Introduction to Clay:
Interacting with clay for the first time is like learning a new language. First, you listen, and then you express yourself. We'll start at the basic physics of clay and learn to tell the difference between soft, leather-hard and bone-dry clay and each of their properties. We'll try our hand at the first step of all pottery projects — wedging, or preparing the clay by kneading.
Handbuilding:
The art of creating ceramics without any machines but your hands (and a few tools). There are three schools of hand-building.
- The first and the simplest is pinching. Instinctively allow your fingertips to shape the clay to your desire, with a teacher to guide you to achieve your goal.
- The second method is coiling, and building pieces by stacking and joining thick ropes of clay together. This helps you build tall pots with even walls on the first try!
- The last is slab building. Roll out flat slabs of clay, cut shapes out of it, and join them together to create cups, bells, little houses, and more!
Throwing:
Once your hands are accustomed to the clay and how it moves, try out your new learning on the pottery wheel. Experience throwing on the wheel guided by a potter and what it feels like to make a pot with your own hands.
The world of pottery is endless and full of unexpected answers, so when in doubt, let your curiosity guide you. Try something out and see how the clay responds. If you have an idea or something you saw on Instagram you'd like to try, ask us about it and we can try it together!
