Rocket Skull Art Studio

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2010-04-28T18:06:00.001-05:00

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Pot Luck Retirement Party

2008-08-06T09:15:00.003-05:00

Come celebrate my retirement and my move into full time artist.

It's a 60s Potluck Flower Power Happening, Man! On the day of the "8s"!!!!!!!

When: 08-08-08 (August 8, 2008, you dig?) from 5 pm to 10 pm.

Where: Far Out Spankyville, my sis's pad, man!, 2421 Euclid Ave., Austin, Tx 78704

See you there!

Gery

2007-11-15T08:37:00.000-06:00

Hello,

I'll have a tent at Sleeping Dog Studio the Friday, Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 23, 24 and 25, 2007, for the Sleeping Dog Holiday Sale. Friday nighs at this festival are magical. There will be live music and refreshments. Check out the attachment for more details.

In addition to my art I have "NEW" t-shirts (a new twist on my first year shirts) and a limited number of art smocks for sale.

There will be several other FANTASTIC artists:

I hope you can make it!

Here are some easy directions:

From Interstate 35, exit Aquareena Springs
Go west on Aquareena Springs
Right on Post Rd (at the RR Crossing)
Take your first Left on Lime Kiln Rd. (just past the school and before the convenience store)
Go 2 miles and take a Left on Hillard Rd.
Go 2.5 miles and go right on Valleyview West (you will pass Valleyview EAST)
Second drive on left.

If you get lost call 512-745-8171 (Sleeping Dog Studio)
or try my Cell phone (iffy service) 512-422-3553

Hope you can make it!

Gery Henderson
Rocket Skull Art Studio
http://www.rocketskull.com/

Handbuilding, May 15, 2007

2007-05-15T13:12:00.000-05:00

Molding with Moldings

Tonight I'm going to show you a few things you can do by pressing molded items into molds. I'll also discuss glazing options with these items. I'm bringing my fish molds and my car molds to make the molded items to press into the molds. AND I'm bringing a larger fish mold, skull, submarine, lunar surface and some cookie cutters for the larger molds.

If anyone has anything made out of highfire clay and you want to know some glazing options I'll be talking about that as well.

We have one more class to go! Lets go through our shelves and see what we can move to be fired.

Next week is our last class, party party party!!!!!!!!!!!

See you later tonight!

Handbuilding, May 8

2007-05-08T14:22:00.000-05:00

LIDZ

I'm going to demo as many different types of lids as I can tonight.

I'll extrued some square tubes for this as well.

I will also show more ways to build forms using the extruder and manipulated extrusions.

Wally Asselberghs Workshop Update!!

I'll bring the things I built and fired at the workshop I attended in San Antonio last weekend!

See you tonight

Handbuilding, May 1, 2007

2007-05-01T10:01:00.000-05:00

Reminder, Last Class and PARTY, May 22, 2007

Handbuilding Tuesday Night!

I'll be doing a burnishing demonstration. I'll be using leather HARD clay and polishing it up shiny. I'll talk about finishing a burnished piece. Also, I'll be attending a naked raku (workshops can be fun, wink) workshop in San Antonio this weekend taught by Wally Asselberghs. Wally is from Belgium, his web site is listed below. All the pieces for that workshop need to be burnished. I'll come back from that with all sorts of ideas! Watch out!

http://www.wallyasselberghs.be/

Burnished pieces can also be wrapped in mummy like fashion with a 2" to 3" layer of toilet paper, put in an air tight tin with a tight fitting lid and heated up to smoldering in a gas kiln and let it sit for a couple of hours. The result is a solid black shinny finish. Really stunning.

I'll also do a modified extrusion demo.

See you soon!

April 24, 2007 Handbuilding

2007-04-23T11:41:00.000-05:00

Annie Chrietzberg Vessels

We'll be making a vessel using handbuilding and wheel techniques. We'll be using Black Jack clay.

