and the addition of a top and/or bottom, the extrusion becomes the actual body of the pot. Learn the principles of designing dies, how to twist, turn, and throw the extruded clay to produce expressive and dynamic forms. Projects demonstrated from start to finish include vases, lotion jars, oil candles, tumblers, and small lamps.
91. EXTRUDE IT! – Volume III Extrusions as handbuilding components, the expansion box for large extrusions. David Hendley Volume III explores the use of the extruder to make some larger and more challenging forms. Three different dies are used to make the open rectangular dish, with the walls, handles and feet all made from extruded sections of clay. A tall “wavy vase” is made using an expansion box which is installed on the extruder, and the clays is shaped as it comes from the extruder.
92. RHYTHM AND GESTURE: A workshop with Steven Hill and Matt Long. – Steven Hill and Matt Long are two amazing artists and for two days in March, 2007 they put on an amazing workshop at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. This video presents the highlights of those two days in a way that is instructional and entertaining. Included are things like Steven making his signature melon picture and Matt’s hip flask. Both artists talk about and demonstrate their use of slip, plus other topics like making cups and handles.
93. SYLVIA HYMAN Eternal Wonder – A fascinating look at the work of Sylvia Hyman. From her early tableware and organic clay sculptures to her masterful trompe l’oeil pieces, Sylvia leads us through the development of her ideas, and her working process. We watch her screen-printing text onto thin clays slabs which are folded into corrugated boxes and envelopes or rolled into scrolls. Friends from the art community pay homage to this pillar of the clay world as she prepares for her 90th birthday.
94. HANDBUILDING WITH MITCH LYONS – Contains 2 separate videos: In the first Lyons demonstrates making and altering ideas for broomstick pots (seamless cylinders) . In the second Lyons demonstrates a no fuss method for making colored slip, clays and chalks which he then uses in a whole gamut of techniques including inlays and stencil work with many ideas for vase forms.. He finishes some of his hand built pieces using the wheel including a novel plate technique.
95 ART OF SCULPTING – Philippe Faraut, Vol. 2 – Although this is one of a 3 volume set, it can stand alone. Philippe Faraut demonstrates step by step, start to finish, sculpting of a head in great detail providing a thorough understanding of anatomy and showing how expressive features can be created. This volume concentrates on female features and includes characteristics of various ethnicities.
96 VAL CUSHING: A Life of Clay – Val Cushing has been a teacher and ceramic artist for over 40 years. He is Professor Emeritus at Alfred University. This DVD covers Val’s ceramic career and two demonstrations. The first is a casserole with thrown handles. The second is a demonstration of his famous roll top as part of a large jar made of composite parts. There is also a portfolio slide show of his work.
97. SILVIE GRANATELLI: NCEACA – 2005 Demonstrating Artist – Focusing on functional porcelain ware, Silvie Granatelli demonstrates: Throwing & Altering, Handbuilding techniques, Surface treatments, including slip-trailing and stamping
98. TARA WILSON: NCECA 2009 Demonstrating Artist – Tara Wilson likes to explore issues of body language in her wood fired stoneware. In this video she demonstrates and discusses:
• Altering wheel thrown forms
• Pushing, cutting and manipulating clay to achieve gesture, and of course
• Developing real body language between pieces.
Tara Wilson is a studio potter living in Montana City, Montana. Wilson received a BFA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and her MFA from the University of Florida. She has been a resident artist at the Archie Bray Foundation and The Red Lodge Clay Centre. A 2006 NCECA Emerging Artist, she has given lectures and workshops throughout the USA. Her work is widely exhibited and collected.
