New Wax Resist Pattern

 

I love designing new patterns of wax resist.
Creating symmetrical pattern which radiates out from the center of a bowl has always grounded my inner spirit.  I just get lost in the moment and time seems to stand still when I develop a pattern that works for me in this tiny world of the universe where I live.

I often forget how difficult it is to work with wax resist but was reminded earlier this week when talking to a very accomplished ceramic artist who was having some difficulty with the technique so I decided to share a few tips.

First, I would suggest using Axner Wax Resist.  I find this resist to be the best on the market.  I use a less expensive wax directly on the clay body for waxing the foot.
Second, after waxing the foot I dip the bowl in a bucket of glaze to apply the first layer of glaze.  I may dip two or three bowls at a time and then wait only a few minutes before handling them again in preparation for the application of wax resist.  This is very important to only work with a few objects at each time as you need moisture present in the first layer of glaze so the wax does not peel off the surface. 

 I gently use a soft ebony pencil to sketch out the pattern I will be working with since once the wax is applied there is no turning back unless you wash everything off and start over.  Using a bamboo brush, I apply the wax. 

Next and this is really important!  Leave your work to sit for several hours before applying the second layer of glaze to allow the wax to dry thoroughly.  I would say anywhere between
4-8 hours.  You can wait until the next day by laying a light plastic covering over the work which will keep some moisture in the first layer of glaze.

Do not let the wax dry out too much on your brush.  Wash your brush with some soap and water every once in a while and make sure your wax does not dry out while you are working.  Just add a drop or two of water every now and then.

Concept to Creation,
Theresa Yondo

from WOMAN VI 2013 and a few other things

Greetings!

March is winding down but there are still some amazing art shows to see like the
from WOMAN VI... Celebrate Women's History Month.. Created by women, of women and about women.
March 3 - 29, 2013
Artist Reception: Sunday, March 24, 2013, 3-5 PM.
Women of Achievement Awards: Sunday, March 24, 2 PM at
Lakeland Community College 7700 Clocktower Drive Kirtland, Ohio 44094
I WILL HAVE AN INSTALATION OF SMALL SCULPTURAL PORCELAIN ORGANIC SHAPES ON VIEW.  THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER AMAZING ARTISTS PARTICIPATING AS WELL AS A TRIBUTE TO THE WORK OF MARILYN SZALAY.  Please join us if you can.

 Also, I will be a guest artist at Bay Arts in Bay Village on (Thursday) March 21 and 28 from 7-9 and on (Saturday) March 23 and 30 from 1-3.  Afterwards Moira Beale will return to teach the remaining sessions.  If you are interested you can sign up for the whole session at http://www.bayarts.net/ or 440-871-6543.  The Thursday night class is for advanced students only.

 And, my Wednesday night clay class is filling up nicely these days.  And, thanks to all of you who have been forwarding my emails it helps bring in new students.  You are the best and you know who you are!!!  The next 6 week session will begin April 10^th (at my studio in Novelty). 

April 1^st – May 22^nd (no class May 8^th) / The class is a 2.5 hour class.
FLEXABLE ½ HOUR ADDITIONAL TIME BUILT IN FOR THE 2.5 HOUR CLASS so student can come early or later depending on schedule.
So, the studio is open from 6-9 AT YONDO STUDIO ON WEDNESDAYS (please do not come before 6:00 as I may not be home yet).
13796 Chillicothe Rd. (State Route 306)
Novelty (Russell Township) in Geauga County
Ohio of course! theresayondo@gmail.com

Fiddlehead Gallery in the Larchmere neighborhood, Cleveland Ohio

Susan Rozman
Fiddlehead Gallery
is now located at
12736 Larchmere Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44120
216-231-9400

Yesterday, I delivered some of the black and white functional porcelain clay work I make to Fiddlehead Gallery.  So you can now find mugs, bowls, vases and a few other works at this culturally rich gallery/boutique.  The proprietor of Fiddlehead, Susan Rozman has brought her years of working at the Cleveland Natural History Museum and her belief in fair trade with her to this Gallery.  So, you will find culturally rich objects from around the world to stimulate your senses.  Please stop by the gallery and support the cause.

Concept to Creation,
Theresa Yondo

 

MARCH FORTH

One of the best parts about teaching is the personal stories that students tell a teacher.  Studio art classes tend to be very interactive between teacher and students and many stories are shared.  One student, named Linda, created the holiday March Forth on March 4^th.  With the end of winter near and daylight still short, I found this thought to be a brilliant light for these early days of March.  So, keep putting one foot in front of the other, meditate on loving kindness and MARCH FORTH.

Concept to Creation,

Theresa Yondo