Learn to cut and tuck your clay slab, to create dynamic form. Add to this with the art of stretching a soft slab cylinder to give volume and gentle curves to your work. We will focus on how to handle clay with more ease and clear intention, in order to capture movement and liveliness. What happens when we create a slab by tossing and stretching vs rolling? What can we discover if we put aside our potter's knife and tear our clay edges? What textures can be created with objects found in nature? We will explore these creative approaches and more, finding inspiration from contemporary potters. Combining traditional techniques with contemporary design, we will explore nuances of form and surface. Students must have an understanding of basic slab building techniques.

(In the event that BAC has to cancel a class session due to weather or facility emergencies, please note a suitable makeup date will be selected by polling students for a majority vote. More information on our policies for cancellations can be found HERE.)

CLASS MATERIALS

Students registering for this class must purchase the Ceramics Class Materials Fee including clay, glazing, and firing. Due to limited kiln space and studio capacity students are limited to two sleeves of clay per course. Per the instructor's recommendation, students registering for this class should purchase the “95400 White Clay” option. If you have leftover clay purchased from BAC in the last year, the clay purchase requirement can be waived.

ACCESSIBILITY

NOTE: This class will be held in Berkshire Art Center’s Ceramics Studio at Citizens’ Hall, Stockbridge. Our Ceramics Studio is located on the basement level of the building so stair use is required. In addition, restrooms are located on the basement level of our building so stair use is also required.

For all classes held at Citizens’ Hall in Stockbridge, please note our historic building has narrow doorways and is not equipped with an elevator. Our bathrooms, ceramics studio, and 3D studio are accessible via stairs only. We welcome and make every effort to accommodate learners of all styles and abilities. Please contact us if you have questions about accessibility to our building and classes before registering!

BEGINNER (All classes are appropriate for beginners unless otherwise specified in the title)

• New to clay with little to no experience working with clay as an artistic medium, or have taken a few classes but want a refresher/practice reinforcing basic skills.

• Little to no knowledge of wheel throwing or trimming.

• Little to no experience with sculptural techniques such as coiling, slab work or pinching.

• Little to no knowledge of the basics of glaze application.

• Little to no knowledge of different types of kiln temperatures/atmospheres.

ADVANCED BEGINNER

• Must have 6 months of wheel throwing experience and the ability to throw a 1 lb cylinder.

INTERMEDIATE:

• Have taken at least one year of ceramic classes and want to continue building skills.

• Ability to wedge clay.

• Familiar with the terms: greenware, leather/cheese hard, and bone dry clay.

• For Wheel Throwing: Ability to center on a potter’s wheel and throw and trim basic forms (cylinders, bowls) unaided.

• For Handbuilding: Ability to roll a slab unaided and build basic forms using the techniques of pinching, slabs, or coils.

• Knowledge and some experience with glaze application and basic understanding of different kiln temperatures and atmospheres.

ADVANCED:

• (all of the above)

• Have 3 plus years of ceramic class experience.

• Able to create a body of work with either the potter’s wheel or using sculptural/handbuilding techniques.

• Working knowledge of glaze application, surface decoration, and familiarity with different kiln atmospheres and cone temperatures.

• Confident and experienced in glaze application and identifying different types of glaze.

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