CERAMICS by Sophi Sherwin Suttor
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How to mix plaster

New kiln work

4/3/2016

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Palm tree on a starfish. Likely title Kirabati coast  A reference to climate change and rising see levels in the Pacific

White earthenware with clear glaze  Dolls are a reference to the past when life was simpler

Excellent firing  Glaze super smooth  I like the irish china Belleek  it is often all white
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a doll in 11 pieces

21/2/2016

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today i worked on a doll in 11 pieces.  it is a challenge
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Cheap simple and effective glaze tool

16/2/2016

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I found this in one of the big clay shops in the US. It was cheap. You glaze and place the wet object on the red mat. It has small bumps on it that leave almost no marks on the base. If you buy more than one you can clip them into a larger mat. It makes this part of glazing a lot easier.  See at AArdvark clay and supplies us$5.95 http://aardvarkclay.com/products.php?cat=420

​Images have caption.  Click on the image to see captions
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Slip pump instructions from previous owner

15/2/2016

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Hi Sophie, the pump is self priming when it is immersed in the slip in the rubbish bin. When we were mixing slip we had a separate slip mixer which was in essence a small propeller on the end of a shaft in a large 44gal plastic drum. We have not mixed slip for many years as quality control with the clay was a problem. Over the last few years we purchased premixed slip in buckets (from walker ceramics) which we simply emptied into the slip pump bin. Slip is very abrasive and corrosive (and sets) if left in open containers so while the slip is in the (green bin) it needs to be protected from evaporation by covering. a piece of bubble wrap resting on the surface of the clay works well but can be a little messy. To clean the pump simply pump the slip out into a bucket. lift the pump out of the green bin (2 allan screws at the back of the motor mount). Tip remaining slip out of the green bin into bucket then half fill green bin with water, replace the pump and simply hold the hose open back into the green bin, It is important before pouring to recirculate the slip back into the green bin (nozzle slot on motor mount can be used) to make sure the slip is evenly fluid throughout the mix. Pump nozzles are a problem as they block up and corrode as you can see from the spare nozzles I sent. Hope this helps, from Robyn who did all the pouring etc and she may be able to help further with tips
Regards ron 

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When we were mixing slip we had a separate slip mixer which was in essence a small propeller on the end of a shaft in a large 44gal plastic drum. We have not mixed slip for many years as quality control with the clay was a problem. Over the last few years we purchased premixed slip in buckets (from walker ceramics) which we simply emptied into the slip pump bin. Slip is very abrasive and corrosive (and sets) if left in open containers so while the slip is in the (green bin) it needs to be protected from evaporation by covering. a piece of bubble wrap resting on the surface of the clay works well but can be a little messy. To clean the pump simply pump the slip out into a bucket. lift the pump out of the green bin (2 allen screws at the back of the motor mount). Tip remaining slip out of the green bin into bucket then half fill green bin with water, replace the pump and simply hold the hose open back into the green bin, It is important before pouring to recirculate the slip back into the green bin (nozzle slot on motor mount can be used) to make sure the slip is evenly fluid throughout the mix. Pump nozzles are a problem as they block up and corrode as you can see from the spare nozzles I sent. Hope this helps, if you would like you can ring Robyn on who did all the pouring etc and she may be able to help further with tips

Hi
Some information about the slip pump from she who used it.
be sure the slip (or water when cleaning) covers the top of the round grey metal at the bottom of the bin. As you empty you will know how far you can go you will hear the splashing start, be near the switch to stop the splashing getting to high.
When emptying the last bit needs to be removed by hand or remove pump and tip out.
Be sure to stir slip about twice a week, including flushing through the hose and the gun. I think there is a hole at the top of the frame that the gun fits in (Pointing down) and there may be a way of holding the gun open. If not a piece of wood or sponge can do the same job. This can introduce air bubbles in to the slip so be aware. To avoid air bubbles hold gun close to the surface I used a round stick to move the slip if I had left it a bit too long.
The hose is rather long as after a time a leak will develop where it bends near the gun and you need to cut that part off. However that hose has never split as it seems stronger than I have had before.
When the slip has sat long enough for the top to "set" a bit a thin layer of water on top will stop it from drying out, apply gently close enough to the surface not to break through. Better than bubble wrap as Ron suggested, I have never tried that.
I hope this makes sense and is useful Robyn



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Happy time glazing

14/2/2016

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I hate glazing.  last time i bumped the table pots fell off and broke on the tiled floor  three items of many parts already glazed.  i am not used to tile floors

​today i got organized  mixed glaze with drill.  i did a viscosity test just perfect.  glazing went really well.  started to load.  Carer doing loading  got two in and disaster.  The emu leaps off for the second time and the chainsaw and now i have to start again  i need to think this out

​i have added some rubber squares in front of my little kiln and chocolate to my afternoon tea
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Clay pump arrives

13/2/2016

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The second hand clay pump arrives.  It seems to have a bonus clay pump with it  New batch of slip for make up next week when my friend Victa is here  I hope to mix in one container and pump straight to the storage barrel  I am hoping a lot less work
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mold

10/2/2016

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Wave mold arrived from US.  Two piece mold arrived in three pieces.  Pieces falling off interior and each corner.  I have tried to rebuild but mold has to be plugged to stop clay running out.  Item when poured is very marked  Hours of work to clean up
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Chocolate Frog?

8/2/2016

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This beautiful frog was found by Nikki on her car door window.  She brought it inside before going to get some late night milk.  It was a great jumper jumping all over her and the lounge room.  It is a clever frog as he got past the roller door

Nikki put him outside with a bowl of water under a Daphne bush near a compost bin that has flies from time to time.  Come morning he had moved on.

​A neighbour recently commented on the number of birds we have in our trees.  We must be doing something right because we have lots of butterflies of all sizes particularly big ones 

​My garden heaven
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What did I study in Art and Clay

6/2/2016

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Go to the bottom of the About page and see my twins too
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Ceramic pouring industry dead in Australia

6/2/2016

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  • It appears the ceramic industry pouring molds is largely dead. A lot of things are going to the tip.  I was hopeful of buying equipment on eBay.  I was lucky to buy an old clay pump..  The first item i have seen something for a year.  There are small pockets of loyal classes but i can only see a bleak future..
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    ​Sophi



    Sophi lives in Canberra. Her workshop is in the middle of her garden.  Sophi is living her dream of potting whenever she wants to.  Her work has environmental and identity themes  Sophi works with slip cast pieces combined to present ironic images  Sophi likes simple so uses simple materials

    Sophi's work is in two modes;  the art context and the utilitarian context.  She is ably assisted by her potters assistant, carer and daughter Nicolette

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M-F: 12 noon  - 3 pm

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0421900077

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sophi.suttor@gmail.com
  • Gallery
  • Start in pottery
    • Glazing? Improve your technique
  • Technical Information
  • HOW TO MIX PLASTER
  • Recent Milestones
  • about
  • Contact
  • More Ceramics
  • Link Page