Workshop 4 Weeks Away!

Our First 2009 Large & Loose, Polished & Poetic workshop is just 4 weeks away.



Spaces are quickly filling - though we still have room for many more. The workshop will be held at Tom's Farm in Port Washington, Ohio.



Check out Tom's Webpage....



And Brenda's webpage...



It's going to be a beautiful Spring Weekend In Ohio's Amish Country... filled with learning, growing and inspiration.



Please call or email Brenda or Tom if you have any questions.
The workshop is held May 30 & 31 from 10am - 5pm. It's a 2 day firing intensive and throwing demonstration workshop. Fee is $275.



We'll take care of lunch both days & grazing food in between. Affordable housing is available. Group discounts available as well. Email or Call for a registration form or details: 740.498.4303

See you in May!

Brenda & Tom

May, 2009 Workshop Planned

In 2009, Brenda McMahon and Tom Radca are planning two new "LARGE & LOOSE, POLISHED & POETIC" workshops, both of which will be held in Port Washington, Ohio.

The first workshop will be held on Saturday & Sunday, May 30 & 31st from 10am to 5pm.



During this workshop Tom will give a comprehensive throwing demonstration of both large platters (25 - 30" diameter) and large vessels (4' high).



Participants will learn the skills of throwing large and loosening up both their throwing techniques and their general approach to clay.



Brenda will be offering participants a hands-on saggar firing intensive. All participants should bring between 1 and 4 small pots for the saggar firing. We'll go over the philosphy of this low fire vapor fuming process, techniques on surface treatments and an overview of how to build a saggar kiln.



Tom and Brenda have been collaborating on Throwing Large & Saggar Firing since 2007.

If you are interested in hosting our Large & Loose, Polished & Poetic Workshop at your studio, or an art center near you, you can contact us at 518.692.7742 or 740.498.4303 or email us or visit our websites at BrendaMcMahonCeramics.com or TomRadca.com.

We hope to see you in May!

Happy Holidays... Plans for 2009!

Hello and Happy Holidays to All!



We hope 2008 proved to be a great year of joy and creativity for you. We have exciting plans for 2009 and hope you do too.




But first, we want to thank everyone who has supported our Large & Loose, Polished & Poetic workshops in 2008.



We loved hosting the workshops in Ohio and New York, met wonderful potters along the way and enjoyed your enthusiasm and feedback each and every time.







Our 2009 schedule will begin with a 2-day demonstration and firing intensive workshop on Saturday and Sunday, May 30th & 31st. It will be held in Port Washington, Ohio at Tom's 36 acre art-farm.



If you have any questions, contact Brenda or Tom and as always, if you know someone who would be interested in our throwing large and saggar firing workshop schedule, please pass the information along.



Until we see one another again - have a healthy and peaceful 2009!!

Brenda & Tom

Autumn in Ohio - a big hit!

We had a great group - and everyone left with inspiration, excitement and lots of ideas.

Here are some of the highlights...



Tom began the workshop with 4' vessels....





The group learned great techniques....








Then Brenda described the philosphy of saggar firing....





and we loaded our pots





into the fires.....



Back to Tom on Sunday Morning... with large & LOOSE platters.....

He threw....



Flipped.....



And Altered....



Lunch, some clay videos, sunshine and fresh air....

Then the saggar unloading...filled with surprises



treasures....



Oops, Ahhs and more....



We burnished...



Learned about terra sigillata....



And practiced the POETRY OF POLISHING!





Thanks to Tim, Donna, Ivan, Marilyn, Donna (great chocolate cake!!), Jack, Patricia & Karen. You were a great team, a fun group and we all ended the weekend exhausted, inspired and ready to make pots, polish pots, fire pots and alter and loosen up.





Please make comments and read those of your friends & colleagues... and of course, please forward the blog to anyone you think may be interested in our 2009 workshop series.

See you next year...

Brenda & Tom

New York's 'Large & Polished' ... a great success

It's been a month already - since our New York version of Large & Loose, Polished & Poetic - and Tom and I are happy to report another great workshop.

The saggar firing was a huge success....





Here are some of the results.....



Jolene's pots were sweet....



Pangaea's were amazing.....



Both Ann's did a stellar job with their saggar firing....



Even Tom learned a few extra tips....



And throwing large & loosening up....





Once again, Tom showed the group his technique, leaving everyone eager to go home and work on the skill they already possess... or dive in and get big!



Despite the monsoon rains saturday night - and the soggy campers, everyone was excited to be there....



And happy with their results.

We're gearing up for our next workshop - back in Ohio on October 25th & 26th.
It should be a big one. Representatives from Brent are going to be on hand as Tom does his demos on the new Brent EXC.

You'll be seeing Tom's face...and pots in CM more - as he has been selected as this year's Ad Man for Brent.

Congratulations Tom! Look for his picture in the November or December issue of Ceramics Monthly.



If you have any questions about the workshop - please email me or Tom - or go to either of our websites for a complete description of the 2-day demonstration and firing intensive workshop.



Until then....
See you in October.
Brenda & Tom