OPENING DATE: 02/08/16
CLOSING DATE: Continuous
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Pottery Studio at Saint John's University invites applications for the non-exempt, full-time benefit-eligible position of Pottery Studio Apprentice. This is a 1-3 year appointment. The function of the Apprentice participating in the Pottery Studio Apprenticeship Program is to gain a holistic understanding of the aspects of being a professional potter; to gain competency in working with indigenous materials; to learn disciplined throwing techniques on the Karatsu-style kick wheel; to acquire skills in the making of a variety of throwing and hand-building tools; to study and become competent in brush painting slip painting and in-lay techniques; and to learn the complex process of loading three styles of wood firing and one style of gas kiln firing.
The Pottery Program embodies, by demonstration and practical experience, the integration of the aesthetic, scientific, humanistic, and moral approach to sustainable living in relation to nature.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
1. Perform all tasks necessary in the care of the pottery work of the master potter, studio manager and apprentice.
2. Research and develop clay and glaze material, including demonstrating competency in clay and glaze material processing, as well as testing new materials.
3. Process local clay through a series of washing, screening and filter-pressing; create a homogeneous clay body through the pug mill.
4. Process slip bodies through washing and screening of natural materials and testing mixtures for correct consistency.
5. Process glaze materials by washing and screening natural ashes and minerals and testing blaze calculation for new glazes.
6. Demonstrate understanding of proper safety techniques to ensure air quality for self and others by encouraging use of mask-filters when processing materials and through regular cleaning of the studio spaces.
7. Maintain the Johanna kiln by preparing fire wood, cleaning kiln furniture and repairing damages to the kiln structure.
8. Maintain the gas kiln by cleaning kiln furniture and repairing damages to the kiln structure.
9. Create work on the Karatsu-style kick wheel utilizing techniques of throwing off the hump, singular piece throwing, coiling and paddling, and hand building.
10. Decorate pieces through brush painting, slip painting and/or in-lay techniques.
11. Participate in artistic events and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills.
12. Assist the Studio Director and Manager in hosting events for all tour groups.
13. Assist the Studio Manager in mentoring SJU/CSB student interns.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. BA or BFA degree required. Seniors graduating Spring 2016 will be considered.
2. Effective time-management and organizational skills
3. Desire and ability to mentor student interns
4. Excellent interpersonal relations skills to build positive working relationships with internal and external clientele
5. Self-initiative and desire to meet the Apprenticeship Program objective.
6. Availability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the Studio operation, which may include some evening and weekend hours.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: APPLICATION PROCESS:
Interested candidates should complete the application form and attach a cover letter and resume. Candidates are also required to submit a portfolio of up to 15 images (.pdf or .jpg format). Please send portfolio to Ryan Kutter at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin March 25, 2016.
To Apply, please click Here
CLOSING DATE: Continuous
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Pottery Studio at Saint John's University invites applications for the non-exempt, full-time benefit-eligible position of Pottery Studio Apprentice. This is a 1-3 year appointment. The function of the Apprentice participating in the Pottery Studio Apprenticeship Program is to gain a holistic understanding of the aspects of being a professional potter; to gain competency in working with indigenous materials; to learn disciplined throwing techniques on the Karatsu-style kick wheel; to acquire skills in the making of a variety of throwing and hand-building tools; to study and become competent in brush painting slip painting and in-lay techniques; and to learn the complex process of loading three styles of wood firing and one style of gas kiln firing.
The Pottery Program embodies, by demonstration and practical experience, the integration of the aesthetic, scientific, humanistic, and moral approach to sustainable living in relation to nature.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
1. Perform all tasks necessary in the care of the pottery work of the master potter, studio manager and apprentice.
2. Research and develop clay and glaze material, including demonstrating competency in clay and glaze material processing, as well as testing new materials.
3. Process local clay through a series of washing, screening and filter-pressing; create a homogeneous clay body through the pug mill.
4. Process slip bodies through washing and screening of natural materials and testing mixtures for correct consistency.
5. Process glaze materials by washing and screening natural ashes and minerals and testing blaze calculation for new glazes.
6. Demonstrate understanding of proper safety techniques to ensure air quality for self and others by encouraging use of mask-filters when processing materials and through regular cleaning of the studio spaces.
7. Maintain the Johanna kiln by preparing fire wood, cleaning kiln furniture and repairing damages to the kiln structure.
8. Maintain the gas kiln by cleaning kiln furniture and repairing damages to the kiln structure.
9. Create work on the Karatsu-style kick wheel utilizing techniques of throwing off the hump, singular piece throwing, coiling and paddling, and hand building.
10. Decorate pieces through brush painting, slip painting and/or in-lay techniques.
11. Participate in artistic events and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills.
12. Assist the Studio Director and Manager in hosting events for all tour groups.
13. Assist the Studio Manager in mentoring SJU/CSB student interns.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. BA or BFA degree required. Seniors graduating Spring 2016 will be considered.
2. Effective time-management and organizational skills
3. Desire and ability to mentor student interns
4. Excellent interpersonal relations skills to build positive working relationships with internal and external clientele
5. Self-initiative and desire to meet the Apprenticeship Program objective.
6. Availability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the Studio operation, which may include some evening and weekend hours.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: APPLICATION PROCESS:
Interested candidates should complete the application form and attach a cover letter and resume. Candidates are also required to submit a portfolio of up to 15 images (.pdf or .jpg format). Please send portfolio to Ryan Kutter at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin March 25, 2016.
To Apply, please click Here