tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84374023102969561152024-03-19T11:11:06.940-07:00Apartment 51 PotteryStudio journal of the pottery, and a place to purchase my workBrandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-11635307167513583702009-02-26T11:20:00.000-08:002009-02-26T11:22:17.074-08:00Please update your bookmarks, I'm movingNew address: <a href="http://apartment51pottery.blogspot.com">http://apartment51pottery.blogspot.com</a><br /><br />Mochaware is a specialty of mine, but I sign all of my pots Apartment 51. I'll occasionally again post here but only with Mochaware pots, thanks!<br /><br />BrandonBrandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-44123892871375255082009-02-25T13:19:00.000-08:002009-02-25T14:27:15.120-08:00Oil Rig Vase<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE9sz66kothQxNISq8G3vWRQ0EWABY1EYDb8EBVSgDQ04z0vQVAsUBqgdcSxlLj1DDiEuFhrYvftTl4CpKAKTtEmdS7WSbeEhvIb22t9eV8EgHjxDbXOOEvbV6NjMQVwe-vOdYKXa_d69/s1600-h/oilrig.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE9sz66kothQxNISq8G3vWRQ0EWABY1EYDb8EBVSgDQ04z0vQVAsUBqgdcSxlLj1DDiEuFhrYvftTl4CpKAKTtEmdS7WSbeEhvIb22t9eV8EgHjxDbXOOEvbV6NjMQVwe-vOdYKXa_d69/s320/oilrig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306848551808660994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Description:</span><br /></div>I think this vase is fitting for the times we are living in right now. It stands approximately 8 or 9 inches, contact me if you want to know the exact height, and I'm happy to measure it. Varying widths. Clear liner glaze holds water for fresh cut flowers or complete it with some raffia or dried flowers or to just stand alone on a table or shelf. These imprinted pottery is a new technique for me using lithographic transfer technique that printmakers use, and for a potter I think I did a good job on a 3-D surface.<br /><form target="paypal" action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><br /><input name="cmd" value="_s-xclick" type="hidden"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price:</span> $90.00<br /><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><br /><input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick"><br /><input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="3535095"><br /><input type="image" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!"><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1" /><br /></form><br /><br /></form>Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-24776567865886106772009-01-27T20:24:00.000-08:002009-01-27T20:41:17.182-08:00Negative SpaceLet's get personal, breathe in - breathe out, another day passes. Should I write in my blog, no, not today. Only have an hour, would rather take care of my body - work out, and spend some time with Family. All the while, being the bread winner right now with a nice day job, I'm a hard worker - got to, several mouths to feed, mine being the hungriest - always love a nice, warm dinner in the middle of winter. Several thousand pounds of clay wait in the studio for me to shape. Variations of dinnerware sets race through my mind, colors interacting, it's exciting as it plays out. Then, I fall asleep. I burn the 'midnight oil' several times a week - do my best work then, and good thing because there's no other time. I love to read the news, prefer the paper copy, love the way it feels against my fingertips, especially when it smudges, weird I know but even weirder I love the smell of the aromatic gasoline I fill my Honda up with every 3 weeks. I don't take it in too deeply, it's only 5 degrees out right now, and with the windchill even worse, but I love it here in the heart of the Midwest, the chill of the night over Saint Paul, the black ice I almost slip on, and one step closer perhaps tomorrow to sitting down and throwing some wet clay on my pottery wheel. I'm not actively selling right now, gosh who would buy in this market? Not me, especially for items like pottery or any art. We all take cutbacks, I expect to weather this storm and emerge with a lot of great pottery at good prices. I'm not going to mark down my pottery 50% anymore, not worth it, and in fact I'm ashamed I did it recently, really ate into my bottom line and my perspective, but good for the customer. I fear that other potters right now, perhaps more new to the arena will not survive this economic crisis. Even clay at 29 cents per pound if you buy it in bulk is a strong consideration to postpone for a few months. Onto a different subject, I've been working my way through the 1st season of 6 feet under, love it. Dark, but humorous at times, David and Nate are a real treat for my contemplative soul. Listening to Tegan and Sara right now, and "I don't even know you, and now I'm saying bye, bye . . . "<br /><br />Take care folks and hope you'll check back again soon for a more coherent posting and maybe a few pictures too.Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-39127430971532614682009-01-11T07:07:00.000-08:002009-01-11T07:12:37.036-08:00Emerging Artist, Art of Highland in Saint PaulJust received the letter yesterday. I'm excited to participate. March 28th, Sat 10am-5pm.<br /><br />I was selected as their Emerging Artist; more details coming soon, check back later.Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-54115619492277289282009-01-08T13:54:00.000-08:002009-01-08T14:04:22.293-08:00Electric Kiln Conversion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfaoxULvsGVTpSNXVb72vmSxtrTd3EIKBmW0BtMqYFzlqpjEq6s875POF9GxON34pp5_w6OKzazOez3rzzyUUAqaeIhTKxRSN_uAfA0UAlBsgCtXf9d2TGBeT-mzXHqtgs8OhLyBfS-pm/s1600-h/kiln.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfaoxULvsGVTpSNXVb72vmSxtrTd3EIKBmW0BtMqYFzlqpjEq6s875POF9GxON34pp5_w6OKzazOez3rzzyUUAqaeIhTKxRSN_uAfA0UAlBsgCtXf9d2TGBeT-mzXHqtgs8OhLyBfS-pm/s320/kiln.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289045845018571266" border="0" /></a>For those potters out there considering it after reading the email by <a href="http://www.ceramicartsdaily.org/">Ceramic Arts Daily</a>, converting an electric kiln - I tried it 2 summers ago based on Bowers publication in Ceramics Monthly, and in my experience it was a failure, of course your mileage may vary. I'd try it again perhaps but definitely with lower maturing glazes, perhaps on a low-fire clay body around cone 03-cone 1, might get some good action.<br /><br />My friend Josh blogged about our experience here: <a href="http://joshgrenier.blogspot.com/">http://joshgrenier.blogspot.com</a> - - Go to 2007 and page down until you find it. If you can't, contact me. That's me to the left after stoking in a bit of soda-drenched wood, nice haircut, heh?<br /><br />All work in my <a href="http://mochaware.etsy.com/">Etsy store</a> qualifies for 5 buck shipping. New work coming soon. After the fire inspection passed earlier in this week, which was a relief, I've been back at the wheel making mugs and vases. Firing in mid-stoneware range with a red earthenware clay, excellent durability for the clay I'm using. Look out world!Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-84969136767838681552009-01-06T06:48:00.000-08:002009-01-06T06:49:39.981-08:00Fire inspection passed - now back to workJust wanted to quickly post that the studio is still up-and-running, fire marshall thinks everything looks good. For those of you new to my blog, Apartment 51 Pottery is in an apartment building.Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-6562909941359400342009-01-03T17:28:00.000-08:002009-01-03T17:30:52.637-08:00Fire Inspection on MondayCrossing fingers all goes well - I cleaned up - so I should take some pictures of that because that's relatively new. Got a new book at this place called 1/2 price books regarding Safety in the Pottery Studio by Zamek, hope to get a few tips in there regarding safety because I haven't learned too much about that - just the basics using a kiln vent, mop rather than sleep to keep the clay dust down, etc. Happy new year to you all.Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-38318455631265808752008-12-28T08:59:00.000-08:002008-12-28T09:04:40.789-08:00New Post on PotteryI've been working on formulating a white, low-fire clay body. I've tried 50:50 Talc, OM#4 Ball Clay, it works well - too plastic, so I've added grog, 48mesh, 1/2% - works well in throwing. Add zircopax and bentonite to taste. Currently, I'm cleaning out my pug mill of all that red clay which has lots of red iron oxide. My initial tests with Talc Nytal have been scrapped, I'm using a new American Talc from Texas, I'm more aware of buying USA made clay supplies as shipping them across the ocean is prohibitive and costs a lot - Wollastonite comes to mind. On tap for the new year: fire inspection of the studio January 6th, formulating business cards, a few shows next summer, and working on lithographic transferring of images onto pottery using mason stains.Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-64575888954683982932008-12-16T18:58:00.000-08:002008-12-16T19:02:13.012-08:00New Talc, Texas - no more NytalI'm formulating a new clay body with Talc. Previously, Nytal-100 was stocked up at my local shop, but due to recent experiments it was believed by some to be an asbestos-like particle. Thankfully, I my experiments use the new Talc, from Texas - so I'm guessing Mike over at Continental will charge a bit more for it. The new Texas Talc is not like asbestos, a scary word. Also, Mike let me have a little sample of his white clay with the new Texas Talc, I'm going to try out their formula, and see how it works compared to the one I came up with, a little bentonite, grog, ball clay, and talc.Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-68991564419395677652008-12-14T19:06:00.000-08:002008-12-14T19:08:38.582-08:00New Clay RecipeI'm trying out a new clay recipe after reading a couple books on what constitutes a clay body suitable for different applications. I made a cone 03-2 body, that I can slide up and down with a particular ingredient that is 50lbs per $8.00. I'm hesitant to release the recipe quite yet until I do some testing for fear that someone might think it works right now, and it hasn't been fired yet. Will write again in a few days after some more work on absorption, vitrification, and glaze fit - have a good week.Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-26566566174293191952008-12-11T06:19:00.001-08:002008-12-11T06:35:42.304-08:00New Work in my Online Shop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-cHcWQ-bqwsI-FQdPFRAqt1P43yT8GUf6WVpFosQTFCGIc-b7dYYb9u1XosxhIPnkgW1HbwxoY9D-I4_Po3uxsfEOL9W7IoVZ8DX2FIZPyhZB2E8JxtD__w2G777Duon59rNGh5WXENy/s1600-h/marilyn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 155px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-cHcWQ-bqwsI-FQdPFRAqt1P43yT8GUf6WVpFosQTFCGIc-b7dYYb9u1XosxhIPnkgW1HbwxoY9D-I4_Po3uxsfEOL9W7IoVZ8DX2FIZPyhZB2E8JxtD__w2G777Duon59rNGh5WXENy/s320/marilyn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278538885695218802" border="0" /></a>New work fresh out of the kiln, now available for sale in my <a href="http://mochaware.etsy.com">online store</a>. Order in the next few days (by December 12th, let's say) , and I'll be sure to get the package to you by Christmas. Most of my new work employees a printmaking technique along with terra sigillata - a very fine clay resulting in a shiny coating. This Marilyn Monroe coffee mug with a candlestick-type handle has Marilyn's image on both sides.Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-86905450368523634542008-12-06T11:55:00.000-08:002008-12-06T12:42:21.811-08:00Urban Experiment Part II conducted what I consider an interesting experiment today, with humanity in general and also the neighborhood and City in which I live, Saint Paul, Minnesota. The two pictures below speak volumes, specifically people love free things. Today, December 6th, 2008, I put out a table of 'seconds' which potters typically sometimes try to sell at a reduced rate. 'Seconds' are usually considered to have some type of defect in design or manufacturability. To be more specific for example, glaze defects or a crack in the pottery during firing are usually tops on the list, which can compromise the longevity of the product and usefulness.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276768487181235106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrRQr29t5Z8QhCGEzBtZFWg2eA60XcoaDQH9NkyqdhK4j8vm9z101JQgYUcynHtvxOexDU8V3O__2xUycoMH9urDjjzU-x6cESTRDJrhcZyWCY1rrTRXwzjK3dctA2LApey_RKMLb-m3B/s320/100_3653.jpg" border="0" /><br />Back to the experiment now. I left out the above pottery items on Grand Avenue, along with a sign as you can see in the picture that says "FREE POTTERY." Also, I put a jar next to the sign with the words "$ Donations Optional, But Encouraged." 10 minutes later after seeing several families, and a few gentleman on their way to the liquor store, I looked inside the jar and there was $15 plus - with 5 items missing from the table, specifically a large pitcher and a few coffee mugs and butter dish. I took the $15 from the jar, and headed over to the Midtown Global Market where there was an art fair and ethnic foods for sale. I picked up some fruit for smoothies this week, and returned for home about 2 hours later. Now, for the next picture:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2PBVW8F_TaMCDZtzvUJiAtMxbMqaC7bv2kiBGwFHmlkaChyphenhyphen1vwwfyI_DPfqRzLafH77S_bKzLIKFYGi_nt3rFrrrLobeMkFB_6Puk7XbEL3n6IZ9VhKpD-bDgAqTIsrzNFq_TkmFHg06/s1600-h/100_3654.