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We are interviewing for an
individual to start in May 2009 and finish in either November 2009 or November
of 2010.
The May-Oct time period represents our summer season when our showroom is
open. Depending in the
individual, the apprenticeship might end in early November, or continue for an additional
year.
Before applying for an apprenticeship, try to
achieve an understanding about who we are and what kind of work we do. Please take a
few minutes to look over OUR ENTIRE web site, read the
Biography
section and related materials. Learn as much as you can, about us BEFORE contacting
us personally. Taking the initiative to understand where you are applying, speaks
volumes about you.
It is in your own best interest
to visit as many studio potters as possible before applying for any
apprenticeship. You will have a better idea if a particular type of studio
potter is right for you, only if you have visited and spoken to different
potters in various locations doing varied types of work.
Having read our biographies and
resume you know that for 20 years our work was specialized in making water
sculptures which were sold exclusively through galleries. In 1990 the work
changed to an emphasis on using fire and vapors to mark pots with information
about process. This explains the many different kilns at our pottery and
why we fire in such varied methods. Current work is sold directly from the
gallery and on this web site.
A major component of work
for an apprentice is helping customers who come by the showroom/studio. An
apprentice must be comfortable speaking with people and giving studio tours.
An apprentice must be able to converse intelligently regarding various processes. An
apprentice need not be proficient in all areas of potting, but must learn about materials, techniques and the history of pottery
in order to communicate this information to customers. A college
degree in clay is not necessary, but an interest in clay and pottery indicates an apprentice will continue to read and
learn about various aspects of the field.
The apprentice we seek is a self-assured
individual, who is comfortable performing a wide variety of tasks. He or she needs
to be goal oriented, and see the bigger picture when doing a variety of chores. Not
every task will involve direct contact with clay, such as assisting at
annual workshops
hosted at our studio.
The position of apprentice with us
will not be determined by how well you make pots. You will have ample
opportunity to refine your pottery skills and define yourself as an individual.
How to make pots is something that can be learned with self study, in schools or
craft centers. Making pots is easy, making a living selling your pots is
difficult, and often the downfall of a good potter.
Over the past 36 years our pottery has weathered numerous changes in the
economy. Qualities like staying flexible, adapting to change, and
balancing economics with creative design, are some of the most important skills
that an apprentice can learn at a working pottery. Working here you will
be exposed to many visiting potters and make contacts that can help in your
journey as a potter.
This position will not start as a
paid position. Anyone interested in working with us needs to be
financially self-reliant on an interim basis. Your initial compensation
will consist of knowledge gained, and the use of our studio facilities for
making your personal work.
Come to this position with an open mind, enthusiasm, and a willingness to reach defined
goals, and it could be the experience of a lifetime.
Tasks of the apprentice
The Gallery is open 6 days a week
May-Oct in the busy summer months. Christine and Robert
greet and speak with every customer, this task is shared equally with an
apprentice. This may be the greatest help that an apprentice can
provide, therefore it is important for an apprentice be comfortable meeting &
greeting many different kinds of people.
Summer is when pots, made the
previous winter, are glazed and fired. Nearly all work at the pottery is
made and bisque fired between November and May. The large
Noborigama accommodates 1500 pots and is a major event in which the apprentice
will be intimately involved, from preparing work for the kiln, through the
firing and doing maintenance to the kiln after each firing. This kiln is fired
twice each year, once in early summer and again in early autumn. Other firings
include the occasional Raku and Pit kilns which are a minor aspect in regard to
the number of pieces fired, but serve as a valuable addition to the showroom.
Keeping the showroom tidy and working on the grounds outside (mowing and
weeding the showroom garden) are necessary in the early summer. The main
function of an apprentice at our studio is to free time for Christine and
Robert, so they have time for their own work. Robert never asks an
apprentice to do a job he has not already done, or would do without the help of
an apprentice.
Once a trial period has concluded,
a mutually arrived at agreement will be prepared to ensure that apprentice and
Robert have
clearly defined responsibilities and goals. Robert would enjoy sharing his experience and
enthusiasm with an apprentice. He encourages anyone considering
apprenticing to visit the studio, meet Robert & Christine, and speak with
past apprentices, regarding their role and experience at the pottery.
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