Functional Fussin’ and Firin’

 

Back for a second week, this time will be just as much fun and enlightening, Don and Randy will share all their knowledge of ceramic surface and firing. Don and Randy will share their somewhat different philosophies on functional pots and their design. Not surprising they also have different viewpoints on firing and glazing. Don will focus on achieving rich atmospheric-like surfaces in cone six oxidation firings and Randy will focus on rich surfaces which can be attained while using Soda firings. Each artist will demonstrate a wide variety of throwing functional forms, surface decoration, and firing techniques. Randy will transform huge amounts of clay into amazing functional pots, all the while telling stories about his experiences in the swamp! His narrative ultimately appears on the vessel he is creating. At the same time, Don will be creating and altering forms and demonstrating several surface decoration techniques while bantering back and forth with Randy to see who comes out as top dog. The interaction between these two characters has been described as “the best comedy act in town”. Firings may include: Soda cone ten, cone six oxidation firing and more. If you want to expand your throwing abilities and create interesting new forms while having a blast all week, this workshop is for you!

You should bring the following:

• 15 bisque fired pieces not to exceed 8×8”. At least 12 of them should be made out of a smooth porcelinious body, 3 should be a red cone 10 body
• Pottery tools
• Any other things you normally need in the studio: apron, towel, a notebook, etc.

Your tuition covers the clay, glazes, materials, and firings.

Randy Brodnax

RANDY BRODNAX is one of the best-known potters in Texas. He has specialized in Raku for many years using natural imagery and drawing upon a wild fantasy world of creatures of the mind. He is a very inventive and intuitive technician, and is a master in the art of kiln building. Born near Alexandria, Louisiana, Randy attended Northwestern State University as an all-American collegiate football player and graduated with degrees in art education and special education. He has participated in many exhibitions throughout the U.S. and is a dedicated and humorous teacher.

Don Ellis

DON ELLIS, from Farmington, New Mexico, has for over 30 years been striving to perfect his innovative approach as a functional potter and glazing expert.  He is a technician at firing and controlling every aspect of this approach. Don attended McMurry University and the University of North Texas and graduated with degrees in education and ceramics.  He returned to McMurry University to chair the art department for 8 years.  He and his wife, Donna, and son, Dalton, owned Cloudcroft Pottery for 20 years.  He has participated in many exhibits and workshops throughout the United States. Don now teaches at San Juan College, Farmington, NM and is the Fine Arts Division Chair.