23 February 2013, at Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

On this date, the Ceramics Club was treated to a demonstration by Tom Laudenslager, a potter from Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, who does pieces, both wheel thrown and slab built. His pieces are subject to all sorts of interesting alterations and coloring techniques. Some pieces more sculptural in nature include elaborate bonsai tree forms created by working the wet clay and embossing patterns to create texture without actually adding clay. Some have space between branches and foliage cut out to expose interior glazes creating the appearance of sky or water.

Tom did a well-paced demonstration with lots of good information in a relaxed style spiced with humor that was a most enjoyable experience. We were impressed that he brought a number of pieces in various stages of completion such that we were able to see many steps in the process without having to wait hours or days for the clay to dry to an appropriate state. He also teaches the clay arts at a high school in Ye Olde Photographer's school district. That might be the only time YOP has wished he was back in high school!