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L: In working with glazes did you make any interesting discoveries?

J: learned that pharmaceutical grade calcium carbonate is too pure to
work properly in a glaze. Kaolin 1s a natural material and changes over
time so you learn to anticipate and work with its changing characteristics.
I have been fascinated with the process of testing and learning.

L: Where do_you go to find solutions to problems?

J: The Clayart web site has been very useful; NCECA 1s also a place
where you can connect with people who you can go to for help. I
have emailed several of my contacts from that conference to resource
opinions or comments.

L: After 21 years of working with clay where do you go to get inspired?

J: The students inspire me and their questions often lead me to new
areas. Student’s questions and then the solution finding process 1s
always challenging.

www.greenbarn.com

9548 192 Street,
Surrey, B.C, V4N 3R9
Phone: 604.888.3411
Fax: 604.888.4247

Tuesday-Friday 9-5
Saturday 9-1

Closed Long Weekends
greenbarn@telus.net

(ean Darn

POTTERS SUPPLY LTD.

8

L: What frustrates _youe

J: Starting something and then not having
the time to complete the project. That
is what I am looking forward to doing
in retirement, having the time to create
a body of work that reflects my creative
interests. I have often started down a path
but work has always pulled me away before
I could feel that I had accomplished what
I was after.

L: What defines a good pote

J: A pot that weighs what it looks like,
that 1s well crafted and properly finished.
It holds the volume expected, works as
intended and functions properly. I like
things that have a flow that give the pot a
life or personality.

L: What gives life to a pote
J: Often it 1s a happy accident.
L: What would you ke to tell other potters?

= J: I like to quote from something Paul

Soldner said at a workshop I attended,
“Try it and see”. People get too tight with
their work and stay in familiar shapes
and sizes. Allow yourself the right to
fail, allow yourself the freedom to play.
Nothing is precious, push your limits and
try something new, experiment.

L: Is there anything else you would hke to say?

J: The best bowl you make will be your
next bowl.

June MacDonald, Linda Lebrun and
Gillian McMillan are the main drivers in
a new pottery group called the Tn City
Potters. Eighteen enthusiastic people
attended their first meeting June 7.
If you’re interested in participating,
please contact June for details.
E-mail judo@shaw.ca @

Lens Kennett