Spraying, Layering, and ^6–8 Electric Firing

In this workshop, you will learn the spraying and layering techniques that give Steven Hill Pottery its unique look. You will use Steven Hill’s glazes, Steven Hill’s spray guns, and receive coaching directly from Steven.

Sunday

Course introduction

Monday

We will begin with everyone waxing and glazing 2 pots (1-vertical, 1-horizontal), loading a kiln, and firing. Steven will personally coach everyone spraying their pots. This firing will be unloaded on Wednesday morning.

Tuesday

Steven will address ways to achieve the kind of richness and surface variation in electric kilns that potters have come to associate with reduction / atmospheric firing. The basic techniques of spraying and the more advanced theories of layering and blending glazes will be explained and demonstrated. Students will wax their pots and develop a plan for glazing.

Wednesday

This is our main glazing day, and the class will be divided into two groups. The morning group will glaze from 9am – 12pm and the afternoon group from 1pm – 5pm. Steven will work with each student as they’re glazing to provide guidance. After the glazing is completed, the kiln(s) will be loaded, and firing will begin.

Thursday

In the morning session, Steven will throw, assemble, and apply slip to a few pots, while demonstrating his approach to making gestural forms. After lunch, Steven will lecture on spraying equipment, firing cycles, and further glaze experimentation.

Friday

We will unload the kilns and discuss the results.

Preparing for the Workshop – Items to Bring with You

• Participants should bring 4 vertically oriented pieces (thrown or hand built), no more than 8” H x 6” W and 2 horizontal pieces, no more than 2” H x 8” W. The clay should be ^6 or ^10, white stoneware, or porcelain (preferred) and the pieces should be bone dry or bisque fired. If you are taking the Gestural Throwing workshop the previous week, you do not need to bring pots, as you will make them.
• If you normally work with textures or slip, feel free to use them on your pieces for experimentation.
• Since Steven will work with each participant as they’re glazing, six is absolutely the maximum number of pieces!!! No exceptions!

Schedule:

Sunday

• 4:00–5:00 PM: Arrive & Check-In at Adamah Retreat Center
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Welcome Dinner
• 6:00–8:00 PM: Studio Introduction/Course Introduction

Monday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio/Hiking/Explore

Tuesday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio/Hiking/Explore

Wednesday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• Evening: Chef’s Night Off — Explore the area and enjoy dinner on your own!
• After Dinner: Open Studio/Hiking/Explore

Thursday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
• 1:00–5:00 PM: Studio Instruction
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
• 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio/Hiking/Explore

Friday

• 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00–11:00 AM: Studio Instruction
• 11:00 AM–12:00 PM: Studio Clean-Up, Group Photo, End of Workshop Review
• 12:00 PM: Workshop Ends

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View frequently asked questions here!