Decoration: More Fun Than You Imagined! with George Metropoulos McCauley

George Metropoulos McCauley

Decoration: It's More Fun Than You Imagined!

Click here for a clip of George decorating on YouTube

My typical 2 day workshop offers both educational and entertainment aspects. My studied casual approach to making pots is infectious and participants walk away with a rejuvenated perspective. My skills have been honed over the past 58 years and although casual they are rooted in tradition and an acknowledgement of those people that precede us. 

The first day I begin with a short talk of introduction, explain and give out my two technical sheets, then get to work. I make parts for pieces that will be put together the next day. I also make pieces that are put together once only slightly dried. I have always enjoyed teaching and passing on what I have learned so I encourage participation and questions - I can work and talk at the same time. The first day also included my "Slide Talk" which is preceded by a performance art presentation called "George's House of Clay Products". Both of these take an hour depending on Q/A. 

The second day all the parts become finished pieces, decorated using slip and underglazes. My decoration processes are varied, among them are GHOC Redneck Majolica, white slip on wet clay then underglaze, and white slip with underglaze on bone dry clay. I also use underglaze on pots that are already fired with my majolica glaze. All these are made clear, some in the workshop and some in my slide talk. 

Participants are encouraged to bring bone dry pieces with white slip already applied or leather hard pieces to decorate along with George on day 2 of the workshop.

White slip will be available to use before workshop, look for the labeled bucket in the large wheel throwing room. White slip should be applied on firm leather hard clay. 

Decorating materials and firing are provided, but not clay for making pieces before the workshop. Red or brown cone 5/6 clay is recommended.

Questions? studio@kcclayguild.org