Making Mugs with Soft Slabs — Jan 9
Making Mugs with Soft Slabs — Jan 9
Instructor: Paula Shalan
Day & Time: Tuesdays, 9:30am-12:30pm
Start Date: January 9, 2024
End Date: February 13, 2024
Location: Citizens' Hall, Stockbridge
Materials Fee: Purchase clay below.
There is no better way to start your day than sipping tea or coffee out of your very own handmade ceramic mug. You will learn basic slab construction techniques, including stretching and darting to give your mug its unique form. We will find inspiration from contemporary potters, looking closely at form, handles, surface design and of course function. To complete our mugs we will learn to create signature textures as well as a myriad of underglaze and glaze applications.
(In the event that BAC has to cancel a class session due to weather or facility emergencies, please note the pre-scheduled makeup date for this course will be Tuesday, February 20. 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. If you have leftover clay purchased from BAC in the last year, the clay purchase requirement can be waived. Per the instructor's recommendation, students registering for this class should purchase the “95400 White Clay” option.
There is a materials/firing fee is for every 25 lbs (sleeve) of clay used. This fee goes towards glaze materials and firing costs (fuel, electricity, etc). Choose from white, red, porcelain or reclaimed (mix of camp and white) clay. More clay can be purchased if needed.
Due to the rise in cost from the supplier, Berkshire Art Center has raised the price of clay as of 9/21/2023.
NOTE: Porcelain Clay is currently out of stock as of November 5th, 2024.
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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Please see our policies on cancellations, refunds, and more.
