Michael McDowell on tue 27 jul 99
Dear Clayart Friends -
This is another message written from Michael McDowell's, while I am here
conducting workshops. I need to make a sort of a testimonial. A few weeks
ago I conducted a workshop in Steamboat Springs, CO, hosted by Jonathan Kaplan
at his business, Ceramic Design Group. I understand that Jonathan wrote a
nice post about the workshop, although I have not seen it.
I had a wonderful time in Steamboat. Jonathan and Elyssa were very gracious
hosts, and are extraordinary cooks. Some years ago they ran an Asian
take-out-food business for a while, and I was extremely well fed. I did some
great hiking in the mountains around Steamboat as time permitted, and got to
visit Laloba Ranch Clay Center, an extraordinary place and a wonderful
workshop facility. Judy Dey, the owner-director, is a peach, and I highly
recommend that you take a workshop there if you have the opportunity.
While I was conducting my workshop at Ceramic Design Group in the upstairs
classroom, Jonathan and his workers were downstairs going about their
business, filling orders for potters and other customers around the country.
I was very impressed with the whole scene. Via this list we are all familiar
with Jonathan's broad knowledge in ceramics, especially regarding technical
matters and assisted technology for studio potters. In his studio Jonathan
has very impressive facilities for jiggering/jolleying, ram-pressing, and
slip-casting. He does contract work in almost any quantity for studio potters
and others all over the country and the world. If you are in high production
or are considering moving into high production, and are open to the idea of
contracting out some work, I strongly recommend that you contact Jonathan.
You will find no one in the country more qualified to serve you in this
regard. He is a designer and problem-solver of the first order, and he can
help you with any production challenge or dilemma.
Jonathan gives generously of his knowledge on this list, and while he has
mentioned the services he offers and the equipment he uses, it is to his
credit that he does not tend to toot his own horn. But someone should, so I
am. You can contact Jonathan at jonathan@csn.net
Best wishes -
- Vince
Vince Pitelka
Appalachian Center for Crafts
Tennessee Tech University
vpitelka@dekalb.net
| |
|
