Past Apprentices: Kenyon Hansen, Domonique Venzant.

Apprenticeship

 In 2004 I took on my first apprentice Domonique Venzant. He came to work with me through a combination of coincidences and connections that lead us to develop a symbiotic relationship. Through working with Dom, I pushed myself to define what I want an apprenticeship to be for myself and for the apprentice.

I believe at the heart of a successful apprenticeship is a commitment to clay and to the success of each other. Elements of an apprenticeship are like therapy, family relationships, and business. Communication (that elusive devil) really will make or break the experience.

I am open to having apprentices; I think it is an ideal way to teach, and to learn. I want to return to the clay community some of the opportunities I have had, and truth be known I need help with all the labor surrounding my life and work. If you are interested in an apprenticeship here are some things to think about.

• How long a term of apprenticing are you considering?
  • Less than a year isn't enough
• Are you interested in learning the business of clay?
• Are you interested in making better work?
  • This is a life long pursuit
  • I am not interested in someone else making my work, you wont be asked to, your focus is on your own work..
• How much will I be paid?
  • I can only afford to pay you with opportunity, facility, and experience
• Where will you live?
  • You will have to find housing in the area and pay for it yourself. I can help you find the housing, and a part time job.
• What will your duties be?
  • Not making my work.
  • Helping me with all chores that keep me from the studio.
  • Assisting with wood processing, clay and glaze mixing, maintaining kilns, packing and shipping, etc.
  • Assisting at any workshops, or sales I may be teaching during the term of apprenticeship.
• How many hours a week will you be expected to work?
  • 10 - 20 hours a week.
• What studio facilities will I need to provide?
  • Besides throwing tools, nothing.
• What kind of access will you have to the studio and kilns?
  • 7am - 12 midnight Saturday - Thursday.
  • Apprentices are encouraged to fire the small kiln twice a year.
• How will an apprenticeship at Mill Creek serve you?
  • It can help build your portfolio in order to get into graduate school.
  • It can give you skills towards becoming a full time potter.
  • You will learn how to load and fire wood-kilns.
  • Connections with other potters, and opportunities will be made.
  • Regular critiques will push you to develop your work
  • You will learn how to present yourself and your work professionally.

If you are interested in an apprenticeship email me and let's start the conversation.