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276768498372759970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2PBVW8F_TaMCDZtzvUJiAtMxbMqaC7bv2kiBGwFHmlkaChyphenhyphen1vwwfyI_DPfqRzLafH77S_bKzLIKFYGi_nt3rFrrrLobeMkFB_6Puk7XbEL3n6IZ9VhKpD-bDgAqTIsrzNFq_TkmFHg06/s320/100_3654.jpg" border="0" /></a> An empty table. No pottery left, and no jar with the sign on it. Now, whether there was money in the jar or not, I do not know for sure - someone may have very well wanted the vase, and there was no money in it, but let's both be honest, if in 10 minutes $15 was collected, after 2 hours and 20 pieces of 'second' pottery, there was probably a little. For me, this wasn't frustrating, but a validation of the world that I've always known it to be, selfish. This happened to Warren MacKenzie too, a famous Minnesota potter that used to have his studio wide-open to the public, people would craze after his stuff. I'm not comparing myself to Warren in the slightest so don't even go there, but he no longer sells from his workshop and I believe it's due to the selfish who bought more than they needed, turned around sold them online for triple, and being that he has always sold 'humble pots', closed down his open gallery (Lee Love is an expert on the story, so to learn more go to ClayArt, <a href="http://www.potters.org/">www.potters.org</a>, and just search for Warren MacKenzie and you're sure to find more information). I bet I felt a little like Warren today, a bit taken advantaged of by humanity, or at least someone with imbalanced morality, but it doesn't turn me away from making great pots. I talked to someone else about my experiment, and they said that every person walking by was probably thinking the same thing, wow, I could steal that money in that vase and wouldn't get caught. I responded with, I wouldn't and does that make me a better person? Hopefully, the vases and mugs and other items people picked up on their stroll are going to be welcomed into their homes and used, and I bet a few stocking-stuffers. So long for now, happy holidays to everybody.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-90071846809805531912008-12-02T21:57:00.001-08:002008-12-02T22:03:55.220-08:00New Pottery Pictures - been a long time comingHere's some new work I've been intending to get uploaded onto the blog. I've ditched the backdrop for the pots for the blog, easier on the eyes. All this work is fired cone 03 in oxidation with a clear, transparent glaze. I'm working on a volcanic ash glaze right now that's beating me up, but I've got 200lbs of the stuff and I'm determined to use it. From what I know volcanic ash = pumice, and for cone 03 I don't need much of it. I've been using Frit3195 and Gerstley line blends, will post some test tiles sometime soon.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVygJW-ooZuLcVSdLhMoKr6sZgRiLsgh8ZcZr3jThilXvffcIVKz6WZqBbI9T6oq0z9yBv-NJ7Ta6vUB_t2ApwZjzjOu04O9BuXSaff1eY2ggjZC9fuZuhP_7fglZ7g5iK7myA1UPCHdy/s1600-h/100_3580.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275439849446319986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVygJW-ooZuLcVSdLhMoKr6sZgRiLsgh8ZcZr3jThilXvffcIVKz6WZqBbI9T6oq0z9yBv-NJ7Ta6vUB_t2ApwZjzjOu04O9BuXSaff1eY2ggjZC9fuZuhP_7fglZ7g5iK7myA1UPCHdy/s320/100_3580.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1g99LTYX_9bWW0b0TUsg414aRITgByqw_SyGK4-gqLXXu4nbwUI-Tr2W2xb_Z9Z9ImQJDA4qR7AcER0X3A93dF9OjInvSrWh98xx2YIJHfAgn2Le6Vl_eBptUmGoIKHrk6wtFUOkqAxu/s1600-h/100_3636.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275439845227892818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1g99LTYX_9bWW0b0TUsg414aRITgByqw_SyGK4-gqLXXu4nbwUI-Tr2W2xb_Z9Z9ImQJDA4qR7AcER0X3A93dF9OjInvSrWh98xx2YIJHfAgn2Le6Vl_eBptUmGoIKHrk6wtFUOkqAxu/s320/100_3636.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxV08bHk9z0ZnU_KP2xYCqfIiLhEXW9-WdVPUVfP2X2-OGD-kM7fs4O2rwkwSjjP_9nXeUA4drkOIamYM8WGjqJj2leMZMmHOVGxbavP2Dji-yN0PYCW4lrw9dw_pkkBQmFQzusYY1YIJm/s1600-h/100_3628.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275439840042281330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxV08bHk9z0ZnU_KP2xYCqfIiLhEXW9-WdVPUVfP2X2-OGD-kM7fs4O2rwkwSjjP_9nXeUA4drkOIamYM8WGjqJj2leMZMmHOVGxbavP2Dji-yN0PYCW4lrw9dw_pkkBQmFQzusYY1YIJm/s320/100_3628.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM47sAwCukG_ajA34RuNhTT7Akl4-wwnIRfrSBgy-YVnaLBUE8KXBDv5aPHyXBrcIeawIwx26wlouKRKT6Q2ybv6hzWdKMNy78zoqnzy78YwigiNSvFoK5AMlwpEWxv7ioJiUj0JoLCDKk/s1600-h/100_3623.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275439832516357826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM47sAwCukG_ajA34RuNhTT7Akl4-wwnIRfrSBgy-YVnaLBUE8KXBDv5aPHyXBrcIeawIwx26wlouKRKT6Q2ybv6hzWdKMNy78zoqnzy78YwigiNSvFoK5AMlwpEWxv7ioJiUj0JoLCDKk/s320/100_3623.