Hump Day

We've already technically passed hump day this week, but at Lillstreet everyday is hump day. Throwing off the hump that is! This method of throwing allows for repetitive creation of similar pieces using one large piece of clay. Many times this technique is used for making smaller pieces -- where centering a tiny individual piece of clay is not feasible.

Below is a video of instructor Chris Chaney throwing a small teacup off of a larger lump of porcelain clay. One thing to keep in mind is that pieces thrown off the hump are much more prone to s-cracking. Care must be taken when trimming to go back and re-compress the interior of the foot.



The above video comes courtesy of Tony Gebley of the Chicago Tea Garden, an online retailer of high quality and reasonably priced loose leaf teas from around the globe.

In the Gallery

Chung & Chaney

New Work by Yong Hyun Chung and Chris Chaney

Friday, January 15 2010 to Sunday, February 14 2010

Reception: January 16, 3-6pm

Soda firing creates an unique atmosphere, allowing the artist to anticipate but not entirely control the surface of their pieces. Join us for a show of new work by two of Lillstreet's artist-teachers, highlighting the diversity and beauty of the soda-firing process.

Instructor Introduction: Chris Chaney

Please tell us a little about yourself; your name, background, education, and a fun fact or two.
Hi, my name is Chris Chaney. I spent my early college career doing all kinds of art, but ultimately received my BFA in ceramics from Northern Illinois University in 2001. Go Huskies! Fun fact...had I not studied art, I probably would have gone into aerospace engineering. Really.

How long have you been working with clay and how did you get started?
Um, I've been working in clay for about 10 years, give or take. While taking a break from university, I took a pottery course at a community college. Once I touched the clay, I knew it was what I wanted to do. Very serendipitous. I was extremely lucky to finish my college career by studying under a very demanding yet supportive ceramics professor at NIU.

What are your influences, both inside and outside of the clay world?
My influences change with the seasons. I look at everything from historical to contemporary pottery. Nothing is off limits. Currently I am studying the teawares of China, Japan, and Korea. Needless to say I'm making a lot of teapots and teacups...Outside of ceramics I look to military, aviation, and aerospace history and images for inspiration. I'm also a big fan of custom cars and hot rods as well as tattoo culture.


Do you sell your work? If so, how can one find it?
I sell my work periodically through craft sales or the odd holiday sale. I'm currently building an Etsy site which will create another outlet for direct to customer sales. I also sell thru Dancing Loon Gallery in Michigan during the spring/summer/fall seasons. I can always be reached at chris@chicagopotter.net for sales queries.

What advice can you give to students of the ceramic arts?
Practice, practice, and more practice. It's the only way you are gonna get better. Trust me on this one.

How do you spend your time when not working with clay?
I take care of my 1+yr old daughter during the day, which is more than a full time job. I also manage the Lillstreet soda firing program and am the blogmeister. Every now and then I'll go for a bike ride.

Any parting words?
Ceramics is pretty fun, but can definitely be frustrating. Just remember that we all (read: your instructors) started at the same place. Stick with it! Learning to work with clay is a lifetime endeavor. Just when you think you have it down, the next exciting technique will come along!

Website: http://chicagopotter.net