Japanese Chawan & Guinomi Workshop
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
Join for a cultural journey into the world of Japanese pottery with this immersive half-day chawan (matcha bowl) and guinomi (sake cup) making workshop, set in the serene surroundings of San Gregorio. This experience offers a unique opportunity to delve into Japanese “Teaism,” which permeates Japanese ways of life. The instructor will demo and address: Shaping techniques (tebineri/hand shaping, kurinuki), function and shape relationships, foot shaping/trimming, and surface/landscape design. During hands-on portion of the workshop, participants will hand build a unique chawan and guinomi to fit to your hands, and bring out a clay landscape that speaks to their artistry.
INCLUDED:
– Home-made Japanese lunch
– Clay materials (including raw clay materials directly from Mino and Shigaraki for texture)
WHAT TO BRING:
Please don’t worry, if you don’t have these tools. We will have extra tools for you to use.
– Trimming tools (e.g., loop tool, wooden/fettling/kitchen knife)
– Shaping tools (e.g., round metal or rubber rib)
– Sponge
*There will be a limited number of imported Japanese pottery tools available for purchase as an option.
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!
Raku & Pit Informative Workshop
Immerse Yourself in a Full Day of Ceramic Creativity
Full Day: $160 Non Members | $80 Members
Half Day: $80 Non Members | $40 Members
NOTE: Members will receive an email with a code to use when purchasing the class. Please reach out to us if you did not receive the discount code.
Where: 1290 Danman Avenue, Pacifica
Morning Session: Pit Fire Ceramics
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Start your day by diving into the traditional and natural methods of Pit Fire Ceramics. Under the guidance of our instructor, Matt, you’ll explore the history, preparation, and firing processes that give Pit Fire its distinctive earthy beauty. Learn about different clay bodies, forms, and the use of organic materials to create stunning effects. This session includes interactive lectures, Q&A, and demonstrations to provide a complete understanding of this atmospheric firing technique.
Lunch Break: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Take a break to relax, enjoy your lunch, and mingle with fellow participants. Feel free to bring your lunch or explore local eateries.
Afternoon Session: Raku Firing
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Continue your creative journey in the afternoon with our exciting Raku workshop. Matt will introduce you to the vibrant and unpredictable world of Raku firing, where rapid cooling and post-firing reduction techniques produce unique and dramatic results. This session will cover the history, preparation, and firing processes of Raku, featuring demonstrations and plenty of opportunities for questions and interaction.
Full-Day Highlights:
- Comprehensive Learning: Gain in-depth knowledge of both Pit Fire and Raku techniques.
- Community Engagement: Connect with fellow pottery enthusiasts and share your passion.
- Expert Instruction: Benefit from Matt’s extensive experience and personalized guidance
We encourage you to book both sessions on the same day, but you’re welcome to just attend the one you like best.
***These workshops are informational and do not include creating pieces or firing clay.***
