Archive for the Studio Space Category
Sit like a Professional.
ONE OF THESE
Is a professional potters chair, the other one is not.
I’ve sat on those buckets for almost two and a half years now. O haven’t minded one bit. They get the job done just fine.
I first saw this on GoodElephant.com, where I love to read about Mea Rhee–a potter who has been an incredible inspiration to me. Her students got her this, apparently its the Lexus of potter’s stools.
I recently did an order and decided that instead of investing in new materials, I wanted to invest into equipment. The slab roller, the extruder, and some other high-end goodies are going to have to wait. I’ve been saving for a kiln, but this guy was a good next purchase for sure. It takes pressure off your hips and displaces it accordingly. Plus, there’s levers to adjust it up-down, and tilt. Everyone loves levers.
I finally decided to go pro and get this. Why? Because I decided I’m a professional potter. Do I feel like one? Not always. But do I train and do all the things a professional potter does? Yessir.
Somewhere along the way, I began to train like a potter. Work like a potter. Make products like a potter. Start a business like a potter. Learn like a potter.
So, I’m going to say I’m a professional potter–or, at least sit in a professional potters chair until I become one.
Setting Up
This weekend, my parents came down to visit. And what better thing to do with your dad, than install a 220 line, by splitting the oven-range line into its own box!
After a trip to Home Depot (and then Lowe’s for the wire with HD didn’t have), we measures thrice, shut off power, split the line, installed a box, stripped lots of heavy wires, and ran and installed a new 220 box. Apparently there’s lots of shapes your 220 plug can be. Outs, its the a straight top, and two angled bottom plugs. Mines, the highest amperage plug, 40 amps. Our line is rated up to 60 amps, so no running the oven while I’m firing!
Apparently, it depends on your amperage. Most kilns say “Don’t change your plug,” but as long as it can handle the amperage, and your box is suited accordingly, change those plugs away! Overprotect, don’t underamp.
My kilns are a Cress, and a Paragon. Don’t get too excited though–mine are older than me probably, and got each one for $100. So far, we’ve invested $200 into kilns and $150 into wiring, making my current up-start total equalling $250.
Check out the space! I’m hoping to add a wedging table on top of the cement divider, as well as some actual furniture (non-kiln) to make the space by the fireplace a man-cave–dividing the basement into both a studio space AND a man-cave, but that’s another project. You can clearly see the separate areas.
I’m looking for:
- a woodstove
- carpet tiles
- and an old washtub-style sink.
That’s most of it for now. Check it out!