APPRENTICESHIP SUMMARY

This ceramic-based apprenticeship will primarily focus on apprentice artist Lisa Shepperd’s goals to learn about atmospheric reduction kilns, along with developing, testing and refining glaze and slip recipes, and discussions to prepare Lisa with the skill set she needs to begin a business selling her ceramics. She will expand her ceramic skills, while learning the intricacies and logistics of wood and salt kiln firing. She will accomplish this through 100 hours of guidance with mentor artist Tim Christensen that will include Zoom meetings and multiple firings at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Newcastle, Maine, as well as smaller experimental firings in Tim’s outdoor studio in Roque Bluffs, Maine.

MENTOR

Tim Christensen (Roque Bluffs, ME)

Tim Christensen, Colby ’92, works in Roque Bluffs, Maine. He is a porcelain artist working primarily in sgraffito, and an author, educator, and environmentalist, since 2004. Many of his iconic black and white etchings depict the intricate relationships found in the natural places of the world. He fires in wood, salt, and oxidation firings between cones 6 and 12, often creating custom kilns for large or oddly shaped pieces. He makes high quality multiples for installation or educational projects, and is internationally recognized for his skill, philosophies, and teaching. He uses clay as an historical document rather than functional object.

“I met Lisa at Haystack School of Crafts, and because I was working in art education in Maine at the time, we occasionally crossed paths. I have always been impressed with Lisa’s positive outlook and commitment to improving her artistic oeuvre. We have been talking about this grant and how it might work since she attended the public kiln opening, at Watershed, associated with last years CAP in which Aidan Fraser and I worked on basically the same project.“ – Tim Christensen

APPRENTICE

Lisa Shepperd  (Swanville, ME)

Because of a lifelong fascination with clay, Lisa pursued an art degree in Ceramics. She graduated with a BA in Studio Art with a Ceramic Concentration. After college, the reality of living expenses compelled her to focus on a teaching career, and she went on to earn a BFA in Art Education. Although Lisa has loved teaching art to her K-12 students for these past twenty eight years, she has wished to have more time for her own art. Throughout her teaching career, Lisa has kept her passion for artmaking alive through numerous ceramic workshops at Haystack, Penland, Waterfall Arts, Watershed Ceramic Arts, and networking with other potter-artists. She has a dedicated ceramic studio at her home where she continues to refine her skills in throwing and altering pots. Lisa is thrilled with this opportunity to learn the last piece for becoming a proficient potter. Working with Tim during this apprenticeship will provide the specialized learning in glaze development and kiln firing she will need to make this dream a reality.

“Tim is a fabulous teacher and exceptionally proficient in the knowledge I am seeking. He will teach me to develop glazes, fire kilns, and will share contacts, as he understands the importance of building community with other makers. I believe with Tim’s mentoring I will learn the skills I need to become a successful potter. His inherent passion for learning, and enthusiasm for our craft will create the most positive learning environment for this endeavor.” – Lisa Shepperd