Cooking in clay is ancient. Before metal pots, many cultures around the world shaped their local earth and heated them to ground fire temperatures (aka bisque/terra cotta). At this low temperature the clay cookware becomes solid and functional, while leaving the pores open and resilient to thermal changes.
Not only is it satisfying to hand make a cooking vessel, but food tastes better in clay too!
Clay cook pots are found all over the world accompanied by regional recipes that take into consideration the unique attributes of cooking in clay. We have become so used to manufactured metal pots and pans that a clay vessel can feel foreign. Because clay does not have the shock absorbency of a metal pot turned right to high heat, they need to be slowly and uniformly warmed. They are not for frying, instead they shine most as slow cookers; rice, beans, stews, roasts, and juicy veggie medleys.
Friday Dec 5th - Sunday Dec 7th | each day from 11-5pm
During our three day cook pot retreat, we will handbuild a clay cook pot, taking extra care to refine, polish and decorate. We will discuss how to use the pots on the stove, in the oven, and in the fire, as well as practice by preparing a meal together on the second day.
There are two options for clay type that will be discussed in further detail at the beginning of the retreat. You will have the option to use a yellow coastal clay from just outside of Eugene, or a buff speckled Laguna flameware blend that fires higher. All pots will be fired in the electric kiln after they have had time to dry. Once they are ready they can be picked up from the studio or shipped for an additional cost.
No prior experience with ceramics is necessary to participate, but your familiarity with hand building will dictate how large of a pot you can make during the three day workshop.
Weekend Overview
Friday | Intro to pot building techniques, forming our base, coiling and smoothing
Saturday | Finishing and refining the form, rim and handles, and shaping the lid. Followed by a discussion on cooking in clay, cleaning, and care and an early dinner cooked in clay pots!
Sunday | Polishing and decorating (may leave early when done with pot)
Costs
Full Workshop Fee is $275, which includes three full days of facilitated learning and all materials for making, as well as an organic dinner at the end of the day on Saturday . Lodging is not included.
Hosanna White
Hosanna is dedicated to learning slow crafts like primitive firing, weaving, and cheese making that connect her with the source of her materials and the magic that comes from transforming them for everyday use.
Hosanna lives in the foothills of Western Oregon, a geologically rich landscape that has inspired her studio work, Whitesnake Arts. She blends bio-regional history and land stewardship into her artwork and place based pottery.