The Functional Pot with Bill van Gilder
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Every potter has a list of WHAT they want to make. HOW to make it is often the question. Learn some of the answers from internationally renowned potter Bill van Gilder, former Clay Times Teaching Techniques columnist and creator of Throwing Clay on the DIY Network. During this two day, demonstration-only class, Bill will demonstrate some 50+ making techniques in answer to these ‘how-to’ questions. Short cuts, tips and tool-use at the wheel will be shared through demo after demo. Hand-building functional forms will be the focus during part of the demonstrations as requested, defining projects and techniques for hand-builders. “Throughout 45+ yrs. of making functional pots, I’ve collected hundreds of making techniques used to make specific pots, both wheel-thrown and hand-built,” says Bill. Demonstrated techniques at the wheel will include:
- Efficient hand positions for throwing
- Simple tools and their use
- Lid arrangements and form
- Spout, rim and lip making and proportions
- Trimming and foot finishing possibilities
- Faceting and fluting as decoration
- Handles and lugs; pulled and hand built
- Making bottle forms; collaring techniques
- Making dinnerware; throwing and trimming
- Making squared and oval baking ware
- Wet, thick slip decoration
- And more…
A sampling of forms to be demonstrated:
- Open and lidded casseroles
- Pitcher and pouring pots
- Cups and mugs
- Bowl forms
- Dinnerware
- Bottle forms
Hand-building demonstrations may include:
- Slumped oval slab platter making
- Humped squared plate making
- Foot attachment possibilities; slab, sprigged & coiled
- Textured decoration; wet slip, pressed, and resisted textures
Participants are welcome to take photos, and are encouraged to bring a notebook. A discussion about glazes will take place during the workshop, as requested. My ^6 oxidation, ^8-9-10 gas, and salt/soda wood-firing slips & glaze recipe sheets will be provided to each participant. A selection of Bill’s potter’s hand-tools (van Gilder Clay Tools), a sampling of his current work, and copies of his DVDs are made available for participant purchase.
Price: Non-Members: $199; Members: $179