Handbuilding: Ideas and Techniques for Developing Forms and Surfaces
October 24 - 29, 2021
Sandra Blain · sandyblain.com
Workshop at a glance
Create hand-built functional forms with an emphasis on textured surfaces and developing personal ideas.
Techniques
- Making functional ceramics with expressive forms
- Developing marks and surface depth with simple found objects
- Using underglazes, oxides, and glazes to emphasize surface markings
Materials
- Stoneware or earthenware clay
- Basic ceramic tools
- Found objects for imprints
Outcomes
- Greenware or bisque pieces
- Developing skills and exploring ideas for personalizing future work
Artist Bio
Sandra Blain is professor emerita of Ceramics at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and director emerita at Arrowmont. After retiring to Arizona, she continues to be active with programing at the Arizona State University Ceramics Research Center. Blain also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the Mesa Art Center and is a consultant to various national and regional arts organizations.
Arrowmont Connections
Workshop Description
Students will explore ways to make functional ceramic pieces personal and expressive. You will use hand built (slab, coil, press-mold) and wheel components to construct composite forms. Surface markings and textures may be developed, altered, or enriched utilizing additive and/or subtractive processes. Class discussions will cover form, surface, and appendage possibilities including handles, feet, and lips and their relationship to historical and cultural pieces. Demonstrations will include how to make cups, vases, pitchers, butter dishes, bowls, and open weave forms. Your pieces will be bisque fired only with discussions about slips, oxides, and glaze related to your firing temperature. Open to all skill levels, however some clay experience is necessary.
COURSE FEE: $600
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