Winter Workshop: Explorations of Curve and Body through Coil & Pinch Technique, Afternoon Class

Many years ago, I heard this somewhere and it stuck with me- in many traditional farming communities, pottery minded folks would farm in the summer, and make pots in the winter. This has made perfect sense to me; the winter is a time to slow down, and connect- so this winter I am inviting small groups into my space.

We will learn to make a coiled and pinched vessel, focusing on a centered and even walled piece, and directional building to create an undulating form. 

Check out this short video for an idea of the process. 

Please select ONE OR TWO  day workshops- If you opt for the one day workshop your piece will be made from a beautiful red clay - similar to a terra cotta. I will glaze the inside of the vase to seal it water tight, but the outside will be left raw, showing the natural beauty of this rich clay body. I am able to ship finished pieces to you for $15.

Day One: Build (3hr class):

Saturday February 22, 1-4 pm 

This session will be limited to four students and take place at my large dining table. Limiting the number of students will allow one-one instruction/ help. 

In this session we will explore the building method of coil and pinch to create a medium size vase (finished piece should be about 8" tall). This technique utilizes rolled logs of clay which are overlayed, each coil building upon the last to create a piece from the bottom up. Instruction will focus on building even walls and strong, centered forms with undulating pinch marks.

I choose this shape in particular because it touches on three vectors of directional building:  cylindrical upward coiling, pinching outward and inward, at least once but twice in most instances. It yields a beautiful form but it also teaches the building blocks to take off and build from your imagination. I love that with coil and pinch pots, it is possible to build quite large with proper technique, without relying on strength, as may be more common on a wheel.

This class is accessible to clay-curious folks with little to no experience, but can also benefit people with some pottery experience, looking for an introduction to or finessing of the technique.

Professional pottery tools such as banding wheels, pottery ribs and knives will be provided.

Optional Day Two: Glaze (1h30-2hr class): 

Saturday March 8 3 noon- 2pm - this class may comprise of students from previous am-pm classes.

When the piece has been dried completely, it will be bisque fired a kiln. At the second meeting students will be offered a variety of studio glaze/ colors to choose, applied by both brush and dip- this glaze series offers a variety of colors and a surface which varies from matte-satin feel. The glazes will accentuate the dappled surface of the pinched forms. 

Glaze will take place in main garage studio. If you are unable to come back for the glaze session, please contact me prior to class, we may discuss possible unglazed options.

Your pieces will be ready to pick up in around two weeks time. 

Housekeeping:

• Please have trimmed nails for class. The process is rather neat, wear comfortable clothing that does not hang too loose/or sleeves that can be rolled up. 
• Coffee/ tea will be offered.
• We have a cat, she will probably be hiding, but for those with severe allergies, this may not be the right class for you. 
• This class is intended for adults.
• Waiver/informational form required prior to class (if tools are used properly, I would not expect any one to get hurt).
  

My Studio is located in Saint Charles, IL.

Feel free to message me with any questions. If class is full but you are interested in attending, please email TwinettePoterie@gmail.com - if there is ample interest, I will offer a morning class as well.

I am also able to schedule a private class if you have a group of 4 people interested in learning together, message me to learn more.

I look forward to sharing and creating with you!