My show “Growth” opened November 11, 2011 and runs through Jan.25, 2012 at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville, VA in the South Gallery of the Dickinson Building, 501 College Dr. It is open to the public and hours can be found at 434-961-5362. Recently reviewed by Laura Parsons in “The Hook” on November 24 and online on Nov. 21, the show was highly praised. I enjoyed Laura’s ability to totally grasp what I was after in this series. Here’s the exact link – http://www.readthehook.com/102120/curve-vase-ious-ross-bends-clay-and-opens-mouths.
SAT & SUN, DEC 3 & 4, from 10 AM to 4 PM –
4220 Free Union Road
Everyone is invited to come visit Free Union Country School to enjoy my latest POTTERY and the newest work of 6 local artisans making wood bowls, jewelry, handwoven scarves, quilts and stockings, honeysuckle baskets, stained glass shades and glass quilt squares, and leather belts and accessories.
www.facebook.com/freeunioncraftshow
Early Bird Specials: I’ll have a table full of bargain pots. Some are discontinued designs or glazes, some have a slight flaw, some were glaze tests. All are totally functional and would make perfect gifts. I’m sure they will fly ? off the table.
Yummy snacks, good conversation, and a spectacular view of the mountains! You’ll want to spend the day.
Yes, I now have your attention and I must clarify that I am talking about CLAY – my drug of choice. For almost 40 years ( impossible!), I have been hopelessly addicted to clay and the process of forming functional vessels out of plastic mud and then firing to permanence. Humble pots, whether a small mug or a teapot or a colorful lamp, become integral parts of the rituals of daily life.
And that’s why a handmade pot makes an ideal gift. It might be turned on, fondled, or placed on the lips as your loved one drinks and thinks of you (and possibly of the maker) with a smile.
Save the date! We’ll be ready for your shopping pleasure – warm, easy parking, good food, relaxed atmosphere. Please join us.
- We even carved a new sign!
August 5 – September 25, 2011, Staunton Augusta Art Center presents my newest sculptural and functional work. It’s free and open to the public -
20 S. New Street Staunton, VA 24401. Gallery Hours - Mon – Fri 10-5 Sat 10 – 4 Sun 1 – 4 Phone – 540.885.2028 or Email - info@saartcenter.org
Photos are up all over – here in my Gallery and also on my facebook page and on SAAC facebook page. It’s different and might surprise you.
RAKU WORKSHOP – Why not fire when you are already hot?!?
A 3-Day Clay Party with Nancy Ross, instructor
WHO: Anyone with an interest in clay. No experience necessary. Some handbuilding would be helpful, but you can learn on the job. Limited to the first 15 people who register, but we will need a minimum of 6 people to hold the workshop.
WHEN: 2 consecutive weekends – July 30/31 – 10 AM – 3 PM – Demos on handbuilding and throwing for raku. 2 days to produce pots.
then either August 6 or 7 – 9 AM until done – glaze and fire pots. We will pick the day by the weather.
WHERE: MARY BALDWIN COLLEGE – Staunton, VA 24401
ceramics studio in the basement of Kable dorm.
COSTS: $200 for the entire workshop including clay, glazes, tools, and firing. Snacks and drinks provided.
$150 for MBC students, faculty, or staff.
$150 for PVCC students or high school students with proper i.d.
$50 – firing only! On either August 6 or 7. You bring your bisqued pots with you.
REGISTRATION: Please email finepotter@aol.com to hold your space until the deposit is received.
Send $50 deposit to hold your space to:
Nancy Ross
PO Box 73
Free Union, VA 22940
No refunds on deposits after July 15.
Balance due on first day of workshop.
INFORMATION: Email: finepotter@aol.com or call Nancy at 434.973.6846
Raku Pot by Nancy
In case you are interested in the workshop, here’s a brief description of the process.
Raku pottery originated in Japan in the early 16th century, created by descendants of the Raku family for the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. First seen in the U.S. in the early 1960’s. the raku process was embraced for its immediacy and simplicity.
Potters make and bisque fire pottery, glaze it, and fire it again in an outdoor kiln. As the kiln heats, the glazes come to a boil, then flatten as they become molten. At around 1800°, the kiln is opened and the glowing pots are removed and transferred to a container filled with combustible materials. In this transition, the pots are subjected to extreme thermal shock, which creates the characteristic crackle of the glazes.
When the hot pots ignite the flammable material, a lid is quickly put on the container, which shuts off the source of oxygen. This process “reduces” the pots in an oxygen-starved atmosphere that is rich in carbon. Any crackle or unglazed portions of the pot turn varying shades of gray or black, and the rich colors of the glazes are developed.
Bowl with crackle glaze
Raku is a fast-firing technique which brings clay, heat, and smoke together in serendipitous ways, making discovery as significant as invention. Spontaneous and unpredictable results require suspension of expectations! A good release!
“I appreciated the opportunity to complete a project from start to finish. I feel there is real value in seeing the project through to the firing. After the firing I was immediately inspired for my next project and was overwhelmed with ideas of what to do next. I learned that there is so much science behind mixing glazes, and often the mistakes aren’t revealed until the piece is fired.”
- Holly Curry Bono
“Nancy Ross expertly guided us through the raku process, addressing any
concerns and answering any questions we had, all the while allowing us the
freedom to explore our own creativity. The firing was hot and mesmerizing
with the appropriate level of danger. Opening the reduction cans to
discover what changes your glaze had undergone was like unwrapping a
present on Christmas morning. It was a fun and exciting weekend; I hope to
attend next year.”
-Patrick Gibson
