Helen Button Art

Deadlines, a bit like marmite – love or hate them? I don’t like them but they sure do give me an incentive to get work completed, so I can see the benefit of them.

I am part of a group called Adderbury Artists https://www.artweeks.org/p/helen-button that is taking part in Oxfordshire Art Week https://www.artweeks.org/ from the 13th – 21st May 2023 and last weekend I realised I only have 2 left to make any new ceramics if I want it included in the exhibition.

With pottery making can not be left to the last minute as the work needs time to dry out (impacted by weather conditions), trimming, firing, glazing and re firing. In good weather, in a rush, this can take me 2 weeks.

With that in mind I went out in the studio after my day job and made 8 bowls (this is quite unusual) but with the deadline looming I worked fast. This morning before my day job and finding the bowls dry enough to be trimmed, I was able to do this task all before starting work at 8.30. The 8 bowls are now sat on my shelf drying out.

In my usual making process I would take double this amount of time!

My plan this evening is to repeat the same, but making another items, lets hope it can all run as smoothly as last night!

Does having deadlines help or hinder you? I’d be interested to find out how other artists manage their time when an exhibition is looming?

I would like to share a selection of my favorite tools that I use when throwing on the pottery wheel. The list could have been longer to include other equipment pieces such as weighing scales, mirror but I tried to keep it down to bare minimum.

Number 1 – Pin Tool

The pin tool has many uses, I use it most frequently to get rid of air bubbles, to trim edges, to remove excess clay from rims and to score.

Number 2 – Kidneys

Named after the shape. I have quite a selection that I will use. The metal ones are great for cleaning up surfaces particularly after the clay has dried a little. The plastic ones are great to use when the clay is wet, and as they come in different strengths you can select the right one depending on what clay you are using. Having a selection of different shapes, sizes and flexibility is useful too.

Number 3 – Boards

A selection of boards is ideal. I have some marine ply that can be fitted to the wheel head to throw on and I have a selection of MDF boards that are covered in cling film – this stops bases drying too quickly, which can be problematic for porcelain.

Number 4 – Wooden Hand Tool

Wooden tool – Word of warning I never use any metal tools on the wheel head, the noise is like fingernails scratching down a blackboard. These wooden tools are relatively inexpensive making them ideal as they do need replacing over time as the wood wears down. They are nice to hold and leave subtle marks, as opposed to sharp edges.

Number 5 – Sponges

Sponges – I have a selection for different clean up purposes. A baby sponge for throwing as it fine so doesn’t leave too much texture on the surface. For smaller, hard to reach area’s I use a wedged make up sponge that is even smoother.  And (not photographed) a sponge on a stick – an essential piece of kit when throwing tall forms and wanting to reach water in hard to reach area’s. 

Number 6 – Wire

As I mainly throw porcelain I like to use a really thin wire to remove the freshly made work from the wheel head. I have another wire kept near to where I wedge the clay to wire off fresh clay from the bag.

And this is all my favorite tools. I hope have found this helpful and that new potters get some start up tips. Do get in touch if you have any questions.

Update – In the spring/summer I will share some dates for project based group sessions that you can sign up for if interested.

Group Handbuilding Class

Group handbuilding classes are available for a maximum 6 people, children will need supervising by an adult. Handbuilding is a great way to familiarise yourself with clay, how it feels, its possibilities and limitations, and really develops your skills that can be transferred to the wheel. Explore how to decorate with colour using various applications. Sessions are available at weekends for 3 hours, cost is £60 per person. All materials and tools provided, you just need to bring an apron, towel and enthusiasm.

Please note all work will be fired for you after the workshop as it needs time to dry and multiple firings, this can take 4-6 weeks after the workshop to complete. I will contact you to let you know when it is available for collection from the studio or work can be posted our for an additional cost.

Please do get in touch to discuss your needs, I am flexible with availability and will try and meet your requirements.