First thing you need to do is roll out 6 slabs just a little thinner than 1/4 inch. Slabs should be 8" to 10" square. We'll throwers will be throwing two wide cylinders.

Send me an e-mail if you have any questions!

See you Tuesday!

Here are some links to Annie's work!

Annie Chrietsberg Workshop Photos at GACA Meeting:

http://www.austinclay.org/events/annie_chrietzberg/annie_chrietzberg.html

Pottery Making Illustrated Article on Annie:

http://www.potterymaking.org/issues/2007-0304/EwerBizarre.pdf

HANDBUILDING, April 17, 2007

2007-04-17T14:51:00.000-05:00

More Extruder Fun!!!

We'll be working with braiding extrusions tonight! I'll build a slab box and Attach the braids to the box. I'll do another handle demonstration. I'll be bringing a chunk of my heart cookie cutters and shapes. I will also bring my body parts molds.

See you tonight!!!

April 10th Handbuilding

2007-04-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

Mold and Miter

Next class I will be bringing some of my plaster slip cast molds to show you how they can be used by pressing instead of pouring clay into them. I'll also bring a carpenter's miter box to show you how it can be used to build or modify extruded shapes.

We will also discuss working with the wheel throwing class on a joint project to make some interesting handbuilt-wheel thrown objects!

See you tonight!!!!!

Handbuilding Class, April 3, 2007

2007-04-02T15:17:00.000-05:00

Extruder Experiments

I'll be loading up the extruders and we'll be using them to make new and interesting shapes using credit cards and the multi shaped scissors.

I'll load up one of the extruders with two different colored clays so we can see what effects we can make.

Things to bring: old creditcards or those fake ones you get in the mail, stiff plastic from old laundry bottles.

Looking forward to seeing you all!!

Gery

Handbuilding Class, March 27

2007-03-27T08:44:00.000-05:00

BAMBOO MOLDS

No, this isn't plant pathology 401! These are molds made from bamboo skewers and chopsticks!! I built them this weekend and in class I'll show you options for their use. And we'll talk about how they could be modified to work better, with some heavy input from you guys!

Also, we'll talk about negative space as it relates to molds. If I find the right resources at ClayWays I might even make a plaster mold or two.

I'll introduce you to some new custom made clay from Armadillo Clay.

See you soon!

Gery

Handbuilding Class, March 20, 2007

2007-03-20T09:59:00.000-05:00

Lotteria Cards

I'll be using my lettering and animal stamps to make some lotteria (Mexican bingo) cards. I be teaching techniques for cutting out card shapes, impressing letters and how to use molds. You can use these techniques to make plaques with poems, statements of love or congratulations.

I'll also be bringing all my texture balls. I'll show you how to roll them in clay to get some cool textures.

If you want to roll out some slabs as soon as you arrive they can be setting up a little and ready to use after the demos.

See you tonight!!

Handbuilding Class, March 13, 1007

2007-03-13T13:29:00.000-05:00

Party!! Party!! Party!!

Tonight is the last class in this session. Bring something to share! If you like.

I'll talk about glazing and stamp making tonight. And I'll have the stuff to make stamps too.

I would like to get some honest feedback from you guys about what you liked or would like to see in a future class. If there was something you didn't like, I want to know that too.

It's been a joy having each one of you in the class. I learned a lot too.

Thanks for letting me experiment in class so we can all learn from thing that happened that I didn't plan!

See you guys tonight!!!!!!!!

Handbuilding Class, March 5

2007-03-05T09:48:00.000-06:00

Tools and Glazing

I'll roll out a slab for this class pull out all the tools I can find and to show you how I'd use them to create designs in clay. I'll share more things I learned at the Barbara Haring workshop I took.

I'll also discuss glazing, foam stamping and different techniques I use in glazing.

Bring you imagination and something you think might leave a cool impression on the caly and maybe the rest of us too!!!!!!!!!!!

