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cleanup/low replies

updated wed 30 apr 97

 

Jeff Lawrence on wed 30 apr 97

Hi,

The big problem is getting the mess down to manageable levels. Unfortunately
there's a blindness to the danger. Can't see it, can't be bad.

My cleanup routine for me because I sign paychecks for the people who do it,
and also swing a mop myself when I make the mess. The only college studios
I've been in were filthy and got more so with each class. If you can get the
custodians to clean it, you're more persuasive than I was. But your better
long-term solution is to ingrain it in your students that messes aren't
allowed by artistic license when they endanger everyone's health. Better for
students' long-term health, too.

Clay dust from sweeping stays in the air FOR DAYS ON END! We tried it with
sweeping compound, but still left a fog. The only thing I've found that I
trust is immediate sweep-up of large damp (okay, maybe some large dry ones)
crumbs before they get stomped into dust, followed by daily damp-mopping,
with just clean (important!) water and clean mopheads. Flood mopping may be
necessary periodically, but is hard enough to do that its tough to get it
done. And the damp-mopping works well if you start off with relatively clean
environment.

Okay, so its not a school. And maybe this doesn't help persuade janitors to
clean up after students untrammeled expression. But when their own health
is on the line, perhaps the cleanup shouldn't be viewed as beneath students'
dignity. Think of those already skilled potters who went to Japan and wedged
clay for years!

Not truculent, just tired! Best regards and good luck in commanding the
ocean of mess to halt in its flood.

Jeff
Jeff Lawrence
Sun Dagger Design
ph/fax 505-753-5913