Marian Williams, Author at Marian Williams Pottery

farm girl pottery, marian willialms pottery, vessels, llano estacado winery wine and clay festival,

Tell Me You Love Me And Give Me A Drink

Since moving back to the USA after living in Australia for 15 years, I’ve been amazed at the creativity surge in me that has occurred! Different than in Australia – I never felt that there.

In Australia, I learned so much – from so many wonderful potters. I was amazed at their creativity, centeredness and focus. I, on the other hand, floundered – chasing every bunny down every bunny trail and never really sticking to one thing! The great part about that is that I got to learn so much, experience so many types of pottery, firing types, and glaze techniques. And each potter in Australia seemed to be so inspired by something….the beach, the ocean, the landscape, the culture…but I never found that. Instead, I focused on glazes, chasing gas firing nirvana and trying to achieve copper reds.

When I started making again here in the USA, I just KNEW! My hands just worked and my mind KNEW what it wanted to create and especially what it wanted to SAY!!!

As a result of about 6 months of work, I have created a body of work that I have entitled, “Tell Me You Love Me And Bring Me A Drink”.

This series of vessels came from my background as a “farm girl”.

Watching my father plow the fields, check his irrigation water fill the rows, dance when it rained that precious water and praise when harvest came in – gave me a rich vision for these vessels.

His love of these furrows, and ultimately mine, give my work a voice saying, “Tell Me You Love Me And Bring Me A Drink”.

My first marketing venue is coming up this weekend in Lubbock, Texas (in the Panhandle of Texas) at the Llano Estacado Winery at the Llanco Estacado Wine and Clay Festival. I’m really excited to see how this new work is received. Actually, it doesn’t even matter if it sells, it’s just going to be great to see it displayed and get people’s reaction to it! I feel like the people in Lubbock will “get it” as that is a huge agricultural area, but who knows. Maybe I’m the only one that the work speaks to…if so, I’m ok with that. It feels good to be speaking my truth.

How To Make A Pottery Apron

Tutorials

My previous post on how to make a pottery apron is my most popular post (thanks to Pinterest!) so thought I’d put it out there again for those of you that did not see it previously.

One of the downsides of doing pottery is the mess…unless you have an awesome pottery apron that keeps the dirt from overwhelming your outfit (and I use that term loosely, as I NEVER would call what I wear to the pottery studio, an “OUTFIT”-LOL!!).

The best apron that I’ve found was in a sack of rags from the lady that I bought the kiln from. As she had me load up “everything”, I took a bag of rags and in going through them found this old, but fantastic apron.

See video here (I apologize now for this very cheesy video):

I made a pattern from it and made a few minor changes and have made several since. You can actually pull it over your head, no ties, no need for clean hands, and it splits in the middle, so it is perfect for throwing. I make them out of curtain fabric that has a light rubbery lining-helps to avoid too much soakage!

Here is an article I found on how to make a pottery apron from a Pottery Making Illustrated, Special Potters Guide issue from 2001-2002:

Keep it clean!

Marian

It’s Been Amazing!

Events Videos

My years (15) in Australia – first as a professor at Bond University, then as a full-time potter – have been amazing!

We moved to Australia accidentally. We never really “planned” to be here. But life has a funny way of leading you where it wants you to go.

I was working in Texas-doing pottery on the side – as I have done most of my life. Then we moved to Australia and I got a great job teaching at Bond Uni.

After teaching at Bond Uni, I started doing pottery full time, moved to our bush property, and began writing this blog. The blog has been a great way to document my progress, the people in my life and all of the fabulous pottery opportunities that I was so fortunate to enjoy.

I’ve put together this photo memory piece for you, but feel free to go through the blog to see what all has happened here!

The blog will undoubtably change in the upcoming months to reflect my new life and work in Texas, but I plan to stick to a similar format with similar information.

Hope you enjoy this as much as I’ve enjoyed reliving it all in photos!

Australian Ceramics Open Studios 2016, North Coast Mud Trail 2016

It’s all happening!

Studio and Equipment

I really wish that I had taken more photos of the process of selling off all of my pottery studio equipment…especially of all the people that came to shop, say hi, and talk pottery! It’s been an arduous, dirty (so much friggin’ dirt in the barn), super hot and humid, exhausting and super fun process!

I’m almost done…all of my kilns, raku kilns included, have found new homes and loving owners. It feels really great to see each piece/part of my studio go on to where they will have a new and different life.

It’s sorta like MY transition – I’m moving from my huge, crazy, out there studio to my 2-car garage studio (which I previously had in the USA) which is smaller, but well-equipped and full of possibilities! I’m moving to a new and different life that hopefully, will be as or even more rewarding than the one I’ve had here in Australia.

I’ll be back and forth, but for the moment, Peace Out Australia!

See ya on the flip side!

Love to you all!

Marian

Moving My Studio!

Studio and Equipment

All of my pottery studio equipment, tools, etc will soon be up for sale. I’ll be posting them on facebook and other sites. Two sites on Facebook where I’ll be posting things are Pottery Equipment for Sale in Queensland and Pottery Equipment for Sale in NSW.

We have great news and sad news! We have been in transition for some time…it isn’t easy, but we are moving back to Texas.

Or just email me or ring me: marianhwilliams@mac.com or ring me 0408684567

I’ve loved having such an amazing opportunity to work in pottery in Australia – I’ve had so many wonderful experiences and have learned so much. Leaving behind my two gas kilns will be hard- and all that space!. But it also is a killer! Lots of physical labor involved! Moving to cone 6 electric seems to be a good option at the moment. You just forget how easy it is to set your electric kiln controller and it does ALL the work!

