With COVID, I am teaching with Zoom- an easy online platform that allows you to join my classes from anywhere in the world! Please contact me with your interests!
WORKSHOPS AT MY STUDIO or at yours!
The Coil Pot: An Ancient and Modern Approach
Humans were creating objects of use and beauty from clay 30,000 years ago! The versatile coil pot, with its methodical rhythm of building both symmetrical and asymmetrical forms, lends us endless possibilities. In this two-day workshop, learn to create thin walled coil pots in the ancient tradition of Mata Ortiz. Then try your hand at a refreshing modern approach using textured slabs as coils. Combing traditional techniques with contemporary design, we will explore nuances of form and surface. Finished work will be bisque fired after the workshop, allowing us time to focus uniquely on building technique.
Clay, Smoke, and Fire
Explore the exciting and spontaneous method of smoke firing. Learn to build and fire a simple sawdust kiln. Learn ways of finishing the surface of your pots to prepare them for the fire such as dry burnishing and the use and application of terra sigillata. Use various resist techniques and materials, such as wax, clay slip, and aluminum foil, to “paint” surface designs with smoke and fire. In addition, try your hand at the traditional Mata Ortiz coiling method.
If possible, please bring three to six small pieces (preferably burnished or with t.sig.) bisque fired to cone 012 - 08 (earthenware) or cone 010 - 06 (stoneware) Additional bisque ware will be available.
Hand Building: Soft Construction
Discover the expressive qualities of pinch, coil, and soft slab construction, to create vessels, tableware, boxes and more. Both the beginner and the experienced potter will be encouraged to develop his/her personal style through individual attention, along with, observation and discussion of historical and contemporary ceramics.
Pottery of Ancient Cultures
30,000 years ago humans were creating objects of use and beauty from clay! Students will explore age old forming, decorating, and firing techniques. Our focus will center on learning to create large coil vessels, integrating form and surface. Surface treatment will include colored slips and polished terrasigilatta as well as impressed, textured, and carved decoration. Inspiration will come from the rich world of ancient ceramics such as Egyptian black banded funerary pots, South American animal vessels, and slip painted urns from Neolithic China.
Any of the above workshops can be altered to suit your groups needs.
call or email if you have any questions!!
413-358-1843
stampedearth@gmail.com
If taking a workshop at my studio and needing accommodation:
accommodation information: http://www.stockbridgechamber.org/where_to_stay.html
Private and small group classes available.
