Nesting Reclaim Carts

By Eliane Medina

Artist Website

In a ceramics studio, dealing with reclaim is always an issue. Here is an idea that will help save some space and also make the reclaim process slightly easier. 

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As most of you may know, plaster troughs are great for helping wet, sloppy clay to dry out. When we use them repeatedly, they become saturated and loose their ability to draw water out of the clay.  We have found a way to use our plaster troughs as efficiently as possible- by placing them on metal carts that all fit underneath each other. It's like the nesting doll of reclaim! These all fit under our studio slab roller which saves lots of space when we are drying out three troughs of reclaim at a time. They are also right in front of the heater for speedy drying times even in the winter. The metal carts allow air movement and are strong enough to support the weight of a full trough.

All of these carts have great casters, making it easy to roll the troughs out individually to fill with gooey reclaim, and to remove it once it's firmed up. Also convenient for sunny days when we want to roll the carts outside to dry (summer time when we do not want the heater on...). 

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Deborah Schwartzkopf

In 2013 Deb established Rat City Studios in her hometown of Seattle, WA. With a passion to engage and build community through clay she uses her unique skill set to offer educational opportunities. As a studio artist, she makes her own fabulous tableware that infuses life with purposeful beauty. Her artwork is recognized and showcased nationally. Deb was inspired by the guidance of amazing mentors along the way. These important relationships helped foster her desire to provide support and mentorship for the growing clay community. Her adventurous spirit has taken her across the country and beyond to build a depth of experience, knowledge, and a supportive network.

Rain City Clay, the sister-studio to Rat City Studios, opened in April of 2022 in West Seattle. This is a space for experiential group learning and exploriinig clay!

With over 15 years of experience, an MFA from Penn State, artwork included in collections (such as the Kamm Teapot Foundation, San Angelo Museum, and the WA State Arts Collection), numerous publications (including Ceramic Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, and Studio Potter Magazine), she has been recognized and honored in her career as a maker and is thrilled to be expanding the community.

Deb completed a Master’s of Fine Art at Penn State and has artwork included in numerous collections such as the Kamm Teapot Foundation, San Angelo Museum, and the WA State Arts Collection. She has been featured in numerous principal clay publications including Ceramic Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, and Studio Potter Magazine. Deb has been recognized and honored in her career as a maker and is thrilled to be expanding the clay community.

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