search  current discussion  categories  people 

four days with richard aerni -- wow

updated wed 27 sep 06

 

Sandy Henderson on thu 21 sep 06


Hi,clayarters! Lauren Bellero and I just enjoyed a remarkable "work-study
opportunity" with Richard Aerni in Rochester, NY. If you have seen his
work, you know that he is a master potter as well as an important
contributor to this list. It is hard for me to put into words what a
wonderful week this was. Richard offered us his studio space and his
individual instruction and attention. We alternated watching him demonstrate
his techniques with working on our own projects. (Plus, he is a very nice
guy. He put us up in his home and even cooked for us! What more could you
ask?!) I do not know of any such opportunity anywhere else. Richard
suggested this idea on clayart several months ago. If he does that again, I
strongly urge anyone who can to take him up on his offer!

Sandy Henderson
NW Indiana

Lauren Bellero on fri 22 sep 06


i whole heartedly second sandy's sentiments! this week with
richard aerni was an incredible and completely unique experience!
it went beyond a 'workshop'. i've been to many great workshops
with very giving and knowledgable potters, but this was a chance
to share a slice of life of a truly amazing potter and good-natured,
good-hearted, and warm human being. (actually 2 wonderful people --
as that description fits sandy as well.)

richard opened his home and large studio to us in the most
gracious manner and with great generosity of spirit. we
learned new and exciting methods to produce work -- and
LARGE work at that! we tried our hand at using his beautiful
glazes -- the results were stunning! it was so exciting
to bring our own work, spray his glazes and fire in his 40
cubic ft gas kiln (the aniticipation was nearly palpable!).
he's got quite the set up for spraying as well: foot-pedal powered!

he tailors the instruction to the individual. and since there
were only 2 of us, we had his attention whenever we required it.
he is truly a master at what he does and a tremendous resource
of information. -- he also knows all the correct pronuciations
of chemicals, like: py-roph'-yl-lite ;-)

in short, this unique oppurtunity to learn from a pro and the
whole experience to enjoy should not be missed when it comes
around again! he has so much to offer. (and he's a really good cook!)

one caveat: you may lose some valued studio time, due to
the irresistable shopping desire that overcomes you
while looking at his finished work. (of course, this is
followed by the interminably diffictult decision making effort...)

totally inspired,
lauren, self-appointed president of the R.A.F.C
(richard aerni fan club)

--
Lauren Bellero, Mudslingers Pottery
http://mudslingerspottery.net
Red Bank, NJ

----------------- Sandy wrote: ----------------
>From: Sandy Henderson
>Subject: four days with Richard Aerni -- wow
>
>Hi,clayarters! Lauren Bellero and I just enjoyed a remarkable "work-study
>opportunity" with Richard Aerni in Rochester, NY. If you have seen his
>work, you know that he is a master potter as well as an important
>contributor to this list. It is hard for me to put into words what a
>wonderful week this was. Richard offered us his studio space and his
>individual instruction and attention. We alternated watching him demonstrate
>his techniques with working on our own projects. (Plus, he is a very nice
>guy. He put us up in his home and even cooked for us! What more could you
>ask?!) I do not know of any such opportunity anywhere else. Richard
>suggested this idea on clayart several months ago. If he does that again, I
>strongly urge anyone who can to take him up on his offer!
>
>Sandy Henderson
>NW Indiana

Jacqueline Miller on mon 25 sep 06


Do you have a name for Richard Aerni's studio and website?

Thanks,
Jackie Miller

On 9/21/06, Sandy Henderson wrote:
> Hi,clayarters! Lauren Bellero and I just enjoyed a remarkable "work-study
> opportunity" with Richard Aerni in Rochester, NY. If you have seen his
> work, you know that he is a master potter as well as an important
> contributor to this list. It is hard for me to put into words what a
> wonderful week this was. Richard offered us his studio space and his
> individual instruction and attention. We alternated watching him demonstrate
> his techniques with working on our own projects. (Plus, he is a very nice
> guy. He put us up in his home and even cooked for us! What more could you
> ask?!) I do not know of any such opportunity anywhere else. Richard
> suggested this idea on clayart several months ago. If he does that again, I
> strongly urge anyone who can to take him up on his offer!
>
> Sandy Henderson
> NW Indiana
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
>


--
Jackie Miller
JackieAMiller@gmail.com

Lauren Bellero on tue 26 sep 06


>Do you have a name for Richard Aerni's studio and website?
>
>Thanks,
>Jackie Miller

hi jackie,

here is richard's contact info (which he
always includes in his emails):

Richard Aerni
146 Eastland Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
585-473-5579

Studio
1115 East Main St. Suite 106
Rochester, NY 14609
585-429-0211

he is working on getting a website up, and
will most likely announce it here on clayart.
i can't wait!

one thing i didn't mention about our week was the
method in which richard constructs his large work.
i've seen people stack and join, but his method is
quite unique. here's the reader's digest version of
the technique: he uses plaster molds -- and no, i'm
not talking about slip casting, here. he throws what
i call a 'stub pot' (he may have another term for it)
on the wheel and then inserts it into the mold (which
also fits on the wheelhead) and finishes throwing that
one (bottom) section inside the mold/form. THEN stacks
and joins on top of that. it's a fascinating and very
effective method. the one caveat for us average potters
is that to make really large work, one still has to be
able to center and throw large amounts of clay. although
the method can be applied for smaller pieces -- which
still may be larger than the average size you already
produce. he decorates with slip, then single fires,
using multiple glazes (some ash). the work is impressive,
significant and absolutely beautiful.

i don't know where you're from, but he'll be at the peters
valley craft fair in layton, nj next weekend (9/29 thru 10/1).
directions at: http://www.pvcrafts.org/

all the best,
lauren
--
Lauren Bellero, Mudslingers Pottery
http://mudslingerspottery.net
Red Bank, NJ