Lids with Dandee Pattee

Dandee visited my advanced ceramics class this morning for a demonstration on lidded vessels. It’s my birthday so we ate cake and had an enjoyable morning watching and listening!

Dandee began her journey with clay in junior high school where she learned to throw on the wheel. She spent some time at Casper College in Wyoming where she worked with ceramics professor Lynn Munns. Lynn served as an important mentor in Dandee’s life and encouraged her to pursue her love of ceramics. Dandee graduated from Southern Utah University and went on to study as a post baccalaureate student at the University of Nebraska. She then apprenticed Silvie Granatelli one of the 16 Hands. This would prove to be one the most important clay experiences in Dandee’s life. She spoke of the disciple that this experience taught her and highly recommends this studio apprenticeship to anyone who is interested. She is currently a third year MFA ceramics graduate student at the University of Florida. Her future plans are undecided at this time but will involve making pottery and writing. Dandee has an article coming out in the June issue of Art & Perception, be sure to look for it!

Dandee demonstrated a variety of lid types for example ‘inset or drop in lids’ where the lid rests on the inside lip of the form. Once you start thinking about lids you will realize there are endless possibilities! Try making a list or sketching out the different style lids you have in your home.

When making lids you need to consider two parts: the base form and the lid. These two pieces need to fit together to create a functional lidded jar. Before you start do your research- decide what type of lid you want to make and what forms you are interested in. I recommend making multiple sketches before you start. If you are throwing larger forms it is very important that you use throwing bats. The bat will provide a surface for you to create your form and it can be removed when you are finished. Start by throwing the container/base form making considerations based on the type of lid you are planning. When you finish the form use your calipers to measure the distance across the opening. Then throw your lid using the calipers to make sure the two parts will fit together.

If you are looking for more information on throwing lidded vessels Dandee recommended a few books.

Cushing Handbook- Val Cushing page 98

A Potter’s Workbook- Clary Illian page 67-75

Functional Pottery- Robin Hopper