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M aki ng Process By Melany Hallam; photos by Gillian McMillan

Isn't it always incredible to realize that there are thousands (millions?)
of potters in the world and no two maker's pots are exactly the same.
How do we do it? Here's a look see at one guild member's making
process. Gillian McMillan makes fascinating jugs in the shape of
birds—not just general bird shapes, but specific bird species. These are
some of the photos taken over the course of two weeks, recording the
making of nine of Gillian’s jugbirds. For the full slide show, see:

https://picasaweb.google.com/jugbird/GillianMakingJugbirds?f
eat=email#

Gillian writes of "exploring the amazing variety of shapes and
colours in the world’s bird population. I play with the possibility that
the birds can be jugs or other functional vessels. Some are uniquely
imaginary, and some are coloured using real species as inspiration. For
each bird I make a drawing and decide how to break it into the thrown
shapes. The legs are merely indicated, sometimes forming a pedestal...
or becoming part of the jug's volume. It amuses me to consider how I
can throw beaks, tails and heads. It's important to me that the viewer
can discern the methodology...”

For more of her work see: www.gillianmcmillan.com

Totally
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Freshly-thrown bird bodies.

Extruded beaks.

Refining the shape.

Beaks and handles attached.

Hours: Drop by or phone:
Mon-Fri: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. #109 - 18525 - 53 Ave.
Sat: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Surrey, B.C.
604.574.0454
www. totallyceramics.com
(Continued on Page 8)
Potters Guild of BC Newsletter - March 2011 7