Centering clay is fundamental to throwing pots on the wheel with ease. Surprisingly, centering does not always require lots of force. This workshop will address the many methods of centering, including clay choice, wedging, slap centering, and coning up and down. We will then correct wobbles and twists at various points in the throwing process. In addition, we will practice techniques to center larger amounts of clay on the wheel.

(In the event that BAC has to cancel class due to weather or facility emergencies, please note the pre-scheduled makeup date for this workshop will be Sunday, March 17. More information on our policies for cancellations can be found HERE.)

CLASS MATERIALS

A materials fee has been included in the cost of tuition for Reclaimed Clay, which will be provided to all students.

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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