Ray Auker
Demonstration and Lecture, following the AGM
Sunday May 13th 2007
Mundford Village Hall
Ray Auker is an experienced teacher and demonstrator as well as a very accomplished potter. Ray is particularly well known for the teapots which he loves to make. Expect a masterclass in throwing technique. For more background about Ray and his work, see his selected member listing.
Also during May, you can see some of Ray's work at an exhibition 'Casting Light'. Ray features as one of three artists showing work inspired by the classical world at the Museum of Classical Archaeology, part of the Faculty of Classics, Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge. His fellow exhibitors are Painter Paul Janssens and Sculptor Alexander Stoddart. The exhibition runs from 3 May to 1 June, for more information call 01223 335153 or visit www.classics.cam.ac.uk/museum.
Review of the demonstration
Ray admitted that following the Friths was a bit daunting so searching for something to do that they had not already demonstrated, he decided on some audience participation. Ray had thrown a teapot body and made numerous different spouts, lids and handles, all of different characters, styles and proportions. He then assembled different combinations of parts according to the audience whim and reaction. It was facinating to see how radically the character of the pot could change even though the body itself was always the same.
Ray went on to demonstrate the making of his country teapot (as opposed to his town design), and the making of his bowls and platters. The latter two are thrown and then altered with curved lines added to give a sense of flow and movement. For the very large platters, Ray makes a blank using slab and coil techniques from which the final form is thrown. This saves considerable effort in centring and spreading the clay that a conventional technique would require.
Sadly, Ray didn't explain how he made the two vases shown below that he brought with him. From what I could see, the bodies are thrown and squashed a little and then coils are added to create the lines. The tops are a mystery! Both pieces, as with all Ray's work, feel very light when lifted.
Review of Casting Light
Ray Auker's contribution to Casting Light at the Museum of Classical Archaeology is humorous and playful whilst at the same time showing considerable skill in making what are often large pieces of work. So large infact that some difficulties were experienced firing the work. It was obvious watching the reactions of those present at the private view that Ray's work was much appreciated by accademic staff and potters alike.