Workshop title:  The Functional Pot; Tips, Tools & Techniques

                   

 

Every potter has a list of WHAT they want to make. HOW to make it, is often the question.

 

During this two day, information-loaded, demo-workshop some 50+ making techniques will be demonstrated in answer to these ‘how-to’ questions; techniques participants will want to use and adjust to fit their own future work. Short cuts, tips and tool-use at the wheel will be shared through demo after demo.

 

Hand-building functional forms will be the focus during part of the demonstrations as requested, defining projects and techniques for hand-builders.

 

“Throughout 50+ yrs. of making functional pots, I’ve collected hundreds of making techniques used to make specific pots, both wheel-thrown and hand-built;”

 

Demonstrated techniques at the wheel will include;

 

- Efficient hand positions for throwing

- Simple tools and their use

- Lid arrangements and form

- Spout, rim and lip making and proportions

- Trimming and foot finishing possibilities

- Faceting and fluting as decoration

- Handles and lugs; pulled and hand built

- Making bottle forms; collaring techniques

- Making dinnerware; throwing and trimming

- Making squared and oval baking ware

- Wet, thick slip decoration

- And more…

 

A sampling of forms to be demonstrated;

 

 - Open and lidded casseroles

 - Pitcher and pouring pots

 - Cups and mugs

 - Bowl forms

 - Dinnerware

 - Bottle forms

 

Hand-building demonstrations may include;

 

- Slumped oval slab platter making

- Humped squared plate making

- Foot attachment possibilities; slab, sprigged & coiled

- Textured decoration; wet slip, pressed, and resisted textures

 

Participants are welcome to take photos, and are encouraged to bring a notebook.

 

A discussion about glazes will take place during the workshop, as requested. My ^6 oxidation, ^8-9-10 gas, and salt/soda wood-firing slips & glaze recipe sheets will be provided to each participant.

 

Workshops may include a 1 to 2 hr. slide/lecture during the evening hours prior to the start of a weekend workshop. Or, a slide/lecture may be incorporated into a daytime program schedule, as requested. 

 

A selection of my van Gilder Clay Tools and a sampling of my current work are made available for participant purchase.