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.

(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 Wednesday, February 21. 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.

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.

Become a BAC Member!

As a member you will receive exclusive benefits, stay up-to-date on upcoming programming and events, and join our creative community!

Don't let the price of tuition stop you from making art!

Berkshire Art Center provides scholarships based on financial need, discounts to EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders, and opportunities for work exchange.

Contribute to The Artful Future Fund!

Further engage with BAC’s mission. Support BAC’s artists, students, and studios by making a donation.