Susan Delatour Le Poidevin |
| A Two Day Handbuilding & Sawdust Firing Workshop
Sept 8 & 9, 2007
This workshop focused on remembering special places, using the house or structure as a starting point.
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click on pictures to enlarge |
 | The first thing we did on Saturday was load a kiln with bisqued wares. Though the glaze aspect of this workshop focused on application to greenware, we wanted to start the firing so we could see some results the next day. |
 | Four layers of sawdust and peat, and three layers of pots filled the kiln. Handfuls of salt and copper were added as well in hopes of seeing some flashing. The kiln was lit and smoldered for the day, and overnight, until Sunday afternoon when it was opened. |
 | Susan demonstrated her approach to hand building by creating two of her signature pieces. One was a crofter's house, and the other a tall house with a sharp roof, both of which she became intrigued by when she traveled in Scotland in the 1990's. |
 | She also demonstrated the application of low-fire slips and glazes to the greenware including brushing and scratching techniques, and a resist method using mylar to create a silhouette of a human figure. The figure is 'stuck' to the surface before glaze is applied, and removed for the firing. |  |
 | Carbons are then free to affect the bare clay. And, of course, tin foil. |  | Crofter's House
Finished in firing on September 9, 2007
Blind Bay, BC |
 | On Sunday Susan showed us a retrospective of her work in a slide show where many of her Scottish influences became apparent as she discussed images of the countryside and the various structures in the landscape. |
Susan's approach to her art form is inspiring, and she is a joy to be around. While a number of potters in the workshop are not inclined to handbuild sculptural pieces, the commitment she has for her creative process inspired many of us in our own work. |
Check out Susan's website www.susandelatour.com |
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| top of page Updated - July 09, 2010 |
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