Bari Ziperstein Studio / BZIPPY Temporary Full Time - Clay Prefabrication Associate (Nov-March) - Artist Ceramic Design Studio Sun Valley, CA · Full time

Bari Ziperstein Studio is hiring a temporary full-time Studio Prefabrication Associate. The Prefabricator must have a working knowledge of the best practices for clay processes including rolling slabs, extruding, and mold forming in order to assist with the fabrication of high-quality, large slab-constructed ceramics.

Description

Bari Ziperstein Studio / BZIPPY

Sun Valley, CA

Seeking a Temporary Full-Time Clay Prefabrication Associate

Full-Time: 5 days a week, 8.5 hrs / day

(Mon - Fri 9-5:30)

Temporary employment: Nov 1, 2024 - end of March 2025


Position Overview:

Bari Ziperstein Studio is hiring a temporary full-time Studio Prefabrication Associate. The Prefabricator must have a working knowledge of the best practices for clay processes including rolling slabs, extruding, and mold forming in order to assist with the fabrication of high-quality, large slab-constructed ceramics. Past experience with the use of a pugmill for is also a plus.

Applicants must have 1-2 years of slab construction experience - especially focused on the methods and equipment used to create parts for large-scale slab-built ceramics. This includes the slab roller, hump molds, the extruder, and pugmill. Wheel throwing and coil building skills are not transferable for this studio’s construction methods. This is a temporary position from November 1st, 2024 - end of March 2025.


Who we are:

Bari Ziperstein Studio encompasses four creative enterprises.

At the core is Bari’s art practice. Materially experimental and conceptually driven, Bari’s sculpture practice engages ideas of consumerism, propaganda, and the built environment.

BZIPPY is a ceramic furniture and housewares company producing open edition wares. Inspired by architecture and industrial design, BZIPPY builds on a taxonomy of slab-based forms to deliver high-quality, handbuilt functional ceramic objects.

Bari Ziperstein Collectible Design (BZCD) focuses on the design and construction of limited edition and unique functional ceramic functional sculptures. BZCD pieces are highly-engineered forms aiming to push the physical boundaries of clay.


Everything we do at Bari Ziperstein Studio is approached through three equally important pillars:

1. Creativity. All day, every day.

2. Honoring the long, intersecting histories of art and design through material curiosity, intellectual rigor, innovation in engineering, and informed, intentional aesthetic choices.

3. Respecting and valuing labor of all kinds through teamwork, fair compensation, and recognition that everything we make is conceived of, designed, engineered, fabricated, and cared for by human beings.

At BZS, we apply the same intensity of focus required to bring our objects into the world to the design and execution of our operations.

The setting for this position is within a 9,000 sq ft artist studio in Sun Valley, CA that houses the design, production, and sale of ceramic sculpture. With 16 full-time employees, the studio is a business first and an artist studio second.

To be considered: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of past ceramic slab-built work.


Position Responsibilities Include:

PREFABRICATION DUTIES

  • Follow instructions, schedule, and pacing set by the Lead of Prefabrication & Production Manager
  • Assist the studio in the beginning stages of fabrication of all production ceramics/art including:
  • Using the pugmill to mix clay and extrude
  • Rolling out slabs
  • Executing hump & slump molds using soft slabs
  • Extruding clay and prepping extrusions
  • Carry out the drying process of all slabs, molds, extrusions, and storage
  • Maintain all slabs and molds to prevent drying
  • Maintain the facility at optimal levels and collaborate with Production Manager on output levels
  • Share knowledge and techniques with other employees, as needed
  • Maintain all Google sheet prefabrication processes
  • Monitor inventory levels regarding the production of all prefabrication items (hump molds, slabs, plastic / wood molds) and advises the Production Manager of purchasing needs


Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Maintain a tidy, clean, safe, and professional personal workspace and studio environment
  • Work with others and maintain harmonious and collaborative relationships with individuals working within the studio as a team
  • Communicate effectively, with tact, respect, and clearly demonstrate professional boundaries at all times
  • Meet and greet individuals that visit and/or contact the studio with a warm welcome and professional assistance
  • Demonstrate a keen eye and attention to detail when juggling multiple tasks
  • Maintain daily awareness of the needs within the studio and effectively communicate those needs to the Creative Director
  • Demonstrate the ability and willingness to receive, follow and support the needs and requests of the Creative Director at all times
  • Be willing to provide services during scheduled hours of operation which are typically Monday through Friday from 9am to 5:30pm
  • Maintain strict, continuous, and complete confidentiality at all times regarding any and all matters within the studio
  • Have respect, admiration, and pride for the work done in the studio.
  • Ability to communicate with others and face potential conflict with empathy and understanding.
  • Ability to embody mistakes without blaming others.
  • Ability to embrace and provide feedback.


Physical Demands:

  • Must be able to push, pull, bend, stoop, squat, turn from front to back, turn from side to side, reach above shoulder level, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds
  • Must be able to sit, stand, and assume a variety of positions for extended periods of time
  • Must be able to work for extended periods of time with clay products and lift, carry, walk on, manipulate with hands and feet, and perform a wide-variety of physically intensive techniques and procedures on a continuous and daily basis
  • Must be able to work in a studio environment with cement floors and within limited fabrication spaces when production activities are in full swing
  • Must be able to drive own vehicle which is in good working condition, have a good driving record, and meet the minimum requirements for vehicle insurance in California


Qualifications:

  • Can demonstrate 1-2 years of knowledge of clay slab equipment such as the slab roller, the extruder, and hump molds.
  • Previous professional studio experience.
  • Can demonstrate the ability to receive, understand, and apply information in a timely manner within the company training period.
  • Ability to write in a clear and concise manner that enables others to read, interpret and understand messages and written documents.
  • Are able to sit and stand for long periods of time, utilize hands and arms in a variety of positions with a wide range of grip strength and manual dexterity, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds
  • Are able to uphold good interactions with colleagues by maintaining clear personal boundaries and professionalism.
  • Have respect, admiration, and pride for the work done in the studio.
  • Ability to communicate with others and face potential conflict with empathy and understanding.
  • Ability to embody mistakes without blaming others.
  • Ability to embrace and provide feedback.


To be considered: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of past ceramic slab-built work.


Candidates selected for an interview will be provided with a more detailed job description. In the event that you would like to receive more specific information about this position prior to submitting your resume, please send us a message. First round of interviews are held virtually, second round of interviews are held on site and include a skills assessment.


Please contact the studio with any questions regarding this open position.


Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.50 per hour

Salary

$21.5 - $21.5 per hour