Studio.Frostwood - Collaborative Ceramic Studio

Aim

Ceramicists Natalie J Wood and Hazel Frost are partnering up to start a new studio!

Who We Are 

In 2015 Natalie started in a shared studio in Edinburgh, quickly growing her business she needed a bigger space and joined Wasps Artist Studios in 2017 starting in the smallest 3x3 meter space, she made it work. Eventually taking on a second space and starting a membership programme to give others access to ceramic equipment and grow their own practice. Now an amazing opportunity has arisen to take on a much larger space within the Wasps Artist Studios. 

Hazel Frost graduated from her Ceramic Design course in 2013 and has bounced around different studios since then. At times working from her shed in Northumberland, taking pots on a 2 hour long round trips to be fired in another sympathetic potter's kiln, making work hasn’t always been the most straightforward of missions. After moving to Edinburgh in 2018 she struggled to find a space to call her own, it wasn’t until partnering up with Natalie this year that this became possible. 

After choosing to work together, we have been happy to share the equipment that we have both collected over the past five years, this includes two kilns and a wheel as well as a few benches. However to get the most out of the space we are looking to have custom made shelves made to maximise the efficiency of our storage, Install extraction over the kilns, so that we have a safe quality of air to work in. Two tables that will be custom made, large enough to take classes and will include storage for clay. We also look to purchase at least one more shimpo wheel so we can effectively offer memberships to the studio as well as having more equipment for teaching purposes.

What We Need 

Based in Edinburgh we want to create a space to offer lessons in ceramics, beginners lessons and specialised workshops in hand building, throwing and slip casting. We share a foundational belief of improving accessibility to ceramics. 

We also want to offer casual lessons that build on the holistic and therapeutic qualities of creating art, with unstructured classes that will allow people to explore their own creativity with the guidance of mine and Natalie’s shared knowledge. 

We also need a space that can help us improve our own practices, with maximum efficiency for running our respective small businesses. A larger space for us means more opportunities to teach, to take on bigger commissions and store larger sculptural work. In the future we look to offer memberships through sharing equipment and even offering residency opportunities to other artist. 

We are looking to raise £7000 to make some major changes to our new studio space.

• If we reach £2500 we will be able to have custom built storage, shelves and tables by local woodworker Bazz Granger. 

• If we reach £3500 We will be able to install extraction above the kiln and new electrical points 

• If we reach £4500 We will be able to renovate the fixtures and fittings of the studio and purchase more workshop equipment. 

• If we reach £6000 We will be able to purchase an additional wheel for classes

• If we reach £7000 we will cover the cost of moving and installing the kilns and keeping them up to date. 

A bit about Natalie

Natalie grew up in the industrial town of Kirkcaldy, Scotland. Her great, great grandfather was a kiln man and worked for one of the many Kirkcaldy potteries. As a child she would run up and down the aisles of the tile store her mother worked at for over 20 years. In 2015 Natalie graduated with a degree in Three Dimensional Design with a specialism in ceramics, before moving to Edinburgh to establish her own practice. Recently Natalie completed her postgraduate teaching degree and blends education into all parts of her practice. Natalie's Website

A bit about Hazel

Hazel is originally from Newcastle upon Tyne, having graduated from Central Saint Martins with a degree in Ceramic Design, she then worked for other studio potters and artists, developing her skills before moving back north to start her own practice. Specialising in throwing and hand building, her work is deeply influenced by history, Japanese and Korean ceramics as well as the landscapes that surround her in Scotland. Hazel's Website

FAQs

• Once the crowd funder is complete we will be in touch to arrange any future workshops and delivery of rewards. 
• All Mystery boxes and Nice blob rewards will be a selected at random. 
• we will strive to send out all physical items at the beginning of December and for  workshops to take place in early 2022 in our studio at 78 Albion Road, Edinburgh. Parking is available free on site. 
• Due to ongoing Coronavirus concerns workshops numbers will be kept small, maximum 4 persons and two tutors. If you are able please test yourself at least one day before your scheduled workshop. Masks will be required for all workshops if you are exempt please let us know in advance. The studio will be well ventilated and that can mean it gets cold so please bring layers. If you are experiencing any flu like symptoms before your workshop please let us know and we will be happy to reschedule. 
• Our Studio is not currently accessible by wheelchair, there are 2 small sets of stairs, if you have any additional questions about accessibility please get in touch and we will do our best to help.

Rewards!

- Nice Blob stud back earrings 

- Selection of Detsu items in rose (Mystery Box Reward)

- Porcelain planter with a cobalt ink wash

- Breakfast bowls

-Tenmoku bud vase

-Wild clay tea bowls 

- Porcelain bud vase

This project successfully funded on 6th November 2021