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5j0YI59v_xnRZLRmjw4dgjZZSGswtLbECVsOme4HNQqGnvw-9akCo9Tq2OCFZ8mGKIfeG5GoJXwBXeLh0Abl3aJRiOmvtJ5gua0EdMt1r9N1Y1WuznrqoYdk7w-3NTvLuLn9-xdvtNg04/s1600-h/100_3622.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275439826728921874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5j0YI59v_xnRZLRmjw4dgjZZSGswtLbECVsOme4HNQqGnvw-9akCo9Tq2OCFZ8mGKIfeG5GoJXwBXeLh0Abl3aJRiOmvtJ5gua0EdMt1r9N1Y1WuznrqoYdk7w-3NTvLuLn9-xdvtNg04/s320/100_3622.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-78822980031849084202008-09-16T21:26:00.000-07:002008-09-16T21:28:03.061-07:00Two New Acrylics on Canvas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrwhT5D-vzDozbhzf0V8ex_8H1U3jpPHlhB52w-v6Ha0wdU1h7FamaryMzaXpHGHj7t03lpNF8V2I0m4t-8MZx8H0p8nsCfG37yaqNNKTabpBcc8CmbdWOFKke_9P6vi8mr57nPbhE3N3/s1600-h/studio149.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246842286166390882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrwhT5D-vzDozbhzf0V8ex_8H1U3jpPHlhB52w-v6Ha0wdU1h7FamaryMzaXpHGHj7t03lpNF8V2I0m4t-8MZx8H0p8nsCfG37yaqNNKTabpBcc8CmbdWOFKke_9P6vi8mr57nPbhE3N3/s320/studio149.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZpBQBbpSom38FC4Oam6PFP9EJfDZVaxtaRM4uypzV4kR1Bal1Ny3C5dsYdR0p4h1LcKk_p4vz3cIaDYHlPvkT68yrpmtubLQYDmgQyv-YJ6WKQXjyC7G2C4seBOzMvXyftfi5iLn90Iq/s1600-h/studio150.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246842288006612050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZpBQBbpSom38FC4Oam6PFP9EJfDZVaxtaRM4uypzV4kR1Bal1Ny3C5dsYdR0p4h1LcKk_p4vz3cIaDYHlPvkT68yrpmtubLQYDmgQyv-YJ6WKQXjyC7G2C4seBOzMvXyftfi5iLn90Iq/s320/studio150.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-38841629547151632972008-09-14T18:08:00.000-07:002008-09-14T18:11:32.999-07:00Acrylic Paintings coming soon . . .I did a little painting, a diversion from pottery this weekend. I'll post a few pics after they dry up. Thanks for stopping by, take a look early this week and let me know what you think of my acrylic painting.<br /><br />Regarding pottery news, I'm still waiting for that pug mill part which has put my clay mixing on the back burner. Over the winter, my plan is to produce less pieces but of higher value to me. This may include terra sig work which I've had my eye on for awhile.Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-33772549639662846962008-09-11T19:30:00.000-07:002008-09-11T19:41:40.954-07:00Rubber Spider for Walker Pug Mill - Still WaitingFirst, a picture, then some administrative stuff:<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244959042299918994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEHURSXCzcFCoo8LljhKOo5rItfFYxdlBqiTIKWwivNIEQfQ5YNYjSpQMoENzbpiQHxGYurm1A31qV0rXvNxmVoAyGxXajCCHT10Yw82T28-_LSImCnPHUWAQei_k_HtdBBud0d-mvuYL/s320/northshore.jpg" border="0" />Supposedly the rubber coupling I need is discontinued, but I was resourceful enough after several phone calls and emails later, a part is on the way! If anyone ever reads this and owns a Walker Pug Mill, there probably isn't a part available anymore for the rubber spider as G-coupled Jaws are being phased out by a company called TB Woods and Lovejoy. If this rubber spider fails on me, I'll probably have to replace the whole jaw coupling. Should get the part by the weekend, or first thing next week. Then, to mix up some clay.</div><br /><div>In other pottery news, I stopped by the Grand Hand Gallery on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul, where fine potters such as my first pottery mentor, Steve Lloyd, and others including Robert Briscoe, Sequoia Miller, and other fine potters, I came across some pottery by Lisa Buck here in Afton, MN. I really like here work, especially that she uses a similar earthenware clay. Lovely gold and black colors decorated in an oval baker (drool . . . $110, I'd like to have it). I'd like to visit her pottery studio in Afton. On the little notecard in the gallery, it said she apprenticed with Warren and Linda.</div><div> </div><div>Thanks for reading the blog again, Matt! I like the # sign on the lateral fins of those fish!