In this video, A. Blair Clemo demonstrates his unorthodox approach to making a mug using slip-cast decoration and a multi part press mold. Blair’s process is so interesting because it addresses the surface of the pot before any building is done. Blair starts out showing how he creates surface pattern using a slip trailer and a plaster slab. It is almost like creating clay stickers to adorn the pots. After his stickers set up to a soft leather hard, Blair begins the building process using a three part interchangeable mold system. If you like to think outside the box and use creative forming techniques, this video will be a big inspiration! Plus, check out the bonus interview with Blair to hear about how his tattoos and his pottery relate!
Blair Clemo is a potter and assistant professor of craft and material studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. He earned his MFA in ceramics from the New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University in 2010. Originally from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Clemo spent many years out west studying ceramics and working at small production potteries in Idaho and Montana. He has been an artist in residence at The Northern Clay Center (Minneapolis, MN), the Da Wang Culture Highland (Shenzhen, China), the Zentrum für Keramik (Berlin, Germany), and The International Ceramics Studio (Kecskemét, Hungary). Clemo’s utilitarian and installation work has been included in numerous solo and group exhibitions both nationally and abroad. To learn more about Blair Clemo, please visit www.ablairclemo.com.
“Wow. [The Stroke and The Splash] is such an informative and helpful video. As usual, professional and well thought out demonstrations by Mr. Scott. This video alone is worth the price of my CLAYflicks membership.” -William
“I’m not a total beginner but I learned several techniques that I plan to implement.” -Kathleen
“OMG! This is fantastic! Mel [Griffin], you are such a good teacher and are so fun! I love the gestural impressions around the drawing. Mel’s tips while drawing are so helpful. Thanks, Mel!” -Beverly
“Merci beaucoup pour tout ce partage de techniques et de conseil!!! [Thank you very much for all this sharing of techniques and advice!!!]” -Suarez
“Great. I love it. So much to learn in a short and beautifully presented clip.” -ADI
“These conversational workshops mixed with handling and demonstration were magical to watch and truly inspirational. It’s wonderful that they have been recorded for us to watch via clay flicks. Thank you so much.” -Joanna
“The videos are an excellent way to bring out more creativity that I feel I sometimes lack. Love, love, love watching and learning from such patient teachers in the videos” -anonymous
“Thank you very much for this tutorial. Sam [Scott]’s instructions and considerations are so generous and obviously developed through a lot of experience. I really appreciate how explains the “why” of his various processes.” -Kathleen
“Keep doing them (videos). I can’t get anything like them in Australia and I have learned so much! -LM, Australia
“Whether you are a new potter or a seasoned one, there is information for everyone.” -M
“For me your videos have been extremely valuable! My minor in college was ceramics, but we didn’t learn anything like what I’m getting out of the videos! So keep them coming.” -KLI
“All together charming!” -TG, Arizona
“Worth every penny! Lots of great “small gifts” of technique and details of finishing a piece to make it look professionally done.” -MB, South Carolina
“Keep on doing what you’re doing with encouraging a variety of ceramic artists to share their knowledge via your video productions…and I’ll keep enjoying & adding to my library of your videos. You’re doing great!” -KIB. Washington
“We want more. It’s so good!” -M, France, Cannes
“The level of difficulty in the video was what I expected, and then some. Some was a challenge which is what I wanted. I wanted to learn something completely new and this was the perfect answer.” -KHB, California
“Very inspiring. Techniques were demonstrated clearly. I’ve already incorporated some of them in my work.” -Angela. NY
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Total runtime: Approximately 53 minutes
About the Author
Blair Clemo
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“Wow. [The Stroke and The Splash] is such an informative and helpful video. As usual, professional and well thought out demonstrations by Mr. Scott. This video alone is worth the price of my CLAYflicks membership.” -William
“I’m not a total beginner but I learned several techniques that I plan to implement.” -Kathleen
“OMG! This is fantastic! Mel [Griffin], you are such a good teacher and are so fun! I love the gestural impressions around the drawing. Mel’s tips while drawing are so helpful. Thanks, Mel!” -Beverly
“Merci beaucoup pour tout ce partage de techniques et de conseil!!! [Thank you very much for all this sharing of techniques and advice!!!]” -Suarez
“Great. I love it. So much to learn in a short and beautifully presented clip.” -ADI
“These conversational workshops mixed with handling and demonstration were magical to watch and truly inspirational. It’s wonderful that they have been recorded for us to watch via clay flicks. Thank you so much.” -Joanna
“The videos are an excellent way to bring out more creativity that I feel I sometimes lack. Love, love, love watching and learning from such patient teachers in the videos” -anonymous
“Thank you very much for this tutorial. Sam [Scott]’s instructions and considerations are so generous and obviously developed through a lot of experience. I really appreciate how explains the “why” of his various processes.” -Kathleen
“Keep doing them (videos). I can’t get anything like them in Australia and I have learned so much! -LM, Australia
“Whether you are a new potter or a seasoned one, there is information for everyone.” -M
“For me your videos have been extremely valuable! My minor in college was ceramics, but we didn’t learn anything like what I’m getting out of the videos! So keep them coming.” -KLI
“All together charming!” -TG, Arizona
“Worth every penny! Lots of great “small gifts” of technique and details of finishing a piece to make it look professionally done.” -MB, South Carolina
“Keep on doing what you’re doing with encouraging a variety of ceramic artists to share their knowledge via your video productions…and I’ll keep enjoying & adding to my library of your videos. You’re doing great!” -KIB. Washington
“We want more. It’s so good!” -M, France, Cannes
“The level of difficulty in the video was what I expected, and then some. Some was a challenge which is what I wanted. I wanted to learn something completely new and this was the perfect answer.” -KHB, California
“Very inspiring. Techniques were demonstrated clearly. I’ve already incorporated some of them in my work.” -Angela. NY
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