The word for the day is:

diablerie \dee-AH-bluh-ree\ noun
1 : black magic : sorcery2 a : a representation in words or pictures of black magic or of dealings with the devil b : demon lore*3 : mischievous conduct or manner

Found this site on the internet and thought you would enjoy navagating it. Very facinating information about symbols:

http://www.symbols.com/

Lets practice some diablerie Tuesday night!

See you then!

RSS Feed Now Available for RSAS News Page

2007-03-05T09:44:00.000-06:00

RSS is now Available for the Rocket Skull Art Studio News page. Look for this icon on the news page:

What is RSS? Beth was talking about it in our last class. Check out this web site to learn more:

http://www.whatisrss.com/

CLAY WORKSHOPS AT SLEEPING DOG

2007-03-05T09:32:00.000-06:00

Billy Ray Mangham is offering his Raku Workshop again this March. You all know how much I have talked about Billy Ray in my class. If you have the time, his workshop are well worth it. You will learn a lot fast in his workshops.

Contact Billy Ray at billyray@zzzdog.com, Visit his web site at www.zzzdog.com.

CLAY WORKSHOPS AT SLEEPING DOG
SPRING 2007
ADVANCED RAKU WORKSHOP MARCH 17 AND 24 (Two Saturdays)
BEGINNING RAKU WORKSHOP MARCH 18 AND 25 (Two Sundays)
BIG SCULPTURE WORKSHOP MARCH 19 – 23 (Monday through Friday)
ADVANCED: This workshop is open to any persons who have studied at Sleeping Dog in the past. We will continue to work in the Raku process, paying attention to being in the FLOW and enjoying our work, the company of friends, and good food and drink. This workshop is limited to 12 participants. If you have a special project in mind, we will approach it together.
BEGINNING: This workshop is open to all levels of expertise and is geared toward persons with no previous clay experience. The first Sunday begins with the presentation of several simple clay forming techniques including pinch, coil, soft slab, hard slab, and hollowing out large, unwieldy forms. Although these techniques are easy to learn, quite complex forms can be completed this first day. After lunch, it will be hands-on clay the rest of the day. The second Sunday we will glaze our work and fire it in the Raku (fast fire) manner. You will enjoy the entire clay process in just two days. This class is limited to 12 participants.
FEES: The tuition of $250 includes tools, clay, glazes, instruction, 2 gourmet lunches and one great dinner, drinks, lots of fun, and dog petting. A non refundable fee of $25 is required to hold your place; the remainder will be due ten days before the workshop. The classes are filled first come, first served.
General Information: The classes begin at 10 a.m. each day. The first day class is over at 5 p.m. The second class is over when the firings are completed, usually around 8 or 9 p.m. Lunch is served each day. In addition, dinner is served the second day. Beer, wine, water and soft drinks are included. The classes are open to people 18 years of age and older. Sleeping Dog does not have wheel chair access. Be ready to work hard and have fun.
BIG SCULPTURE WORKSHOP
This workshop goes from 10 – 4, Monday through Friday, during the interim week. Using a soft slab/coil process we will construct figurative sculptures up to 48” tall. We will be using Terra Cotta clay and decorating the pieces with colored slips. We will once fire the pieces in the high fire kiln once they have sufficiently dried. I have been concentrating on this method of construction for the past few years and had a chance to really learn it while in Lithuania this past summer.
Drinks will be available but no food will be served during the week. You may bring your own picnic lunch each day. Tuition includes instruction, clay, glazes, drinks and firing.
Tuition for this workshop is $300. If you are signed up for either the Advanced or Beginning classes you may deduct $25 for a two workshop total of $525. This workshop is limited to 5 (FIVE) participants.

HANDBUILDING, February 27

2007-02-27T08:44:00.000-06:00

Extruderless Tubes and "Coil Building" with Slabs.

In this class I'll show you how to build tubes without an extruder. I'll also show you how to build large forms quick with slabs. See you soon!!!!

