Art Studio
Los Angeles, CA
JOB DESCRIPTION:
An established, Los Angeles based artist seeks a permanent Studio Assistant to aid in the production of multiple large-scale sculptures and assist in the day to day running of the art studio.
The Artist desires a professional, highly motivated individual that demonstrates the ability to take initiative, work well both independently and in a team environment, multi-task and be flexible to meet changing priorities. Accordingly, applicants must be naturally organized, reliable, and responsible with time management. Having excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain productive and effective, inclusive working relationships with the Artist and other studio assistants is extremely vital to the studio culture and expected. The ideal candidate must also be open to learning new construction methods and material application techniques, as well as accepting constructive feedback.
The ideal candidate for this position is highly versed in ceramics. Applicants should have extensive experience preparing clay (spiral wedging, stretching / rolling slabs, making coils, etc.), reclaiming clay, hand building (pinch, coil and slab construction), glazing, loading / unloading kilns, and operating electric kilns. Aside from the latter, applicants should have good-average math competency, basic construction skills and demonstrate an ability to operate wood shop and metal shop tools and equipment. Bonus skills include wheel throwing, TIG welding, mold-making / casting and fluency in the following programs: Photoshop, AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, Z-Brush and/or other modeling / rendering software.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Working through ideas and developing prototypes with the Artist.
- Hand building large-scale sculptures, either alongside the Artist or as articulated by the Artist.
- Preparing clay for daily construction: spiral wedging, stretching slabs, making coils, etc.
- Processing, mixing and reclaiming clay as needed.
- Measuring, calculating and mixing batch glazes.
- Creating clay body and glaze samples and performing quality control checks.
- Documenting clay bodies and glazes used on production runs, as well as keeping records of samples and tests.
- Loading / firing / unloading electric kilns.
- Maintaining electric kilns, kiln vents, kiln shelves and stilts, and all other ceramic studio related equipment, as well as wood shop and metal shop tools and equipment.
- Solving problems related to material substitutions, costs or new equipment.
- Developing handling instructions for gallery preparators.
- Following standard operating procedures and safe operating practices.
- Maintaining the organization, cleanliness and safety of the studio, and enforcing the “no dust – no silicosis” policy at all times.
- Performing other secondary duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to move or aid in the moving of large objects (50-75lbs minimum).
- Ability to stand or sit for long periods of time.
- Ability to climb up and down a ladder.
- Possess a valid driver’s license.
- Reliable transportation to work.
Studio Assistant
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- High school diploma or equivalent experience, though a BA, BFA and/or MFA is preferred
- 3+ years of relevant experience as a ceramics studio assistant or a ceramics technician
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The Studio Assistant at times may be working with equipment, chemicals, and processes that may be potential health and safety hazards, thus, wearing protective equipment is mandatory. Respirators, masks, face shields, goggles, ear muffs / plugs, gloves, bodysuits and aprons are provided. Duties take place mostly in studio.
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This is a full time position, which will lead toward permanent status following the successful completion of a probationary period (1-2 months). Full time* status will be put into effect in June 2019. *The Artist is willing to consider part-time applicants, provided that she/he can commit to a minimum of 21-28 hours per week.
Studio hours are 10am-6pm, Monday through Friday. Work shifts consist of 8 hours, with two 15 minute breaks and an hour-long, non-paid lunch. Due to the undulating nature of work for shows and fairs, the Artist allows employers to take longer breaks after commitments are met, freeing up employees to focus on their own practice or travel. After one year of working, the artist gives a week of paid vacation, after two years the employee receives two weeks, and it remains as such for the duration of the time working for the artist. The employee must sign a non-disclosure agreement in order to take part in any work related activities.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply, please send an email titled 'STUDIO ASSISTANT - YOUR NAME' to [email protected] with relevant work samples, cover letter and resume, including 3 references and hourly wage expectations. Wage is commensurate with experience. References will be checked.
