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Learn to distill and highlight the astounding beauty found in our natural world, using the basic handbuilding ceramic techniques of slab and pinch. Beginning with inspiration from natural forms such as sea shells, seedpods, and more, students will move from inspiration, to clarity of idea, to manifestation. Guidance and problem solving will be addressed individually and as a collective group. For surface decoration, students will learn to use terra sigillata and underglaze. The class will culminate in an atmospheric smoke firing.
(In the event that BAC has to cancel a class session due to weather or facility emergencies, please note the pre-scheduled make up date for this course will be 6/10. More information on our policies for cancellations can be found HERE.)
CLASS MATERIALS
Students should bring a towel and a notebook to class.
Students registering for this class must purchase clay from BAC. Firing fees are tracked and paid for through the online website Kiln Fire. Due to limited kiln space and studio capacity students are limited to two sleeves of clay per course. Even if you have leftover clay purchased from BAC, as of April 1st, you will be required to pay firing fees through Kiln Fire. Students registering for this class can purchase any clay type of their choice. Clay purchases are now also on Kiln Fire. Students can set up their account immediately and purchase clay there.
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
Have taken at least one season (approx. two, 6-week sessions) 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) of 1 lb. 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.
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) of 2-3 lbs. 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.