Ancient Forms is a two part exploration of the elemental magic and practical techniques of earthenware pottery.
We will have a spacious weekend studio to dive into the rich history of ceramics, handbuilding techniques, as well as burnishing and low fire seals. The second weekend, we will fire our “green” pottery in an open fire, observing the metrics of this method so that everyone can build confidence with fire.
Shaping functional forms by hand with simple tools and techniques
Polishing and decorating with clay slips
Listening and responding to the ways of fire to transform our pottery
Learning to care for the unique needs of unglazed pottery
Earthenware is the oldest form of pottery. It is a lineage craft in many cultures around the world, each with traditional cuisines, historic shapes and decorations, as well as family claims to clay gathering sites. However, with the prevalence of technological method for making pottery, these ancient techniques for building with earth and firing on the earth have been less valued and visible in modern ceramics.
Earthenware is low fire pottery, brought to sintering temperatures (aka bisque) either on open ground or in a clay or brick oven. The clay walls of earthenware pottery remain porous, but are then sealed with beeswax, starches or fats to make them water tight. In order to make a smooth and tight seal, burnishing with a polished stone is done instead of glazing.
Earthenware has traditionally been used for water vessels, oil containers, oil lamps, cooking pots, baking dishes, bowls, cups, and other miscellaneous jars and crocks. If kept clean and dry, there should be no concern for food and drink uses.
Class Format
November 14th + 15th
Saturday and Sunday are dedicated studio days for hand building. Students will have the option to work with commercial clay or locally gathered wild clays*. Saturday will begin with a guided project, but there will plenty of time to make additional pieces. Wet pottery made on Sunday may require you to bring them home for burnishing when the clay is drier.
*commercial clay is included in the class fee for all students. Local wild clay is available for purchase in 1lb and 5lb quantities.
Saturday December 5th from 9am-4pm
The first Saturday of December (or Sunday**) is our all-day pit firing ceremony at Wildling, from 9am – 4pm. This includes beeswaxing at the end of the day, so that all pieces intended for eating or drinking can be taken home ready to use.
**Open firing is entirely weather dependent, so in the case of rain we will ask that you also reserve Sunday, December 6th for a backup date.
Class cost - $235 includes studio instruction, commercial clay, firing and sealing.