Andy McKenzie

Artist / Educator / Clay Addict. Finally pursuing my dream and launched Thirds Pottery, LLC!

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

Loading a kiln is like playing Tetris and Jenga at the same time. #cone10 #gaskiln #sertomaartscenter #thirdspottery

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

Playing around with some red and white clay slipped bowls. Eventually these will end up in the gas kiln.

#playing #cone10 #cone10reduction #pottery #stoneware #wheelthrown #potterystudio #clay #thirdspottery

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

The calm before the storm. 5 beginning wheel and hand building classes start this week at Sertoma Arts Center. So much potential and excitement, I can’t wait to see what this new group of potters brings to the studio.

#sertomaartscenter #communityart #pottery #studio #clay…

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

I feel like Frodo from the LOTR whenever I use this mug!

#frodo #lotr #mug #pottery #cone10 #thirdspottery

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

Etsy update is live with a small batch of goodies. I had fun playing with glaze on these. Hope y’all enjoy!!! Etsy link is in my bio.

#cone6 #pottery #ramenbowl #vase #contemporaryceramics #porcelain #crystallineceramics #raleighartist #thirdspottery

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

I’m looking forward to the exclamations of delight when my current crystalline class sees their results from the last firing.

#cone6 #crystallineglaze #crystallineceramics #pottery #claystudio #porcelain #sertomaartscenter #pottersofinstagram #instapottery #thirdspottery

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

@LaurieC66142596 Thanks!!!!

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

Pretty happy with the oxidation strike fire results in these pieces. After and before images shows how much richer the glaze surfaces are.

#cone6 #porcelain #crystallineceramics #crystallineglaze #electrickiln #handmade #pottery #raleighartist #thirdspottery

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

I spent the morning putting in a new set of elements in one of Sertoma’s kilns. After 30 years of playing with mud I’m constantly amazed at the range of skills required to light dirt on fire.

#artcenter #sertomaartscenter #kiln #electrickiln #pottery #clay #skuttkilns #con…

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

My new yard waste recycling bin is perfect for drying out two boards worth of catch basins. I use all my recycled scraps of clay for my catch basins so it’s a perfect fit!!!
#porcelain #crystallineceramics #recycling #cone6 #wheelthrown #thirdspottery #raleighartist

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

I’ve been super busy for the past couple of weeks testing and making work for my community studio. We are in the process of switching suppliers so everything has to be tested before it goes to the students. Fortunately it’s gone pretty well and the new supplier is a pleasure…

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

It’s time to start feeding the beast. I’ve got to do the liner glazes, attach the bases with glue, mix my crystalline glazes and then I can start applying the glazes.

I always think that more will fit…and I’m always wrong. Unlike normal glaze loads I don’t take up every po…

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

If you’re looking for something special for your Mother… or just somebody that you want to know that you care.. I have 3 cases worth of work at Sertoma Art Center for sale.

#sertomaartscenter #raleighartist #crystallineglaze #porcelain #cone6 #thirdspottery

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

It’s a bit messy, a bit unorganized and in need of a good mopping but I love that I can go out and make something whenever the mood strikes! Leaving family, friends and Suffield Academy was tough but this part of the journey has been a great source of personal growth. I’m lo…

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

3 large platers or wall pieces slowly drying in my studio. I threw these yesterday and I’ll let them dry slowly for another day or two before I flip them over and trim them.

I’ve found the slower I go with the process on larger forms less bad things happen. It’s hard becau…

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

Set up a small show at Sertoma this morning. For my students, I’ve titled each piece with the glaze names and combinations. I’ve also explained if it’s been etched or strike fired.

If you find yourself in the north hills swing by Shelly Lake and have a look…and buy somethi…

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

There is so much potential contained in these boxes. What to make? What to make? So much I want to make!

I’ll be starting with a couple of large wall pieces, some large jars and a quick run of mugs… after that who knows? I’m open to suggestions…

#highwaterclays #porcelain…

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

From beginning to end. I’ve found myself on the supply chain struggle bus, along with the rest of the world, so Ive begun the tedious process of recycling my trimmings and failed pieces into workable porcelain.

Cobalt is the only oxide in this piece, so I have no idea wher…

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

Before and after…some of the test pots look really good, and as normal, some look pretty shitastic. Trying out some new clays and a couple of the glazes look like they weren’t a fan. I’ll post some individual images of the winners later today when the kiln is fully cool.

#…

[Andy McKenzie @Thirds_Pottery]

The kiln is loaded and programmed. I’ll start it tonight and it should be around 1800 degrees when I get up in the morning. The total firing takes about 13 1/2 hours with another 20 hours to cool. So sometime Sunday I’ll see if everything worked or … not. I have a couple of …