WORKSHOP REPORT

On March 23 and 24, about 50 potters attended a workshop
with Walter Keeler from Pritain. Robin Hopper was our host
at Pearson College near Victoria. ‘alter has a traditional
throwing background, but is now known for his altered thrown
forms, He spent many years trying earthenware, salt-glaring
and reduced stoneware, but came to a point about five years
ago of feeling in a rut. His wife encouraged him not to quit
for an ‘ordinary' job. He went back to the studio to experi-
ment and play, to find a fresh approach. He returned to salt
glazing which he had enjoyed. Walter told us "If you're bored
making a thing, people are going to be bored looking at it."

The first show of his new work was very well received,
(despite Yalter's trepidation) so he continued in that vain.
He alao spends a lot of time drawing. Since then, he has
phased out the farmer half of his life - sheep and geese took
up teomuch tine. He has also given up his electric wheel for
a reliable quiet kickwheel.

Wally gave us a relaxed and skillful presentation and some
dry and understated humour. He answered questions throughout
the days, and didn't avoid vulnerable aspects of hie life or
work. Robin Hopper: "What did you call 1t?" "A broggler.
What do you call it, Robin?" "A teapot hole corer." "Ah, but
you have a way with words, Robin."

The first jay, he alternated throwing demonstrations with
slides of his work (since Art School in 1963) and slides of
pottery and other forms whioh inspire him, such as 18th and
19th century commercial British pottery and some tinware.

He doesn't fuss about centering, and quickly finishes the
initial pulling and shaping. He uses ribs a lot; many forms
are angular, the planes meeting at unsmoothed corners. Burrs
of clay at these junctions are left to be highlighted by his
"Juicy, runny (salt) glazes", Aa he avoids trimming, he often
presses a especially shaped rib against the base of the piece,
giving a fat rolled edge at the whealhead. Posture and an i=
mation are important to his style. He can gently grab a jug
and tilt it backwards before cutting it off the wheel,

The second day, we saw a short film 4 years old (sheep and
geese still rampant) showing Walter's home, studio, and a look
at everything from throwing to unloading the kiln.

e)