Making Lively Pots, Working Soft on the Wheel

 In this workshop, we will bring cone 10 bisque ware to decorate, glaze, and load to fire the Bascom's soda kiln, plus we'll make pots too. Soda fired pots tend to be dramatic and brilliant; this workshop is a rare opportunity to experience and learn more about it. We'll cover practical and aesthetic aspects of soda firing including slip and glaze application, prep for and how to load and fire the kiln. During heating up and cooling the kiln, we will explore ways to make more dynamic pots. Working with freshly thrown clay, we'll alter surfaces and forms; squaring, ovaling, fluting, faceting, and improving foundational throwing techniques will be on offer. In learning to fully utilize the effects of flames carrying sodium through a kiln, we'll look at placement in the kiln as well as form and surface treatments, including slips and glazes, that are particularly responsive to the effects of soda firing. Experience throwing on the potter's wheel is needed for this class. We’ll engage in lively conversations ranging over our interests, passions, technical questions, developing a personal aesthetic, raw glazing, single firing, firing.

Dormitory-Style Lodging

As part of our commitment to supporting access to the arts, we are pleased to share information about a Dormitory-Style Lodging opportunity offered by our community partner, the Highlands Biological Station for registrants of select workshops. Please visit our Lodging Information page or see your registration confirmation email for more information.