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Why would a potter take a metalsmithing class?

11/15/2016

10 Comments

 
I've been chewing on an idea for a while. Years even, though not seriously until this year. I had no idea where to start, which is why it took me so long to embark on a solution. Back in the spring, I stumbled upon something online that looked promising, a class called "Meet the Bench" at the Baltimore Jewelry Center. This is a 4-week introductory class for complete novices at working with metal. It was great! I am amazed at how much ground was covered, even though I know it was just a tiny sample of metalworking skills. And I was so impressed by the BJC facility, which recently moved into its newly-renovated space on North Ave. So well-designed and organized! 

No, I'm not trying to make jewelry. In fact, during this class I learned for sure that I am not a jeweler. I don't have the patience to work on that small scale. And I seemed to injure myself a lot, and generally felt like a klutz in the jewelry studio. It's not my natural environment. I've concluded that jewelers have finer motor skills than potters.

The actualization of my idea turned out to be fairly simple. But there's no way I would have figured it out without taking this class. This class taught me about different types of metal, and how to buy it. I also learned about proper tools, how to use them, and how to buy them. 
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The handle is made from food-grade stainless steel. This is very close to the design that lived in my head for so long. I love that it looks and feels secure, while still conveying a sense of holding on lightly. Needless to say, my excitement for making teapots has been renewed.
10 Comments
ling chu
11/15/2016 08:01:39 am

That is an amazing handle, well fit for the beautiful teapot! Is it possible to share where do you buy the metal Does it come in strips? or do you need to cut it yourself? Thanks

Reply
Mea
11/15/2016 08:28:45 am

I bought the stainless steel from McMaster-Carr (http://mcmaster.com). It does not come in strips. It needs to be cut with a tool called a shearer, which is far too expensive for me to justify buying. Luckily, now that I know about the Baltimore Jewelry Center, when needed I can rent time in their studio and use their equipment.

Reply
ling chu
11/15/2016 08:45:36 am

Thank you, Mea. I have been searching for metal strips for teapot handles for a long time but the local stores that I search just do not carry the thickness that I need for teapot handles. Maybe you have seen teapots made by Shinobu Hashimoto. He uses a narrow brass strip but thicker than the ones I can find in stores. I will look at the website you provided, thank you so much for sharing. Love your work!

Carol Wisdom
6/25/2020 10:56:32 am

Nice!

ling chu
11/15/2016 08:51:25 am

Sorry to bother you again. Could you tell me what thickness do you use for the handle? Thanks.

Reply
Mea
11/15/2016 09:10:38 am

I am using 0.030" thick steel, which is the equivalent of "20 gauge" metal in jeweler's terminology. However, this might not be the right answer for brass. Brass is a much softer metal than steel.

Reply
Arc
11/15/2016 10:29:51 am

There's an argument to be made for metal being a subset of ceramics as they both deal with crystalline substances. I really like the juxtaposition of the more natural pottery form and glaze paired with the more industrial handle.

Reply
Asta link
11/15/2016 10:52:26 am

I love it, just beautiful, and such an unexpected combination of metal and ceramic!

Reply
Gina
11/27/2016 10:11:59 pm

Really nice, Mea. Beautiful.

Reply
jeanne jennings
5/2/2017 09:37:49 am

It's now my best tea pot.....functionally quite perfect. You are a marvel, Mea.

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    Mea Rhee (mee-uh ree),
    ​the potter behind
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