</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div>Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-18464227447083975322008-09-08T18:43:00.001-07:002008-09-08T18:52:12.200-07:00Walker Pugmill<div>I have a really old pugmill, which is really like a clay mixer, it's called a Walker-Jamar. It is a single-auger machine driven by a low-speed AC motor (3/4HP). Made here in the USA, Duluth to be exact. I love this thing. It doesn't de-air or anything spectactular, but it lets me toss in some goodies like bentonite (plasticizer) and grog, to make the clay my own. Currently, I buy clay by the box from a local supplier; which is a lot easier than making it myself regarding cleanliness of the studio and the fact that I ran some numbers the other day even considering 30% of the clay I buy by the pound, it turns out to be a 4 cent "savings" of mixing it myself and that's if I don't pay myself for the labor that goes into it. I did not calculate the cost for purchasing the materials (air-floated things like Redart) separately; my calculations were based on purchasing already mixed, dry clay, where I just add water, and throw it into the hopper. I use the Walker to recycle the clay scraps that don't turn into a pot immediately, with the hope that this clay will make a pot.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here's a picture of the rubber gear coupling that I extracted between the motor and the auger shaft. Hope to have the new part by the end of the week. It's nice to have Grainger's nearby.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243833245908971314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIhFeTL4W4VObUWbrw80jQJan3FY65Z9JZvMyY3S-c3B7CETxUFjGAO8akIKV1uCVEXged399UgjCBdoOWIXL05SB0c2uH5YXe17Ct5LwLShjK2RRBw5Z20ca4yXISNoOjxcn4hAfluwR/s320/studio147.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-30962856277549203042008-09-07T16:36:00.000-07:002008-09-07T16:44:57.708-07:00Hand Parched Wild Rice in Duluth and Barb Crowe PotteryHiking this weekend on the trails of Gooseberry, Duluth (MN). Portrait taken on the lower falls. Growing out a beard. I'll re-post if it keeps.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243428426290741010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx6G87JEBQAMHNwipARq_qbyukH94Ta12z88vjLGyFHV6RdFRqPiFm8lFVhyerqvkf9ltDo_uLo25wELef17cVsbG8BZStL3swxqJBM-rsSaklJIAXFpRsCXGpaacHJZS5sKZymGYjD6L/s320/self3.jpg" border="0" /><br />Hand parching some wild rice with Chris at Barb Crowe's Pottery.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Mq5bRx9cPSvecW21JxStz7ivx-dkKJ7_ClPebqcs3Ygwe_xLbJm-ycYLeLYFz2oWBCJaNzE08a1cBlFN5FChhXeHYbT6AfZAfBOxqeRy04lwBDD_4gbSLtT5A6iagfFvrpvtXTi9pLy_/s1600-h/rice.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243428423186206690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Mq5bRx9cPSvecW21JxStz7ivx-dkKJ7_ClPebqcs3Ygwe_xLbJm-ycYLeLYFz2oWBCJaNzE08a1cBlFN5FChhXeHYbT6AfZAfBOxqeRy04lwBDD_4gbSLtT5A6iagfFvrpvtXTi9pLy_/s320/rice.jpg" border="0" /></a> Have a good week everybody. <br /><br /><div></div>Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-16432806707070331012008-09-04T18:57:00.001-07:002008-09-05T08:33:22.841-07:00Ron Meyers Lecture<div>I attended a lecture by Regis Master Ron Meyers tonight at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. It was well attended. This is the first of what I hope many lectures and exhibitions I'll attend in the future, and it was a real treat for this to be my first one. I sat right in the middle with Warren MacKenzie and Randy Johnston ahead of me. I really didn't recognize anyone else, although I'm sure there was some other famous potters. I was likely the youngest one there, which made me feel a bit out of place, but felt well-connected to Ron Meyers lecture. I was surprised to hear that he uses red earthenware for his lovely clay creations. He has been recently experimenting with his pots in a wood kiln, and has had some previous success in firing his earthenware creations in a salt kiln at earthenware temperatures, Cone 02-03. Ron provided a thorough retrospective of his life in clay, right from the beginning when he was in high school and then in college at RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology). How he had been declined to Alfred University, and used his first wheel when he was in Graduate School, which was then only 1 year. Ron commented on how he was a 'C' student and his professor commented that he made 'C' - work relative to those undergrads, graduate students, and even the entire history of ceramics. Everybody laughed. Ron went on and discussed his time with Michael Simon, and how originally it was a very relaxing setting selling pots as they did on the weekends, but over time, it was crazy how they sold all the pots in less than 5 minutes, and people didn't care about the pots, look at them or anything, just bought and ran. This was frustrating for him. Ron said that this was the first time he's been able to tell his whole story about his Ceramics history, and that it was really nice because in workshops conversations are usually abbreviated and only spurred by audience questions. A slide show was presented towards the end, and he discussed how the pieces were made and the progression of 'cute' rabbits to toothy, scary rabbits and other creatures. One of his pots had the whole Family of animals which I really liked plus the Femme Fatales - sexy women, which gave the audience a nice 'hmm-hmm' chuckle. During questions, Warren asked Ron why Ron had sent him a pot with no drawings on it, and Warren commented on how he liked it. Ron said that he makes very few pots with no decorations on it, and usually saves them for his personal collection. Ron would like to make more pots without decoration, as that appeals to him right now.