Sculpting land and sea-scapes in Clay
About The Instructor
Yukiko Wantanabe is a ceramic artist and instructor in San Francisco, CA. Growing up in Japan, I have always been fascinated by a sense of genuine, natural beauty that is situated in quietness/serenity. Working with clay gives me that space of peace and a state of “mu (無)” (a quiet emptiness). My work honors the place I reside, brings out the history and beauty of the geology, and creates a way for viewers and users to connect with the environment. I thrive to stop our time to create space for people to experience inner tranquility and transcendence through light, shadow, texture, pigments, and flame.
About The Workshop
Connect directly with the natural world and translate its textures into clay forms. In this hands-on workshop, you'll explore ways to use clay in diverse states from dry powder, chunks, to slips (kohiki, clay plaster). We will create tools using found objects and materials like split wood and barks, grass, rocks, and shells to imprint, rib, tear, and sculpt the land and sea-scapes onto your clay. You will (a) use slab construction and kurinuki methods to create a variety of forms, including plates, (kokedama or bonsai) planters, vases, and/or jars, and (b) imprint nature's expressions (e.g., dry clay cracked terrains, dramatic cliff formations, strong torked tree trunks, rhythm of wave ripples on sand, etc) using the tools. Cone 5/6 clay and a variety of (wild clay from Bay Area) slips are provided as part of the workshop (Participants are welcome to bring their own cone 10 clay).
This immersive experience is perfect for potters of all levels eager to explore unique textural possibilities, using tools and materials the nature provides. Come prepared to explore, experiment, and let the textures of the natural world guide your hands.
*Note: The workshop does not include firing, so you will need to fire them at your respective studios.
INCLUDED:
– Teas & snacks
– Clay materials
– Cone 5/6 clay
– Clay slips
WHAT TO BRING:
– Lunch
– Cone 10 clay (if desired)
– $5 if you'd like to add moss to your creation
LOCATION:
San Gregorio, location to be provided once class is purchased.
In this workshop we will provide Cone 5 clay, however we will not be firing the pieces or transporting your work from our Atmospheric Firing Center. If you would like to request Cone 10 clay, please reach out!
Workshop with Visiting Artist Casey Beck
Immerse Yourself in a Four Day Workshop!
We are so pleased to announce that ceramicist Casey Beck will be joining us for a four day soda firing workshop at our Atmospheric Oribe Firing Center in San Gregorio from October 23rd-26th!
In this immersive workshop, participants will have the opportunity to bring their cone 10 bisqueware to San Gregorio where Casey will walk everyone through his unique soda firing process. During the session, participants will learn about slip and glaze applications, the intricacies of soda firing, as well as on-the-wheel demonstrations by the artist. On our final workshop day, we will celebrate with a BBQ onsite. We hope you can join us!
INFO
Dates: October 23rd-26th
Times: 9am-3pm (with the potential to go a bit longer each day & and 1 hour lunch break)
Costs: Full Workshop: $500
Demo Day ONLY: $100
SCHEDULE
Day 1: Slipping, lining, wadding, and discussing placement in the kiln. Pieces will be loaded into the kiln and we will begin candling and firing in the afternoon and evening.
Day 2: Firing the kiln, adding soda and beginning a slow cooling.
Day 3: Demo Day. Casey will demonstrate a variety of forms, ranging from pitchers, to stemware, plates, and cups. He will discuss how to throw various forms, manipulate them on the wheel and add hand built elements.
Day 4: Kiln unloading, debriefing, discussions, and cleaning.
We offer the opportunity to join us for all four days of the workshop with the demonstration day included OR you can participate in the Demo Day only. Please note that if you sign up for the Demo Day, you will only be joining us on October 25th. We look fowrad to seeing you!
* The FULL workshop includes 1 cubic foot of space in the kiln. Please remember to bring cone 10 bisqued pieces for the workshop.
Please reach out if you are interested in camping accommodations.