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Pottery/Coffee pot..mugs

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Expert: Ric Swenson - 3/18/2008


Question
QUESTION: I have an idea for a particular art work that I want used for a range of tableware that I want to market.I will start small - a coffee pot and mugs perhaps.How do I find a ceramic designer and then a small manufacturer who will do a ran for me ?

ANSWER: maybe best to start with a local potter to make prototypes.  Then you will have an idea of how well it works visually and functionally.

If you have drawings or sketches you can submit them to any number of domestic or foreign manufacturers for cost estimates.

I live in JingDeZhen China....so I know many places that do such work.  GOOGLE for ceramic manufacturers in your area might be a good start.

Tool up costs can be pretty steep. R. and D.....making molds,etc can add up.  What is your buget?

Where are you located?

Let me know what else I can do for you.

Ric



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: HI Ric - I am in London and understand that the costs can be high - so want to make a prototype and then show it to buyers - then go ahead and borrow to fund the production.Am willing to spend up to £5000 for the samples - this would be for a full dinner service - but several hundred for the pot and mugs ?

Answer
Stoke-on-Trent is the place to go in England I think.  Historically there are the most choices there.

If you want to go have the work done in China, I can put you in touch with a guy that specializes in start-up production and know everyone in the JingDeZhen matrix of manufacturers. You can contact him directly at his email (Weng Yan Jun is his name. Grad. of Univ. of Wisconsin in ceramics.)

<wengyj@yahoo.com>

he has a design company called MEI DESIGN here in China.

Regards,

Ric  

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Ric Swenson

Expertise

For nearly 40 years I have been involved with pottery. I specialize in wheelthrown pottery, but spent 12 years as Plant Manager of Bennington Potters, Inc. where I learned all about RAM pressing, slip casting, jiggering, OSHA regulations regarding clay manufacture, safety, etc. I have specific knowledge in forming techniques, texturing clay, clay bodies, glazes and application techniques, as well as firing and kiln building. I do not have knowledge of the values of ceramic works of the past.

Experience

I have taught ceramics and art history at the high school and college level in Anchorage, AK (UAA) and Bennington, VT.for 12 years. I ran Bennington Potters, Inc. for 12 years 1982-94. I was manager of Fine Art Tile Co.,San Antonio, TX for several years and taught Pottery classes in Atlanta, GA. at Elements (Kickwheel Pottery Supply), Currently in JingDeZhen , P.R. China, teaching Ceramics and Oral English.

Organizations
American Ceramic Society (Chair of Design Div. 1985-7) Current member of Tucker Arts Guild, Tucker, GA.

Publications
CERAMICS MONTHLY, AMERICAN CRAFT, CERAMIC VISION, (China)

Education/Credentials
BFA, Drawing and Painting, Pacific Lutheran Univ., Tacoma, WA. 1970 with certification to teach Art K-12.
MFA, Ceramics, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA. 1976

Awards and Honors
One Man Show of Pottery, Anchorage Historical and Fine Arts Museum.
Alaska Art Bank Collection, Collection U. of Puget Sound, JingDeZhen Ceramics Institute, China.
Over 70 juried entries in State and Regional art shows over 30 years. Solo exhibition, 2006, The Pottery Workshop, JingDeZhen, China. Exhibitor and Conference participant, Wu Yi Shan Univ. China 2007. Exhibitor at Jingdezhen Ceramic Fairs 2007-2009. Collection of the City of Jingdezhen Ceramic Museum.

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