Faceting, Fluting, and Texturing Clay

This workshop focuses on faceting, carving, and texturing techniques that bring geometric, organic, and tactile qualities to wheel-thrown pottery. Participants will create and alter their own cups, bowls, and vases while learning the techniques Alex uses to create his faceted, fluted, and textured work.

With plenty of time to practice and experiment, students will gain a deeper understanding of the variables involved in carving and altering clay. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite throwing and carving tools, along with objects such as shells, leaves, and stones to experiment with as texturing tools.

..

Materials to bring:

• Favorite wheel-throwing tools, including ribs, sponges, knives, trimming tools, etc.
• Favorite carving and texturing tools
• Found objects for creating texture, such as shells, leaves, stones, or other materials
• Mudtools carving bows and wide-mouth U-shaped fluting tools

.

Materials Provided & Studio Firing

Each participant will receive one 25 lb bag of ^6-10 stoneware clay. A bisque firing will take place midweek. Basic studio tools and materials are provided, and participants will have 24-hour access to the studio throughout the workshop.

Please bring packing materials to safely transport any greenware and bisqueware. Not all pieces made during the workshop will be dry enough to be fired.

Schedule:

Sunday

• 4:00–5:00 PM: Check-In at Adamah Retreat Center
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Welcome Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Introductions, Workshop Overview & Get Settled

Monday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
  – Introductions– Throwing Pots with Faceting in Mind (Bowls, Yunomi/Cups)
  – Considerations, Variables, Tips & Tricks
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
  – Faceting Demos
  – Variables to Consider when Carving
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore

Tuesday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time– Artist Talk/Slideshow
  – Faceting, Trimming, Texturing
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
  – Throwing Pots with Fluting in Mind– Fluting Demos
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore

Wednesday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
  – Talk/Slides: Inspiration from Other Artists
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
  – Additional Demos and Discussion
• Evening: Chef’s Night Off — explore the area and enjoy dinner on your own!
• After Dinner: Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore

Thursday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
  – Additional Demos (throwing, carving, requests)
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
  – Additional Demos (carving, trimming, refining) – Discuss: Bisque Sanding, Glazing/Firing Considerations
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore

Friday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00–10:30 AM: Final Making & Refining
• 10:30 AM–12:00 PM: Group Critique, Discussion & Workshop Wrap-Up
• 12:00 PM: Workshop Ends

.

View frequently asked questions here!