This intermediate and advanced ceramics course focuses on hand-building techniques that combine multiple hand-built vessels to create innovative altered forms. Through four weeks of instruction, you will develop skills in essential pottery methods, including pinch and coil construction, slab building, and finishing techniques.
Weekly Learning Objectives:
- Week 1: Master pinch pot and coil pot techniques for foundational vessel creation
- Week 2: Develop slab construction skills for larger and more complex forms
- Week 3: Apply learned techniques to review and advance your projects
- Week 4: Complete your pieces with proper glazing methods and finishes
Class Requirements and Guidelines:
Age Requirements: You must be 18 or older. Students ages 14 to 17 may attend with an accompanying adult member or student present.
What to Bring and Wear:
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to set up your workspace
- Wear casual, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes you don't mind getting soiled. Standard clay washes out with regular laundering, but glazes and other materials may be permanent
- Bring an apron and a towel if you have them available
- Keep fingernails trimmed short; long nails make wheel throwing and hand-shaping clay significantly more difficult and reduce your control and comfort while working
- Remove all jewelry, including rings, watches, and bracelets, as these can interfere with your work and create safety hazards during wheel work
- If you have long hair, bring an elastic band or hair tie to secure it up; this is essential for preventing accidents when working with the pottery wheel
