Hand Building: Beyond the Basics

Ready to truly push your limits in clay? This 6-week course is designed for students who have confidently mastered fundamental hand-building techniques like coil, pinch, and slab. We’ll move beyond basic vessels and simple sculptures, guiding you into the exciting realm of more complex construction challenges. Imagine creating intricate joined multi-part forms such as lidded containers or composite sculptures, or exploring the dynamic possibilities of expressive kinetic or architectural pieces that engage and inspire.

You’ll gain greater artistic control as we delve deeper into captivating surface design techniques. Experiment with a wide array of glazes, learning how layering and application can transform your work. Discover the ancient art of Mishima (inlay), the graphic beauty of sgraffito (scratch-back), and the versatile patterning of wax resist to add rich texture and vibrant color to your ceramics.

A significant focus will be on refining your technical skills to achieve truly professional results. We’ll work on mastering precise seam joining for seamless connections, understanding how to maintain structural integrity for durable and elegant forms, and developing the touch needed for crisp edges and uniform wall thickness. These refined skills are key to ensuring stunning finishes for your most ambitious and personal ceramic projects.

What to Bring:

• Wear old clothes: Pottery can get messy!
• Old towel
• Closed-toe shoes: For safety in the studio.
• A positive attitude: Be ready to learn and have fun!

Included in the course fee: 24 hours of studio time, a 25 lb bag of clay, a firing allotment for this clay, and access to all necessary studio tools and glazes.