Throwing Relaxed, Gestural Forms

In this workshop, Steven will demonstrate design principles that make forms feel alive, discussing how elements like rims, feet, bellies, handles, and spouts, as well as curve and line choices, shape the character of each piece. Participants will explore “shape language” to build a cohesive body of work and learn gentle alterations to add gesture and ease to their forms. Beginning with drinking vessels and moving to pitchers and lidded jars, this workshop is ideal for those ready to create pottery that feels both well-designed and expressive.

Materials To Bring:

• Bring all throwing and trimming tools you want to work with.
• Kemper S4 Stainless Steel Scrapper – This is essential and their similar shape, S3, doesn’t cut it for this class!
• Blue or Green Mud Tool Rib – Shape 3 
• Red Mud Tool rib – Shape 0 or 1 
• Curved rib for shaping bowls 
• A chamois for use on rims 

The studio will have the following items but if you’re driving you should bring these: 

• Throwing bats and ware boards
• 2 plaster or “Hydro Bats” for bowls and plates 
• Water spray bottle (each student will need one while throwing)

.Materials Provided & Studio Firing

Each participant will receive one 25 lb bag of ^10 grolleg porcelain. 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: Arrive & Check-In at Adamah Retreat Center
• 5:00–6:00 PM: Welcome Dinner
• 6:00–8:00 PM: Studio 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

.

View frequently asked questions here!