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Expert Profile: Ric Swenson

Expertise:  For nearly 40 years I have been involved with pottery. I specialize in wheelthrown pottery, but spent 12 years as Plant Manager of Bennington Potters, Inc. where I learned all about RAM pressing, slip casting, jiggering, OSHA regulations regarding clay manufacture, safety, etc. I have specific knowledge in forming techniques, texturing clay, clay bodies, glazes and application techniques, as well as firing and kiln building.

Experience in the area
I have taught ceramics and art history at the high school and college level in Anchorage, AK (UAA) and Bennington, VT.for 12 years. I ran Bennington Potters, Inc. for 12 years 1982-94. I was manager of Fine Art Tile Co.,San Antonio, TX for several years and taught Pottery classes in Atlanta, GA. at Elements (Kickwheel Pottery Supply), Currently in JingDeZhen , P.R. China, teaching Ceramics and Oral English.

Organizations
American Ceramic Society (Chair of Design Div. 1985-7)
Current member of Tucker Arts Guild, Tucker, GA. Art Station member, Stone Mountain, GA

Publications
CERAMICS MONTHLY, AMERICAN CRAFT

Education/Credentials
BFA, Drawing and Painting, Pacific Lutheran Univ., Tacoma, WA. 1970 with certification to teach Art K-12.
MFA, Ceramics, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA. 1976

Awards and Honors
One Man Show of Pottery, Anchorage Historical and Fine Arts Museum.
Alaska Art Bank Collection, Collection U. of Puget Sound, JingDeZhen Ceramics Institute, China.
Over 70 juried entries in State and Regional art shows over 30 years. Solo exhibition, 2006, The Pottery Workshop, JingDeZhen, China. Exhibitor and Conference participant, Wu Yi Shan Univ. China 2007.

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Average Ratings
Prestige Points: 4030
Knowledge   9.88   Best of the best
Clarity of Response   9.94   Best of the best
Timeliness   10.0   Best of the best
Politeness   10.0   Best of the best
Number Of Questions
(in Past 24 Hours)
3
Max Questions to be Asked
(in 24 Hour period)
5
Total Questions
(since joining AllExperts)
453
Recent Reviews from Users
KnowlClarityTimePolitenessDate
1010101011/30/08
1010101012/01/08
1010101011/29/08
1010101011/13/08
1010101011/13/08
User Comments
thank you
(ron on 11/30/08)
Hi As always, you have provided an in-depth answer to my question. Much appreciated Debby
(Debby on 12/01/08)
I can't believe I got an answer so quickly. I am excited to try what he suggested and will respond with the results.
(Jeneane on 11/29/08)
Thanks for going above and beyond. I will look in local library for texts mentioned. Debby
(Debby on 11/13/08)
I can't believe how quickly and extensively you have answered by question. Thanks a lot. Debby
(Debby on 11/13/08)
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Recent Answers from Ric Swenson
2008-11-30  Glazes and clays yes, usually that will work fine. Of course some glazes will work better than others. Can you do some testing on tiles before you glaze pots? That might help you determine which glazes or combinations...
2008-11-30  Porcelain buttons Nearly any porcelain made for wheel throwing or handbuilding should work well for making buttons. What temperature do you plan to fire at? Porcelain is usually fired to high temp ( cone 9-10 range.....
2008-11-29  Lattice work It sounds like the clay is a bit dry. Try wrapping the clay in a wet towel and put it in a plastic bag for a day or two. Re-wedge and knead it well. If that doesn't help, add some fine particle...
2008-11-28  slip as glaze Just water down some white/ or porcelain clay into a slip...that will take some work, but it's a good messy job form the kids to do. It should be applied to the red clay when it is damp....you can just...
2008-11-25  Firing electric kiln I had not heard of the kiln before, but there are folks who know how to repair them or replace the elements....if that is what happened. As the coiled elements of a kiln are used, they eventually lose...
More Answers for "Pottery"


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