99.CYNTHIA BRINGLE: A Potter from Penland – A Trailblazer among American women potters, Cynthia Bringle has made her living as a full-time studio potter since 1965. A renown artist and teacher, she is also a beloved friend to craftspeople of all ages and experience. Since 1970, Cynthia has lived in Penland, NC, supporting the growth and development of Penland School of Crafts. She has led workshops at Penland, Haystack, Anderson Ranch and Arrowmont. Honoured as a fellow of the American Craft Council, Cynthia has also received the North Carolina Award for Fine Art and an Honorary Doctorate from The Memphis College of Art. Additionally, she is a life member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Cynthia’s work is found in museums, private collection and mostly in kitchen cabinets.
TRT:28:20, Pitcher TRT:30:06, Tall Carved Vessel TRT:30:04, Portfolio Slide Show TRT: 6:18.
100. LORNA MEADEN: NCECA – 2008 – Demonstrating Artist Creating work that has a generous sense of volume and visual movement, Lorna Meaden demonstrates wheel-thrown and altered porcelain vessels, including: Altering pots on and off the wheel, Using drawn patterns to handbuild spouts and handles, Slip inlay surface treatments, Wax and latex glaze decoration techniques, a wide display of vessel forms from daily-use pots, to watering cans and punch bowls.
101. CHRIS STALEY: NCEACA – 2007 – Demonstrating Artist Blending ongoing narrative with an array of ceramic studio techniques, Chris Staley will demonstrate: Wheel-throwing and altering, Transforming and deconstructing vessel forms into sculptural contexts
102. WHAT IF? Explorations with Texture and Soft Slabs with Sandi Pierantozzi Sandi Pierantozzi skillfully demonstrates her soft slab handbuilding techniques, which she has perfected over the past 25 years. Sandi guides you through a variety of her signature processes and demonstrates how a wide variety of forms can be created from the same beginning. By showing a vast array of possibilities for form, Sandi engages the viewer in the creative process, encouraging the questions of “What if I try this….?” A seasoned workshop presenter, Sandi clearly and concisely covers topics such as working with circular and rectangular templates, altering forms with darting, making good handles, and much more.
103. EXPANDING YOUR CREATIVE PALETTE WITH COLOURED CLAY with Curtis Benzle. If you love color and pattern, but are frustrated by glaze mishaps or limitations, colored clay might be exactly what you are looking for. Curtis Benzle shares his passion and extensive with colored clay. Curtis shows you how to make your own colored clays and use them in a variety of techniques such as neriage, nerikomi and layering colored slips. Along the way, he shares tips and insights gleaned from his nearly 40 years of investigating this medium. The immediacy, precision, and integration between surface and form are what initially attracted Curt to this process, and the endless possibilities for expression are what him enthralled to this day.
104. LINDA ARBUCKLE: FRESH COLOUR ON POTTERY CLAY – Icon Linda Arbuckle is widely known for her signature majolica-glazed earthenware, which marries function with beauty in the form of expressive, richly detailed surfaces. In this loving portrait of the artist, we gain an understanding of the generous spirit and warm intelligence so evident in her work. The film takes us inside Arbuckle’s home, studio, and classroom to offer an intimate glimpse into her life, and into the personal relationships and everyday beauty that inspire her.
105. JUAN GRANDADOS: NCEACA – 2011 Demonstrating Artist. Focusing on the few remaining photos of his childhood and family, has allowed Juan Grandados to create a reinterpretation of his past memories and thoughts; by digitally preserving the photos, he has been able to alter, layer and manipulate those images into narrative clay form. In this video, Juan Granados demonstrates: Altering wheel thrown forms
-
Throwing and altering large platter forms;
-
Handbuilding techniques;
-
The conceptual challenges of creating narrative work;
-
The problem-solving of combining clay and other media.
106. RICHARD SHAW: NCEACA 2010 Demonstrating Artist
Shaw’s current work is a continuation of a theme he has explored for years. “It is about people’s personal marks – what they leave on a table after eating while closing a book, or performing a task such as sewing a hem on a dress and having coffee – their evidence of leftovers.” In this video Shaw will demonstrate and discuss how he anthropomorphizes slip cast still-lifes and assemblages in porcelain, producing “Stick or Junk’ figures that reference trample l’oeil “containers: teapots, cans, bottles, jars and dinnerware that people use in their daily lives.”