<br /><br />All-in-all, a good lecture for me to listen to. Not necessarily inspiring, but useful information on another potters journey to success.<br /></div>Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-86994635195887953682008-09-03T18:24:00.000-07:002008-09-03T18:30:21.597-07:00American Pottery Festival this weekend<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241972356279013010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30Q7kj-hIBybtpRmX-4E3Pt_sox-WpwrjUm2QfO6xPVk5v_R2aDBuDrlQJeCc8NQVJjAyvCRtglZR9neUevuiVsQvfNWZPXmDJ_dmjqIMXp3ObB-Jy3qCUmENAHdgRYM8zNVp84A09TMY/s320/2008APFposter.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Located 5 miles away at Northern Clay Center. Should be a good time; I will be missing some of the events because I'll be up North relaxing on the North Shore in Duluth, MN. However, I'm planning to attend the Minneapolis Institute of Arts opening reception with Ron Meyers headlining tomorrow night.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-79854182349571596842008-09-02T06:01:00.000-07:002008-09-02T06:09:54.728-07:00New Online Store, and RNC NewsI've started a new online store, http://SaintPaulPottery.etsy.com. Please click on the banner to the right to see what I have to offer. I will be posting 1 new work every day for the next 1 month in the store. My old store, http://mochaware.etsy.com will be closed in the coming weeks. There's still a few great items in the old store.<br /><br />Due to Hurricane Gustav, the RNC here in Saint Paul was cut a bit short, but tonight McCain and perhaps President Bush will be in the Excel Energy Center. I have yet to wander downtown, but may tonight permitting the thunderstorms subside long enough. It's about a 15 minute walk downtown from the studio. <br /><br />I will be posting pictures of my brief pottery sale this past weekend, so check back later for an update, thanks.Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-64990107794665508802008-08-29T15:29:00.001-07:002008-08-29T15:34:31.439-07:00RNC coming to town, a few new pics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5nMsiTIlcZt0JEqMWADOcjVLNB9oMbDYF7M0-TK2BeZAuPA-HOq-_JFaC_pU99s78d56nUh7kQiVoehiU0lUcbcGWizVpK06JrcyJ4uh4gPcrFtbXHzjXVEGiuuyD5QW22txcJGFRgx1/s1600-h/studio144.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240071660026617618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5nMsiTIlcZt0JEqMWADOcjVLNB9oMbDYF7M0-TK2BeZAuPA-HOq-_JFaC_pU99s78d56nUh7kQiVoehiU0lUcbcGWizVpK06JrcyJ4uh4gPcrFtbXHzjXVEGiuuyD5QW22txcJGFRgx1/s320/studio144.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIx1axkyJ5LT52iJS-llQ8kvu9rtUeOYZTPz7EY-IT3EOfBlusWpws19efXOpfxzB2KfKfbSaydIqv_YIQgp0fMiOkB5c0NhXcZ6wN7hpY-cwHEU3eXu6sTgddl_3t7xrdv8LXpI8jgGyT/s1600-h/studio145.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240071663347268850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIx1axkyJ5LT52iJS-llQ8kvu9rtUeOYZTPz7EY-IT3EOfBlusWpws19efXOpfxzB2KfKfbSaydIqv_YIQgp0fMiOkB5c0NhXcZ6wN7hpY-cwHEU3eXu6sTgddl_3t7xrdv8LXpI8jgGyT/s320/studio145.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6fcd75ZSA9PWluqPu5PaA1fnUc8GuSdsfRj9kHBcC0UyzXGExloJPjf3wOq6W6ZExSkrjx5SqJqDY6w3e1XAMdrQ-qaMEW8jQMJq3CpOK3uRzp3Jw25SZzMW3vC8ihi_uLWABC0Ko81-/s1600-h/studio146.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240071668295965074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6fcd75ZSA9PWluqPu5PaA1fnUc8GuSdsfRj9kHBcC0UyzXGExloJPjf3wOq6W6ZExSkrjx5SqJqDY6w3e1XAMdrQ-qaMEW8jQMJq3CpOK3uRzp3Jw25SZzMW3vC8ihi_uLWABC0Ko81-/s320/studio146.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Hey,</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The RNC bustle is already spilling over to Grand Ave. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I hope to write more tonight about my plans for the weekend. Here's a few pics I took a couple minutes ago, gotta go. Have a good night!