In this class, we will make functional pieces and refine decoration techniques to make them sing! This class is for both handbuilders and wheel throwers! There will be space for handbuilders to work and wheels available for those who prefer to throw. Demos will focus on creating depth in your decoration using layers of stain and underglaze, mishima and scraffito, and slips. By combining techniques, you can add visual interest and depth to your functional work. We will also work on making sets, refining what you want out of a functional piece and using decoration + consistency to bring everything together. If you’re finding that glazing and decoration is your least favorite part of the process, join us and let’s make it fun!
Advanced beginners to experts are welcome in this class. You need to be able to center clay or feel
comfortable using slump molds for the most success. We can and will talk about technique, but there won’t be time in class for teaching folks how to center your clay. Interested but not 100% sure if you’re ready? Feel free to reach out to Griffin at g.callahan@asld.org and we can talk about your skill set and how we can support you!
Students will learn to take good notes and keep records of the decorating process. All students are encouraged to make two identical pieces - one to be fired in oxidation (electric kiln) and the other in our reduction (gas kiln) so they can understand how the two different firing processes effects their work. By the end of this course, students will have an increased knowledge of different decorating options for their work plus completed pieces to keep as examples.
Each class includes a standard weekly lab fee which covers the cost of firing and glazing. In addition to the standard lab fee, students will need to purchase clay through the registration office at ASLD and must be done in person: $20 for 25lbs of stoneware, $25 for 25lbs of porcelain. Please only purchase clay from ASLD, unless approved by the studio manager. No low-fire clays may be used at ASLD.
New students, arrive 15-30 minutes early to your first class in order to allow time for the purchase of clay.
Currently enrolled students have access to Ceramic open studio for a $10 fee. Please see the whiteboard in the hallway for updated open studio hours.
Please review the ceramics studio policies before attending the first class: CERAMICS STUDIO POLICIES
Community tools are available for student use, in exception of a small sponge. If you prefer personal tools, a basic ceramics tool kit, small sponges and large clean up sponges may be available for purchase at ASLD on a first come, first served basis. We welcome you to bring any new, used, found and repurposed tools you may have.
Please bring to class:
-Your favorite tools
Optional
-Apron
-Towel
-Clean up sponge
If you purchase your own tools, we suggest you assemble a basic tool kit that includes:
- Potter's rib (wood and or rubber)
- Metal rib
- Wood modeling tool
- Needle tool
- Trimming tool(s)
- Throwing sponge
Local Ceramic supply stores:
Rocky Mountain Clay 1220 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223
Continental Clay 5303 East 47th Ave., Denver, CO 80216
Stoneleaf Pottery 6611 W 58th Pl, Arvada, CO 80003
Meiningers 499 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