107. BRIAN KAKAS:NCEACA – 2011 Demonstrating Artist
In this video, Kakas demonstrates:
-
The deconstruction of organic and industrial forms to appropriate and create basic components of 3-D shapes;
-
Handbuilding techniques;
-
Techniques of slump and press molding;
-
And, the problem-solving of reconciling conceptual vision to material limitations.
-
DEBORAH SCHWARTZKOPH:NCEACA – 2011 Demonstrating Artist – In this video, Deborah demonstrates:
-
The challenges and delight of complex forms by combining many techniques; • Wheel throwing and altering;
-
Creating slab pieces over bisque clay molds;
-
Handbuilding techniques.
-
ASSEMBLEY REQUIRED – Building Complex Pottery Forms by Throwing, Altering and Assembling with Jake Allee. In this installment of the Ceramic Arts Daily Presents Video Series, Jake Allee demonstrates the various ways he cuts up and alters thrown forms and then puts them back together again to make interesting vessels. Throughout the process, Jake explains the design decisions he incorporates to hold the pieces together. In addition, he explains how sketching plays a role in his work, keeping his mind engaged in the creative process and thinking about new forms even when he is away from the pottery studio. In watching this video, you will learn to look at basic shapes differently and be inspired to come up with new and interesting forms of your own.
-
UNDERSTANDING GLAZES – How to Test, Tweak, & Perfect Your Glazes with John Britt – Glazed and confused? You’ve come to the right place. In this installment of the Ceramic Arts Daily Presents Video Series, John Britt lets you tap into his encyclopedic knowledge of ceramic glazes to build your own understanding of this complex topic. Starting with glaze testing – because testing is the key to understanding raw materials and ceramic processes – John explains various testing methods that will help you get great results quickly. On disk two, John geeks out on materials, diving in the three basic components of a glaze – fluxes, glass formers, and refractories – and how various ceramic materials fit into those categories and work together to procedure myriad outcomes. With this video, you’ll be able to deepen your understanding of glaze chemistry and improve your glazes at your own pace.
-
HAND THROWN – East Asian Wedged Coil Technique – East Asian Wedged Coil Technique has endured through a rich and varied history of coiled pottery and provides the maximum versatility and structural strength for the greatest diversity of both functional and sculptural forms. Hand Thrown presents Joyce Michaud teaching the details of East Asian Wedged Coil to all who want to hone their skills.
112. The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art Presents Maya Universe – Explore the accomplishments of Mayan civilization, the work of archeology in preserving culture and the link to the living Maya. You’re in Belize. You’re at the Lamina site. You’re on top of the High Temple, one of the highest on Mesoamerica. Sit in on a discussion with three world–renwned Mayan experts together for the first time in Lamina.
113. NCECA – Tara Wilson 2009 Demonstrating Artist – Tara Wilson likes to explore issues of body language in her wood fired stoneware. In this video she demonstrates and discusses:
-
Altering wheel-thrown forms;
-
Pushing, cutting and manipulating clay to achieve gesture;
-
And, of course, developing real body language and dialogue between pieces.
114. NCECA – Christa Assad 2012 Demonstrating Artist – Creating both useful and sculptural pieces that begin on the potter’s wheel but move beyond the round, Christa Assad demonstrates;
Throwing and altering;
-
The issues of scale within the creation of similar objects in a series;
-
Adding textures and marks, as well as handbuilt elements, to thrown forms;
-
And, the resonance of personal iconography in one’s work.
115. NCECA – Gerit Grimm 2013 Demonstrating Artist – Creating clay narrative & figurative sculptural works, Gerit Grimm references Baroque and Renaissance era esthetics in storytelling and reinterpreted German folk traditions & tales.
In this video Gerit demonstrators:
-
throwing and altering;
-
handbuilding with slabs and coils;
-
supporting the narrative through figurative sculpture.