AboutRic 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.
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. Art Station member, Stone Mountain, GA
Publications CERAMICS MONTHLY, AMERICAN CRAFT
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.
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?
