News

READER FEEDBACK

We've been contacted by a reader asking if we could include more details of some of the materials used in our projects, including where to buy them – for example, the nichrome wire in the fox sculpture in our last issue. This is really helpful feedback for us and is something we'll be implementing in future issues.

The wire used for the fox project was 20-gauge (0.8mm), but since this was a small and light project, a lighter gauge would have been fine, eg 22-gauge (0.6mm). This, along with other gauges, is in stock at bluematchbox.co.uk

If there's anything you'd like us to explain in more detail, please do let us know by emailing the editor at claycraft.ed@kelsey.

co.uk

New clay body

TKJ Throwing and Handbuilding Body is a versatile clay for use on the wheel and in hand-building. This clay has been developed in collaboration with Tom Knowles Jackson, with properties specifically suited to throwing on a momentum wheel. The clay is responsive to work with on a slow-moving wheel yet retains the plasticity necessary for full-bellied forms and larger vessels and has excellent green strength.

TKJ Throwing and Handbuilding Body fires to a gentle warm brown in reduction and a golden bu in oxidation (recommended firing range 1200-1300°C).

Available now at: potclays.co.uk

Spring: Blossom – 40 Years in the Making

Heather Elvidge

An exhibition full of the joys of spring! Jewellery, ceramics, sculptures and wall art by a selection of blossoming talented makers accompanied by makers rediscovered from a remarkable 40-year archive, including some real Yorkshire treasures. Vibrant colours and patterns, nature in all its glory, and amazing wildlife are explored by some of the most talented makers on the craft scene. ● 5th February – 30th April ● craftcentreleeds.co.uk

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Hannah Billingham has been awarded Ceramic Artist of the Year at the Corporate Live Wire Yorkshire Prestige Awards 2021/22. "It has been an amazing year for me,” said Hannah. “I've worked with some brilliant galleries and had a series of successful online exhibitions. It's amazing to receive this award as I prepare to move to a bigger studio and create new works in 2022."

The award adds to Hannah's other accolades from galleries in England and Wales. Hannah said, "It is a privilege to share my passion for ceramics by creating works in my Beverley Studio that sell around the globe. The past year has allowed me to develop my practice, and I am excited to build on this success in the coming year." ● Hannah's work is available to view at:

hannahbillinghamart.co.uk

● Instagram: @hannahbillinghamart ● Facebook: facebook.com/hannahbillinghamart

©Hannah Billingham

Saggar Firing in an Electric Kiln

If you love the stunning e ects that can be achieved by alternative fi ring methods fi ring but don't have the equipment needed to achieve them, then this book could well be the answer! Jolanda van de Grint explains how to use your electric kiln to create unique colours and patterns by using saggars (closed pots). And the best bit? It doesn't damage your kiln.

By using a saggar containing combustible materials, you're essentially creating a mini wood-kiln inside your electric kiln and can achieve similar results – muted earth tones and unpredictable colour fl ashing.

Beautifully illustrated and presented in a very engaging way, Jolanda takes us through her journey of discovery, which started with fi ring a pot every week for a year in an e ort to fi ne-tune the process. She shares her techniques from making the saggar, which clay body to use, to making and using terra sigillata, and glazing. This is all before you start thinking about the combustible materials; which to choose for the best results, and how to use them.

Firing schedules, results and post-fi ring glazing are covered, and there are useful chapters on experimenting and trouble-shooting.

Each section is accompanied by clear step-by-step colour photos and detailed descriptions, written in a very accessible and personal style. This book is one for the 'musthave' list! ● Saggar Firing in an Electric Kiln A Practical Handbook By Jolanda van de Grint ● Published by Schi er Craft ● £27.99 ● Format: Hardback ● Pages: 96 ● Illustrations: 206 colour photos ● ISBN: 9780764362323 ● Gazellebookservices.co.uk

Peter Montgomery, Ceramist and course instructor from Zirl near Innsbruck, throws on the pottery wheel HMT 600.

Pottery wheel HMT 600. Enjoy your results.

“ The seat is a major improvement. It is really comfortable and easily adjustable.”

The HMT 600 pottery wheel has been designed for everyday use in potters’ workshops. The high-performance machine combines modern control and drive technology with excellent ergonomics and can be individually integrated into everyday workshop life. The long service life and the many setting options of the HMT 600 promise long-term enjoyment of the equipment and perfect ceramic results.

Discover more about the HMT 600 on: www.rohde.eu/en/hmt600