Browsing by Author "Gogerty, Gary"
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Item Establishing a Production Pottery(1975-08) Gogerty, GaryMy decision to examine and discuss the problems which the potter faces when trying to start a production studio is based upon my belief that this important area is often omitted from the ceramic programs of many colleges and universities. Neglecting this subject often limits the student's professional choice to a career in teaching because he lacks the experience and training necessary to operate a production studio. The craft community is also at fault because very little specific information is available from craft organizations in regards to the life of a practicing potter. As a result of this lack of information, most students believe the decision to establish a production studio to be simple. Few take the time to carefully examine the situation, its demands and the commitment necessary for a successful operation. This is not to imply that the situation is so demanding that it becomes an impossible task. It is, however, one that requires more than superficial consideration. The aim of this paper is to present some of the problems new professionals encounter, and to discuss, based upon observation and research, the guidelines potters should consider before attempting to establish a production studio. The information presented in this paper was obtained by several methods. Published material provided insufficient and limited information. Therefore a questionnaire was devised and sent, with a letter of introduction, to a number of experienced potters in the United States and Canada. As well as providing a means of obtaining information, the questionnaire served as the basic outline for the body of this paper, and as the format for taped interviews with local production potters. (See appendix) Unfortunately, the written response to these questions was weak. Most of the potters simply refused to take the time to answer the questions adequately. On the other hand, the interviews were informative and provided contrasting views as to their interpretation of the production potter's position in the art community and his problems.