What are the pros and cons of each? These are the personal thoughts of Dan Vito, so take them for what they’re worth. I have seen many students pass through Fireborn Studios.
You can define “successful” any way you want. You may prefer a classroom situation. Or you may want to “graduate” and set up a studio of your own. Here are some pros and cons, and things to think about.
Classrooms offer instruction, equipment, a social atmosphere, and a structured time slot. You encounter recurring tuition fees. Shelf space limits the size and volume of your production. You have a weekly commute. And when you end a term there will likely be unfinished work in process.
Shared Studio Space may be an appealing option. You could work together with a friend and rent a space or use your home, and build your own studio. Additionally there are other options around town, places that rent studio space, or provide access to equipment. I will mention few I know of, but there are surely others: Union Project, PCA&M, Braddock Library, Radiant Hall, Eberle Studio, Made by You etc. Some have gas kilns, some don’t. Knowing what you want and what sorts of amenities you’re looking for will help guide your search process.
Home Studios have lots of advantages, and allow you to spend as much time as you want making pots. You can make as many pots as you want, as large as you want, and there is no commute. You have total control of drying so you can trim and add attachments at the perfect stage of dryness (that’s a big plus). All you need is a utility sink, a space you can get dirty, shelving and tables, and if you are a hand builder you don’t need a wheel. You may already have these things if you are a homeowner. Space and money are required to get set up, but the equipment costs are a one time expense. After that, you just pay for materials and utilities.
Equipment excluding firing: Wheels ($660 – $1700), bats ($300), hand tools ($100), Giffin Grip ($220), banding wheel ($150), buckets, wedging table, shelving….
Firing-related: 10- or 12-brick diameter electric kiln with digital controls ($3000 to 5000), kiln shelves and posts ($500), vent fan attached below the kiln ($250), room exhaust vent in a window ($?), dedicated 50 or 60 amp 240 volt circuit and outlet ($300). Electricity costs maybe $10 per firing. In a bisque you can nest and stack pots. In the glaze they must not touch one another. One tight bisque can equal 3 or more glaze firings.
Materials:
Clay ($75 to 125 per 100 pounds)
Glaze Equipment Assorted glaze tubs and buckets ($200), Electric mixer $250, sieves, sponges, brushes ….
Commercially Mixed Dry Glazes: it takes 25 pounds of dry glaze to almost fill a 5 gallon bucket. Dry glazes cost between 3 and 4 dollars a pound.
Commercially Mixed Wet Glazes: These are sold by the ounce, pint and gallon. Pints cost between $15 and $17. Expensive!
Finding or developing glazes that work well together is a long, hard journey.
I think glazing and firing are the most challenging component of setting up a studio, and probably the most expensive. Electric kilns are usually put in a garage or a small room with a window. For beginning potters a gas kiln is out of the question. If you want to set up a studio you may need help evaluating your space. For many people, paying for classes seems to make more sense given the cost and effort of setting up your own studio.
If you could make pots at home and there was a place you could take your work to be fired, that might be helpful. If potters who had extra kiln space were willing to share kiln space with others would also be helpful. But if other peoples’ pots melt or their glazes run all over your kiln shelves, that is a disaster. I know, because it has happened to me.
I am not offering any conclusions or solutions. I am just pointing out a few facts that may help you on your pottery journey.
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