In this internship my duties have included organizing the studio by printing labels and cleaning out old glazes. I have made a set of all new glazes and slips for her upcoming work. I have typed up all her glaze recipes in a large font and laminated them for ingredient checklists to mark while mixing and put them into an organized binder. I had the opportunity to help her make many sets of her signature “Nesting Bird Bowls” my efforts included weighing out and wedging clay, smoothing, glazing and putting decals on them. I helped load and unload the kiln as well. I also have helped her manage online sales on Etsy. I learned about photographing and documentation of work for sales and galleries. I also helped with shipping to galleries for shows and learned how to safely package and mail work.
As a ceramic artist this internship has benefitted me greatly because I have learned many new techniques to take with me and even implement into my own work. I will take away business skills in self marketing and sales. I also learned time management in having a studio at home and living off what you sell.
Working with Julie has been such a pleasure. I have acquired a great colleague, mentor and a friend from this experience along with experience and new knowledge of techniques that I didn’t even know we’re possible.