For years I have wanted to put together a ceramics class for the community, but never got around to it and then the farm season would start up again and I would have to put the idea on the shelf along with all my ceramics supplies. As we shift into the long stretch of winter, there is no better time to tap into our creativity. Whether you want to build sculpture, jewelry, dinnerware, or use your entire bag of clay for one project, I am here to guide you! This class is available to both beginners, or anyone who simply wants access to a kiln and materials.
This class will run for 5 weeks on Mondays at 5:30 to 7:30. Our first session will be on Monday, March 16th and our last session will be April 13th. In those 5 weeks, we will explore the numerous possibilities of hand building. Although I do have a slab roller for consistency in thickness for plates, we will mostly be using hand tools to achieve our visions. My goal is to teach participants that ceramics can be very simple, and does not require all the fancy and expensive equipment that seems daunting. By week four, all of your creations should be complete so that they have time to properly dry before the bisque. I will have a consultation with each of you and guide you to the best of my ability on how to create your desired surface decorations and glaze finishes. Everything you need for a finished piece will be provided for you.
The classes will take place in our 24’ yurt located on our property. The yurt is tucked behind the gardens and has its own driveway. It is heated by a woodstove and supplemental space heaters. The yurt is mostly a wide open space except for a small bathroom with a composting toilet and a splash sink. We will have a few work benches set up for you all to build on, or if you’re like me, you are welcome to put your board on the floor. There is a full kitchen if you want to bring snacks and refreshments. Tea will be provided!
About the teacher: My name is Maria. I have been doing ceramics for decades. I am self taught and specialize in handbuilding and sculpture. Over the years, I have worked as an apprentice to slow crafted ceramicists and in high production pottery studios. Although I consider myself very experienced in ceramics, it is an absolute black hole of possibility and there is always room to learn more. I have made many cups, plates, bowls, earrings, and figures. My favorite thing about ceramics is that I can make whatever calls to me, and right now it is large vases built out of slab. I enjoy simple glaze finishes, but have also spent a lot of time exploring underglaze, gold luster, and sgraffito. I find a lot of joy in the process of ceramics, and how you can create something imaginative out of a lump of earth. Ceramics is what I do for fun, and to relax in the off season. I am so excited to share it with you!
This class includes:
-One 25 lb bag of clay (either #75 brown stoneware, or #66 white stoneware)
Both of these clay bodies are gritty and ideal for handbuilding
- A starter pack of clay tools
- A banding wheel (this is the most essential tool, and you get to keep it)
- Access to use of the slab roller if needed
- The ability to store your items in my studio if you desire (although I think you should take them home and work on them independently because a lot can happen to clay in a week)
- A consultation with me on how to achieve your vision
-A wooden board to carry your items and work on them at home, and a plastic sheet to cover it so your piece can stay moist.
- Glaze materials
-A bisque, and cone 5 firing
-Guidance on how to properly pray to the kiln gods
** If you wish to use gold luster, please email me as this requires a third firing and is expensive. However, we can do it!
Disclaimer: This class is about learning how to create ceramic pieces. Due to the finicky and truly unpredictable nature of clay, I cannot guarantee that your pieces will come out of the kiln perfect. Although this is the goal, and we will try our best to achieve this. There will be no reimbursement if pieces are cracked, or if glaze does not come out as expected. I promise, every single ceramicist in the world has mourned pieces. It is part of the game. I will, however, provide hugs and advice on how to prevent ceramic fatalities in the future.
Color:
For years I have wanted to put together a ceramics class for the community, but never got around to it and then the farm season would start up again and I would have to put the idea on the shelf along with all my ceramics supplies. As we shift into the long stretch of winter, there is no better time to tap into our creativity. Whether you want to build sculpture, jewelry, dinnerware, or use your entire bag of clay for one project, I am here to guide you! This class is available to both beginners, or anyone who simply wants access to a kiln and materials.
This class will run for 5 weeks on Mondays at 5:30 to 7:30. Our first session will be on Monday, March 16th and our last session will be April 13th. In those 5 weeks, we will explore the numerous possibilities of hand building. Although I do have a slab roller for consistency in thickness for plates, we will mostly be using hand tools to achieve our visions. My goal is to teach participants that ceramics can be very simple, and does not require all the fancy and expensive equipment that seems daunting. By week four, all of your creations should be complete so that they have time to properly dry before the bisque. I will have a consultation with each of you and guide you to the best of my ability on how to create your desired surface decorations and glaze finishes. Everything you need for a finished piece will be provided for you.
The classes will take place in our 24’ yurt located on our property. The yurt is tucked behind the gardens and has its own driveway. It is heated by a woodstove and supplemental space heaters. The yurt is mostly a wide open space except for a small bathroom with a composting toilet and a splash sink. We will have a few work benches set up for you all to build on, or if you’re like me, you are welcome to put your board on the floor. There is a full kitchen if you want to bring snacks and refreshments. Tea will be provided!
About the teacher: My name is Maria. I have been doing ceramics for decades. I am self taught and specialize in handbuilding and sculpture. Over the years, I have worked as an apprentice to slow crafted ceramicists and in high production pottery studios. Although I consider myself very experienced in ceramics, it is an absolute black hole of possibility and there is always room to learn more. I have made many cups, plates, bowls, earrings, and figures. My favorite thing about ceramics is that I can make whatever calls to me, and right now it is large vases built out of slab. I enjoy simple glaze finishes, but have also spent a lot of time exploring underglaze, gold luster, and sgraffito. I find a lot of joy in the process of ceramics, and how you can create something imaginative out of a lump of earth. Ceramics is what I do for fun, and to relax in the off season. I am so excited to share it with you!
This class includes:
-One 25 lb bag of clay (either #75 brown stoneware, or #66 white stoneware)
Both of these clay bodies are gritty and ideal for handbuilding
- A starter pack of clay tools
- A banding wheel (this is the most essential tool, and you get to keep it)
- Access to use of the slab roller if needed
- The ability to store your items in my studio if you desire (although I think you should take them home and work on them independently because a lot can happen to clay in a week)
- A consultation with me on how to achieve your vision
-A wooden board to carry your items and work on them at home, and a plastic sheet to cover it so your piece can stay moist.
- Glaze materials
-A bisque, and cone 5 firing
-Guidance on how to properly pray to the kiln gods
** If you wish to use gold luster, please email me as this requires a third firing and is expensive. However, we can do it!
Disclaimer: This class is about learning how to create ceramic pieces. Due to the finicky and truly unpredictable nature of clay, I cannot guarantee that your pieces will come out of the kiln perfect. Although this is the goal, and we will try our best to achieve this. There will be no reimbursement if pieces are cracked, or if glaze does not come out as expected. I promise, every single ceramicist in the world has mourned pieces. It is part of the game. I will, however, provide hugs and advice on how to prevent ceramic fatalities in the future.
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