Earthworksnyc WORKSHOPS

Workshops at EarthworksNYC offer a chance to focus intently on one form or technique, such as decorating with colored slips, or weaving a basket from coils of clay. They are usually a short format – one or two sessions – and are useful as an introduction to a new idea or as an intensive exploration, free from distraction. In addition to different workshops offered each semester, we offer Raku firings on a fairly regular basis, thanks to the cooperation of the Art School at the Old Church.

Raku Workshops are listed below. Watch this page for dates and details as the 2011-2012 workshop schedule develops.

REGISTER for classes or workshops click here.

Glazing WORKSHOPS

Glaze samples for potteryDuring Winter Semester, EarthworksNYC will offer two workshops on glazing techniques. Students will receive three test tiles for experimentation. Also, students will need three to five bisqued pots for each workshop.

FEE: $35 per session; $60 for both.

  • layering glazes
    Learn how to create special effects by layering glazes using different application methods.
  • Friday, Febuary 10 or
    Sunday, Febuary 12; 11AM - 1PM
    NOTE: Pots need to be measured for bisque and ready for firing by Sunday, Febuary 5.
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  • glazing with resists
    Study the contrasts of glaze-beside-glaze and glaze-beside-raw-clay as we work with various resists including tape (a crisp edge), wax (a fluid edge) and contact paper (complex shapes).
  • Friday, March 2 or
    Sunday, March 4; 11AM - 1PM
    NOTE: Pots need to be measured for bisque and ready for firing by Sunday, Febuary 26.

RakU

Raku firingRaku is a centuries-old firing technique that originated in Japan for the creation of Tea Ceremony wares. The process is thought to embody the Zen spirit, and is all about embracing the unexpected. Considering the fact that Raku-fired work is not food safe, and it doesn't even hold water, you may ask why we continue to fire this way. The answer is simple: the Raku process lets us experience first-hand the amazing transformation of elements as earth (clay) turns into an object with the help of fire and water! Taking part in a raku firing will give you a deeper understanding of our materials and process… plus, it's really, really fun! The only thing predictable about Raku is… surprise!

In past workshops we have made and bisqued fired our work at EarthworksNYC, then driven together to the Art School at the Old Church in Demarest, NJ, for the firing, using their Raku glazes and kilns.

  • Spring Dates: TBA