Our barn/studio in Australia was so mammoth that just keeping it swept was daunting. And I found myself actually confused on a daily basis as what I wanted to accomplish. Less choice, easier decision.

I previously had a studio in Texas, so I’m pretty well sorted there already. A smaller studio is nice…less upkeep. I have no complaints! It’s awesome.

I’m really looking forward to getting myself sorted and productive in my studio in Texas!

As for creativity, I find that since I align more – mentally, physically, historically – with Texas, my farm, my lake … these are my inspiration and it is flowing!! Can’t wait to show you my new work, lines, and creativity.

I’ll miss you, but will be back and forth during the transition.

Love you all!

Marian

eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring

Atmospheric Firing Workshop

Workshops

Feeling LOST!! Take a Workshop!

As I’m in an in between world at the moment – half in the USA and half in Australia – I’m feeling a little lost and am trying to make some connections in the USA. ‘

I recently saw this announcement on Instagram and decided to sign up!

I’d seen Myra Douglass’s work at the Texas Clay Festival and loved it!

Myra was teaching the workshop and it was at Eye of the Dog Art Center, which is a big hub of potters in the Texas area, so it was a win/win as far as learning/connecting.

Eye of the Dog Art Center is an amazing place run by Billy Ray and Beverly Mangum.

An entire group of sculptures sitting in the bleachers, welcome you as you enter.

eye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiringeye of the dog art center, myra douglass, atmospheric firing, ceramics, woodfiring — Entry way to main studio.

The Mangum’s are very collaborative in their approach to fostering the talents of up and coming young potters. Such a great model for the arts, especially ceramics!

It’s a very welcoming place with a big sign welcoming potters in the studio!

Myra’s workshop covered the creation of works and the treatment of the surfaces for atmospheric firings, specifically woodfiring in this case. It was really awesome that she gave us great information on vessels, techniques, and slip application to ensure a successful wood firing – everything from the form, the clay, the texturing, and the glaze/slip to use.

I’ve participated in numerous woodfirings in Australia at Murwillumbah Potters and it can be a great way to meet other potters.

Myra explained the process of woodfiring at their amazing wood kiln – looks very exciting!

As part of the workshop, we will be able to participate in an upcoming woodfiring! I’m really looking forward to that!

So if you are interested, go take a workshop and check out the Eye of the Dog Art Center!

The class was great, the facilities wonderful and Billy Ray and Beverly are gracious hosts and serve a most magnificent home-cooked lunch!

Peace out, potters!

Barrel firing, marian williams pottery, barrel fired pottery

How To Prepare Your Pots For Barrel Firing

Barrel firing Firing How To's Videos

I’ll be doing a barrel fire soon- when the burn ban lifts!

But I’m getting the pots ready.

Here’s a video on how I do it:

To prepare pots for barrel firing, each vessel must be sanded, terra sigillata applied, then burnished to a high shine.

I use Marcia Selsor’s recipe for Terra Sigillata:

Fill a liter plastic bottle 3/4 full of water.

Add 250 grams of ball clay.

Put lid on bottle and shake vigorously.

Add about 1 teaspoon of sodium silicate to bottle.

Shake vigorously again.

Let bottle sit for an hour.

Put bottle in a container wider than the bottle.

Put a slit in bottle just above dark portion of contents and squeeze to get the liquid terra sigilatta out.

Put terra sigillata in covered container.

It’s so easy!!

I’m available for workshops- just let me know at marianhwilliams@mac.com

Peace out, potters!

Marian

San Antonio Museum of Art, The Magic of Clay and Fire: Japanese Contemporary Ceramics

The Magic of Clay and Fire: Japanese Contemporary Ceramics Exhibit

Exhibitions

I recently visited the The Magic of Clay and Fire: Japanese Contemporary Ceramics Exhibit at the San Antonio Museum of Art. It was an absolutely impeccable collection of beautiful ceramics.

Hope you can visit the exhibit if you are in the area, if not, then hope you enjoy this review of the exhibit.

Peace out, potters!

copper red glaze, cone 10 reduction, high fire glazes,

How To Spray Glazes: Tips for Buying A Spray Gun

How To's Spraying Glazes Tools and Equipment Videos

Spraying glazes can allow you to layer glazes, apply glazes in a random manner and also better control the amount of glaze applied to a piece.

One of the key elements in the spraying process is the spray gun itself.

Here is a video on the type of spray gun that I recommend.

Hope this is helpful! And good luck with your spraying!

Pottery Tools – I Have An Obsession!

Studio and Equipment Tools and Equipment

When I left Texas for Australia 14 years ago, I thought it was for a few months visit. Texas Pottery Studio

Little did I know that I’d get a job as a professor at Bond University and that we would make a life in Australia. So I left my pottery studio in Texas as though I’d be right back!!!

Since I’m in Texas for a while, I decided to clean up my pottery tools – shameful to leave them like this!!!

But what is crazy is how many pottery tools I have!!! It’s quite amazing! And I’ve got even more in Australia…so why the obsession!?

I actually don’t know, but perhaps I thought that the tool would make me a better potter. Not so, but they don’t hurt! Also, it’s so fun to try/play with a new tool and see the results.

I found a tool amongst all the others that stood out…I even wondered how’s I’ve managed to survive without it!!

I cant remember where I got it or if I made it…but it’s awesome!!!