Our first round of pottery classes was such fun. Something happens when you have a group of folks creating together, sharing small pieces of your life, chatting about future plans while sipping tea, and making art. I am humbled that so many folks who were completely new to clay, or the process we were exploring, came to class, ready to learn and we created beautiful pieces together.
For our next class I would like to continue building on the theme of community, being present, and creating something meaningful. We will be painting memories.
Inspiration for above mug: Some days we live, we do what we do. As a teen in the summer time, me and my childhood best friend would idle hours away in the woods around our town. Growing up in Ithaca NY which is threaded with publicly accessible streams and rivers, we would bring some snacks, a towel and not much else, headed for the sun-warmed flat rocks of slate seemingly made for two teenage girls to lounge on, before the years of worrying about sun damage set in. I didn't know it then, dreaming of getting out into the world, away from our small town, how fondly I would look back on these memories.
Inspiration for mug below: Some days we do what we always do, me in my early 30's biking home from a shift at the restaurant, on my (t)rusty old lavender schwinn. That bike was well loved despite it's weight. I never replaced it, a rusty bike is more likely to be there still when I get off my shift, chained to the fence behind the bar. I worked on the fringe of downtown, and Milwaukee Ave ran all the way back home. It was the fourth of July... and the city was alight as the sun pulled its last rays from the day. Balls of flecked light flower all the way up this never ending street, quickly turning to smoke but BOOM BOOM BOOM they kept coming. Some folks say the best place to watch the citizen's of Chicago's firework display is from a rooftop, I think that the best place that day was a pedal beneath my feet, a post shift beer waning in my veins, the heat of a Chicago summer gearing up. Though I made this ride several times a week, this is the bike ride I remember. I think I might add fireworks to the reverse side of this mug.
I share these memories because they are snippets. They are literally just paragraphs in my life. But it is stories like these, that stay in my mind, because they were good. I didn't know it then but in my story they are emblematic of what I love. And they are me.
SO I'd like to invite you to the studio to create a homage to a memory of your own. We will work with a mug which I have wheel thrown but which is still unfired- so you will be able to add bits of clay, form flowers or plaques or other small sculptural elements. And I would invite you to paint with me, and maybe embellish with carving.
The mug I have designed for the class has a rolled 'scroll' handle. I love how this extra touch keeps in theme with the telling of a story.
We will use professional grade underglazes, the brushes and carving tools from my personal library which I use to create my work. The class will be structured with a short demo at the beginning, where I will share how to add clay elements to your mug, as well as tips on how to approach your painting. I will be available to help trouble shoot/make suggestions if needed to bring your ideas to life during class.
Students will receive a work sheet before class to help jog the brain for visual queues which will help to create an idea collage of sorts in preparation for class.
Words, painted imagery, sculpted elements are encouraged, and of course there will be tea- I hope to see you in class!
I am always amazed by the breadth of creativity from my students, unhindered by expectations, and what should or shouldn't work. In short, I admire their 'go for it' attitude, and it just enforces my belief that art is FOR everyone, and it is so much more then the finished product. Although my students will bring a special, fully functional mug home, a few weeks from our class date(s). I can't wait to make with you.
Student Testimonial from this winter's class, Jill O.
'Attending Emilie’s pinch and coil workshop was an incredible experience! She is not only an exceptional artist but also a patient and encouraging instructor. Her warm, engaging teaching style made it easy to learn new techniques, refine my skills, and gain confidence in the creative process. Beyond the hands-on learning, I loved the opportunity to connect with others in such an inspiring and welcoming space.'
Student Testimonial from this winter's class, Kayla B.
' I had an amazing experience at this pottery class! The instructor, Emilie, was incredibly knowledgeable and patient, making sure everyone felt comfortable with the process. I learned so much, from the pinch and coil techniques to glazing our vases. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with the intimate class size allowing for one on one feedback. Highly recommend for anyone looking to explore their creative side. Can’t wait to take another class! '
Who this class is for
This class is geared towards folks who want to explore imagery on a mug, in community. Beginners are welcome, and I will happily share what works for me, when it comes to painting on clay.
Please select ONE OR TWO day workshops- If you opt for the one day workshop I will finish your piece with clear glaze. I am able to ship finished pieces to you for $15.
Class Details
Day One- April 27 11:30-2:30 (3 hours)
Students will receive a blank mug with a scroll handle. I will demo basic clay attachments, and how to apply paint to a piece/expectations for how an image can change through the firing process. Folks are encouraged to either bring reference materials/ or look up references on their phones.
We will have ample brushes in various sizes, and access to my tool library to further embellish mugs with carved accents.
Day Two: Glaze 11:30am-1:30pm
After your piece is dried completely it will be fired in the kiln. The last step is glazing to seal the mug making it food safe, and microwave and dishwasher safe. You are invited back to glaze if you so wish ( I will finish your piece with clear glaze if you skip this step). If you choose to come back for a second day, we will add more color to the mug using studio glazes, learning how to add depth to a piece while still allowing the original image to shine. Then your piece will go into the kiln for a final firing, emerging as a fully functional work of art.
Your pieces will be ready to pick up in 1-2 weeks time.