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-35665173930630632152008-08-28T19:01:00.000-07:002008-08-28T19:08:48.082-07:00Republic National Convention in Saint Paul, MNThe Republic National Convention is going to be a 1/2 mile from my studio this weekend. I plan on wandering down close to the Excel Energy Center where the action is, but I'm planning to setup my pots out on Grand Avenue. I have a 10x10 tent, some pots and shelves to put them on, so I should be set. I just finished firing two glaze loads this week. Lots of great pots which I haven't taken pictures of. Lots of marbleware, some mochaware, and a few of most forms that I make. All-in-all, I'm happy with the pots I've been making the past few weeks. <br /><br />Regarding the Convention, I get a feel that Saint Paul as a City is a bit nervous right now, not sure what to expect. City officials that have previewed the Democratic Covention in Denver say that we're ready.<br /><br />Anyway, pottery will be here on the Avenue, and a beautiful weekend for it too. Write more soon, but hopefully just pictures because those are more fun to look at.Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-11503556356857150202008-08-12T14:00:00.000-07:002008-08-12T14:10:27.450-07:00Buying in Bulk<table str="" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 192pt;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="256"> <col span="4" style="width: 48pt;" width="64"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl24" style="height: 12.75pt; width: 48pt;" height="17" width="64">lbs</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left: medium none; width: 48pt;" width="64">price</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left: medium none; width: 48pt;" width="64">boxes</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left: medium none; width: 48pt;" width="64">savings</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; height: 12.75pt;" num="" height="17">500</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" num="" fmla="=28.92*5">144.6</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" num="">10</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" num="" fmla="=157.45-144.6">12.85</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; height: 12.75pt;" num="" height="17">1000</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" num="" fmla="=27.25*10">272.5</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" num="">20</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" num="" fmla="=16.7">16.7</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; height: 12.75pt;" num="" height="17">2000</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" num="" fmla="=24.86*20">497.2</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" num="">40</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" num="">47.8</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; height: 12.75pt;" num="" height="17">4000</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" num="" fmla="=22.85*40">914</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" num="">80</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none;" num="" fmla="=994.4-914">80.4</td> </tr></tbody> </table><br />Cost savings in buying in bulk. This is a calculation for clay at a local supplier, Continental Clay. The more you buy, the better the savings. Of course, storing it may be the limiting factor. <br /><br />I'd like to dig my own clay someday, plenty of areas to scope out along the Minnesota River and also near Red Wing, a famous pottery in Southeastern Minnesota about 30 minutes from my studio. Several 5 gallon buckets and a shovel should do the job, especially since the ground isn't frozen now. Something to consider. Richard Bresnahan came across quite a find several years ago, http://www.csbsju.edu/pottery/happenings/video.htm. This is in Collegeville, MN near St. Cloud, about 2 hours away from Saint Paul.<br /><br />All this would require testing though. Firing temperature for vitrification, how the glaze interacts with the clay body, reformulation of slips maybe, the list goes on. But an endless supply of useable clay would be a treat.Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8437402310296956115.post-43493031463649658922008-08-07T10:50:00.000-07:002008-08-07T10:53:10.734-07:00Happy Birthday to me!That's right. I turned 28 years old today. Planning a night with no clay involvement, some Umbria Pizza, and a nice walk around a nearby lake. Beautiful 80 degrees here today; I might sneak into the studio and load up a bisque, shh!, don't tell anyone.Brandon Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11246468153736051958noreply@blogger.com1