Looking for the Spider Teapot?

Untitled Creature, white stoneware, 2014

Maybe you saw a picture of this guy on Reddit or Tumblr or Pinterest or somewhere else on the internet.

So what's the deal with the spider teapot??

The spider teapots were a project I was working on in my last year of my BFA program. The design took a lot of trial and error and experimenting and eventually I showed the pieces as part of my senior show titled "Comfort/Discomfort" in 2012. You can see the rest of the photos from that show on my archive portfolio site.

I later revisited the idea when I moved into my first studio out of college in 2014 and made the white stoneware piece with black glaze.

Where can I buy one??

I do not have any spider teapots currently for sale. My work has evolved from that project and have not been interested in exploring the idea further but have taken a few commissions for similar pieces since 2014. If you are interested in ordering a piece you can email me to see if my commissions are open at info@sarahduyer.com.

A few things about commissions:

The spider legs are very fragile!! I have shipped these pieces in the past and even with excessive padding there is always the possibility of breakage. I do my best to package them as safely as possible and add insurance but once the package is out of my hands I don't have much control. Pickup (SF Bay Area) is preferred.
Because the legs are fragile the pieces are intended as decoration. The teapot itself is functional (has a pouring spout and lid) but I have not tried filling the pieces with water to ensure that the legs can support the added weight. Also, with regular handling comes the possibility of breakage so I wouldn't recommend using it as your everyday tea set.
Pricing for spider pot commissions start at $500 and vary based on size and complexity.

If you're interested in a commission please email me at info@sarahduyer.com

FAQ

What is Collab Clay?

Collab Clay is a take on the classic "paint your own pottery" type setup, but all pieces available to paint are handmade by me! Now's your chance to personalize a piece that was handmade by a local artist, painting it in my studio!

How Much Does it Cost?

I will be charging by the piece, so that cost includes. studio time, materials, and firing fees. Prices will be reflective of the size and complexity of a piece but range from $10-50, with extra cost for an added on magnet, bolo tie, or shipping.

What's the Process Like?

You will be able to choose from a selection of bisqueware or "half-baked" ceramics. At this stage of the ceramic process pieces are solid enough to be handled more easily, but porous enough to glaze. The colors we paint on the surface are underglazes, which are a colorant with ceramic material to allow it to harden and permanently bond to the piece.

The glazing process itself is a lot like traditional painting in that you can mix colors and water it down, but do look different after going through the firing process. I have examples in the studio of what most underglaze colors will look like fired under clear glaze and without. You can trace out your design on the piece in pencil if you like (lines will burn out in the kiln), or wipe it off if you make a mistake and nothing is permanent until it goes into the kiln. I suggest coming with an idea of what you want to glaze and allow yourself enough time to work, glazing always takes longer than I expect it to!

When you are finished with your masterpiece and the underglaze is dry to the touch you add your clear coat.You are going to paint 2 coats of the "clear" glaze on your piece wherever you want it to be glossy and food-safe but NOT on the bottom. Anywhere the piece will sit on a table should be clear of glaze before going into the kiln. Glaze will dry white but don't worry! It will be clear when you fire it.

How Long Does it Take?

I would recommend allowing yourself at least 2-3 hours to paint, though you are free to work until the end of the event at 5pm if you like. Smaller items or simple designs may take only 1 hour or less or come work on one piece all day if you want. All up to you but please be respectful of our time and finish by 5 pm.

What kinds of pieces will be available to paint?

I will have a selection of items of various sizes but mostly mugs, bowls, planters, and smaller pieces for magnets or bolo ties. I suggest pre-ordering your piece to claim if you want something specific, or come look through what I have available that day.

Is it open to all ages?

All are welcome but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is This a Class?

There is no formal instruction, but I will be happy to help if you have any questions along the way! Feel free to come any time within the 12-5pm slot but you must be finished painting by 5.

When Will My Piece Be Ready to Ship/Pickup?

After you glaze your piece they need to be loaded and fired in the kiln. I will reach out to individuals when pieces are ready for pickup or shipping, typically within 4-6 days. You can either arrange a pickup time with me at the studio or pay an additional $5-10 to have it shipped to your house.