Clay Hand Building

This class will introduce methods of handbuilding that are foundational to working with clay. We will be using molds, pinch and coiled methods, along with utilizing the slab roller and extruder to form clay into desired shapes for use in final work. You will learn methods of surface decoration and glazing that bring life and dimension to your pieces.

Week 1: Studio Tour, equipment and tool demos. We will also cover methods of preparing clay for use in making and assembling projects. Students will choose from project examples, and are encouraged to look at images of other artists’ work for ideas to implement in their pieces.
Week 2: We will cover various ways of decorating the surface of your work and devote time to working on your projects.
Week 3: Time will be spent on finishing projects in preparation for the first firing.
Week 4: We will spend our last week discussing and applying glazes. Work will then have a second glaze firing, and be available the following week for pickup.

Materials
A basic tool kit is needed and can be purchased at Meininger, and an $18 materials fee is payable to the instructor on the the first night of class.