Handbuilding Class, February 20, 2007

2007-02-20T10:48:00.000-06:00

Impact Extrusions--Will need a slab 6"x6" or one 6"x 12"
Slung Coils and Coil Building--We will use the small extruder to make coils
Dowel Containers--Lumps of clay or extruded coils

I'll share some of the things I learned in the workshop I took this past week working with Barbara Haring. It was cool and I learned a LOT!

See you tonight!

Handbuilding Class, February 13, 2007

2007-02-13T10:45:00.000-06:00

I'll be back tonight and we'll focus on making stamps and rollers to use for clay impressions. Sorry for the late notice, but I'll teach you how to use buttons or beads and wood tools to make stamps that may become your trademark!

See you later tonight!

Gery

Substitute Teacher for Handbuilding Class, February 6

2007-02-06T07:29:00.000-06:00

Due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be a substitute instructor for the February 6, 2007 Handbuilding class at ClayWays. Thanks for understanding and have a great class!

Handbuilding Class, January 30

2007-01-29T13:57:00.000-06:00

THE NEXT BIG THING!!!!!!!

We will be using the BIG EXTRUDER in this class. Be ready with IDEAS. We will select, as a class, which extruder shape (tube, square, bloated triangle. . .) to use. Be ready to build a box, a bowl, a tray, a funky weird sculpture, a wild and beautiful birdhouse, a "what the heck is that" thingie or something else.

Facts about the BIG EXTRUDER:

It sucks up almost 50 pounds of clay (TWO BAGS!!!) before it starts pushing anything out.
Crappy air filled clay in, Air free clay out! (note: may have some holes where the air was)
Need to clean this puppy out between clay bodies, at the end of the class
Caution: may result in addiction, use with caution
Can build boxes and tubes FAST!!!!!!!

This class should be a lot of fun. Ask students from a previous class about our balloon stuffing technique!

Handbuliding, January 23

2007-01-22T16:49:00.000-06:00

Boxing.

Next class we will be building boxes. We'll try square, triangle and round boxes. I'll be bring my fish molds and some of my other molds. Send me e-mails if you have special mold requests!

tikitiki@rocketskull.com

Gery

Classes Canceled Tonight at ClayWays

2007-01-16T09:40:00.000-06:00

Handbuilding classes for Tuesday, January 16 have been cancled. We are looking to schedule a make-up class in the future. Stay safe.

Gery

Directions to Rocket Skull Art Studio

2006-11-29T11:57:00.000-06:00

Click here for directions and a map!

December Raku Workshop

2006-11-02T15:03:00.000-06:00

Raku at Rocket Skull Art Studio

This December Rocket Skull Art Studio is offering a handbuilding Raku classes. Gery Henderson, a local Raku artist and instructor at ClayWays Pottery Studio, will conduct the classes. You will learn handbuilding and glazing techniques designed to produce spectacular effects. Classes are limited to 8 participants per day.

Sign up by contacting Gery by phone at 512-422-3553 or through the contact screen at www.rocketskull.com .

Saturday Class $150

December 2, 10 am to 6 pm—Handbuilding
December 16, 10 am to 10 pm—Glazing and Firing
Price includes 1-25# bag of raku clay, glazes and firing

Sunday Class $150

December 3, 10 am to 6 pm—Handbuilding
December 17, 10 am to 10 pm—Glazing and Firing
Price includes 1-25# bag of raku clay, glazes and firing

Both Saturday and Sunday Class $300

December 2, 10 am to 6 pm—Handbuilding
December 3, 10 am to 6 pm—Handbuilding
December 16, 10 am to 10 pm—Glazing and Firing
December 17, 10 am to 10 pm—Glazing and Firing
Price includes 2-25# bags of raku clay, glazes and firing

Raku Firing Only $150 both days, $75 one day

December 17, 10 am to 10 pm—Glazing and Firing
December 16, 10 am to 10 pm—Glazing and Firing
Price includes glazes and firing