Instructions
A ceramics studio can be a busy place! Knowing where everything is helps you work efficiently and safely. Use this graphic organizer to map out your studio. First, draw a bird's-eye view of the room in the large box. Then, fill in the details for each specific zone in the boxes below.
My Ceramics Studio Map
Draw the layout of your studio here. Be sure to label key areas like the entrance, sinks, potter's wheels, hand-building tables, glazing area, and kiln room.
Clay & Storage
- Where do you get new, unused clay? Describe the location.
- Where is the clay recycling (reclaim/slop) bucket located?
- What is the procedure for getting new clay and recycling used clay?
Workstations
- Mark the location of the potter's wheels on your map.
- Mark the location of the hand-building tables.
- Are there any specific rules for using these workstations (e.g., cleanup)?
Tools & Equipment
- Where are the communal tools kept? (e.g., ribs, wires, trimming tools)
- Where do you find specialized equipment like a slab roller or extruder?
- How are tools supposed to be cleaned and returned after use?
Glazing Station
- Where are the glaze buckets located? How are they organized?
- Where do you find tools for glazing (brushes, tongs, wax resist)?
- What are the key cleanup steps for the glazing area?
Drying & Kilns
- Where do you place your "greenware" pieces to dry?
- Where is the kiln area? Note any safety signs or rules posted nearby.
- Where is "bisqueware" (pieces fired once) stored?
Cleanup Station
- Where are the sinks? Are they equipped with a clay trap?
- Where do you find buckets, sponges, and mops for cleaning?
- What is the proper procedure for cleaning your space before leaving?
Answer Key
This worksheet is unique to your own studio, so there is no single correct answer. Use this key to check if you have included the right level of detail in your organizer. A well-completed map and description will help you work safely and efficiently.
Studio Map
- Your map should be a clear, simple layout of the room from above.
- Key features should be labeled, such as: Entrance/Exit, Windows, Sinks, Potter's Wheels, Hand-building Tables, Glaze Area, Kiln Room, Shelves, and Tool Cabinets.
Clay & Storage
- Location of new clay: Should specify if it's in bags, a specific cabinet, or near the pugmill.
- Location of reclaim: Should identify the specific bucket or container for clay scraps and slop.
- Procedure: You might note rules like "Ask teacher before getting a new bag" or "Scrape all dry bits off clay before putting in reclaim."
Workstations
- Locations: Potter's wheels and hand-building tables should be clearly marked on your map.
- Rules: Examples include "Wipe down the wheel pan and seat after use," "Scrape tables clean, then wipe with a damp sponge," or "Last person to use the slab roller cleans it."
Tools & Equipment
- Communal Tools: Should identify the location (e.g., "on the wall rack by the sink," "in the labeled drawers").
- Special Equipment: Slab roller, extruder, etc., should be labeled on your map.
- Procedure: Should note that tools must be washed, dried, and returned to their correct spot.
Glazing Station
- Glaze Location: Note if they are on shelves, in a cabinet, and how they are organized (e.g., by cone temperature, by color).
- Cleanup: Key steps include rinsing brushes thoroughly, wiping down drips on buckets and counters, and washing hands. It's important to never pour glaze down the sink.
Drying & Kilns
- Greenware Shelves: Identify the specific shelves for drying work. Note if there are different shelves for different classes or stages of drying.
- Kiln Area: Location must be marked. Safety rules are critical here: "Do not touch the kilns," "Keep area clear of flammable materials," "Only authorized personnel in kiln room."
- Bisqueware Storage: Note where you pick up your bisqued pieces before glazing.
Cleanup Station
- Sinks: Location should be marked. Note if there are clay traps and the importance of not washing large amounts of clay down the drain.
- Cleaning Supplies: Location of buckets for water, tool-cleaning sponges, and floor mops should be identified.
- Procedure: The general rule is to leave your area cleaner than you found it. This involves wiping all surfaces with a wet sponge to control dust, cleaning all tools, and washing hands.