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Art Clay Senior Instructor
Lu McGill
What do you love about Art Clay?
It's non-toxic, very pliable, and with endless possibilities using your imagination. I like the fact that you can use any remaining clay (AC regular, AC regular slow dry and 650) as components on the same project by firing at a higher temperature. I usually fire everything at 1472ºF for 30 minutes, except for glass projects, which I use the low fire series and fire at 1200ºF for 30 minutes. |
What are your favorite Art Clay projects/creations?
My favorite creations are the one's that really challenge me; the ones that take a lot of thought and concentration to achieve the final design. |
Biography:
My first class in ACS was in 2002, just prior to my retirement in the same year. I instantly fell in love with ACS. I ordered my kiln in the second class and my passion for metal clay took off. I took every class possible, read every book and article that I found. In October 2003, I took the Level One Certification and the following month certified in PMC. I felt any knowledge I obtained in metal clay would make me a better artist. In 2004, I continued to expand my knowledge by taking class from Carl Stanley and attending the PMC convention. While at the convention, I had the opportunity to take the Level One and Two courses in PMC. In 2005, I finally achieved my Senior Level Certification in Art Clay. My first love will always be Art Clay Silver, but I think it's important to know what the other guy (PMC) is doing, and apply the techniques learned to Art Clay. |
Philosophy:
Learn whatever you can about metal clay, if it's your passion. When you teach, share as much information with your students as possible. It makes you a better teacher and your students will appreciate it.
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Awards / Degrees:
I received a Special Achievement Award in the 1st Annual Art Clay World, USA, Contest. Needless to say I was shocked when I learned that my pendant, "Unfolding", received an award. It was one of my mistakes. After it was fired an the stone was set, I realized that the stone was off center. So, I took the stone out of the bezel and put little balls around half of the bezel to create the illusion that the stone was centered.
You just never know what will catch the eye of the judges. I think anyone that enters a contest is a winner. They have taken the time to create a piece and put it out there for all the world to see and be judged. Maybe it won't win, but they have taken the time and energy to do their best. My hat is off to all that enter, and my congratulations.
Art Clay World Artist of the Month - April 2006
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