Interested in hosting a workshop?
I have over 20 years of teaching experience, and I specialize in sculptural, hand-building ceramics and surface design techniques. |
I have extensive knowledge in the field of ceramics. Specifically, hand-built ceramics range from abstract or figurative sculpting with hollow or solid construction to functional pieces, decorative ware, and surface design techniques and materials. I primarily use solid carving, coil, and slab construction in my work. In addition, I decorate with custom engobes and colors I formulate applied at the bisque-ware stage. Tape resist, crackle glazes, carving through layers of color, and textural application of engobes and underglazes are just some techniques I use. I also love terra sigillata or cold finishes like metal patinas for my sculptural work.
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A peek into the workshop Figurative Sculpting at Barro Sur Studio, Todos Santos, Baja Mexico. |
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I love new projects!
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I am always looking to fill my calendar with a few workshops for Fall, Spring or Summer. I am open to planning further in the future as well. Workshops typically are scheduled for two consecutive days over the weekend but can also be single-day classes. All workshops are hands-on. Please inquire with an email for more details below.
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Workshops I have taught
The workshops are exclusively hands-on and span over one or two days. Instrested in hosting a workshop, click here.
Crafting an Yixing Teapot
This workshop is designed for tea lovers and ceramics enthusiasts who want to learn how to create hand-built teapots using the traditional crafting techniques of Yixing teapots. We will use any available local clay.
The workshop will begin with the history and significance of Yixing teapots and the methods and processes involved in creating these unique and functional objects. Next, participants will learn about the various stages of developing a teapot, including paddling, layering, lid and spout construction, and firing. Yixing teapots are all hand-made rather than thrown on the wheel. The clay for the Yixing teapots is first pounded with a heavy wooden mallet into a slab, then one of three techniques is used to shape the clay into pots: pre-molded for segmented teapots, paddled for round teapots, and the slab technique for square teapots.
You will learn how to construct the round teapot, which is generally considered a feminine design. The open structure is excellent for using tightly packed oolong teas like Monkey Picked because the space allows the leaves to open fully.
Duration: Two Days, 12 hours of instruction
Level: Prior experience in hand-built ceramics is required.
This workshop is designed for tea lovers and ceramics enthusiasts who want to learn how to create hand-built teapots using the traditional crafting techniques of Yixing teapots. We will use any available local clay.
The workshop will begin with the history and significance of Yixing teapots and the methods and processes involved in creating these unique and functional objects. Next, participants will learn about the various stages of developing a teapot, including paddling, layering, lid and spout construction, and firing. Yixing teapots are all hand-made rather than thrown on the wheel. The clay for the Yixing teapots is first pounded with a heavy wooden mallet into a slab, then one of three techniques is used to shape the clay into pots: pre-molded for segmented teapots, paddled for round teapots, and the slab technique for square teapots.
You will learn how to construct the round teapot, which is generally considered a feminine design. The open structure is excellent for using tightly packed oolong teas like Monkey Picked because the space allows the leaves to open fully.
Duration: Two Days, 12 hours of instruction
Level: Prior experience in hand-built ceramics is required.
Mastering the Ceramics Surface using Underglazes, Slips, and Engobes
Learn the difference between slip, underglaze, and engobes and how to apply, layer, and decorate with them. In this workshop, we will work on leather-hard and bisque-fired surfaces and use different techniques to create unique and artistic surfaces.
This immersive, hands-on workshop is designed for ceramic artists who want to take their surface design skills to the next level using a combination of underglazes, slips, and engobes. Participants will learn to use these materials to create intricate designs, patterns, and textures on their ceramics.
Duration: One to Two Days, 6 to 12 hours of instruction
Level: All levels are welcome.
Learn the difference between slip, underglaze, and engobes and how to apply, layer, and decorate with them. In this workshop, we will work on leather-hard and bisque-fired surfaces and use different techniques to create unique and artistic surfaces.
This immersive, hands-on workshop is designed for ceramic artists who want to take their surface design skills to the next level using a combination of underglazes, slips, and engobes. Participants will learn to use these materials to create intricate designs, patterns, and textures on their ceramics.
Duration: One to Two Days, 6 to 12 hours of instruction
Level: All levels are welcome.
Making Sculpture through Subtraction
This workshop is designed for ceramic artists who want to learn how to create figurative sculptures starting with a block of clay through subtraction. Participants will learn how to sculpt solid forms based on image references and hollow out the sculptures in preparation for the firing process.
The workshop will begin with an hour-long slide show, reviewing the work and showing the process in a time laps video. Next is an hour-long demo of the sculpting process emphasizing proportion, form, and gesture and how to use image references to represent the human form accurately.
Throughout the workshop, participants will work on their pieces. In addition, the Instructor will provide guidance, support, and individual feedback.
Duration: Two Days, 12 hours of instruction
Level: This workshop is open to all levels. Some prior experience in ceramics is desirable but optional.
This workshop is designed for ceramic artists who want to learn how to create figurative sculptures starting with a block of clay through subtraction. Participants will learn how to sculpt solid forms based on image references and hollow out the sculptures in preparation for the firing process.
The workshop will begin with an hour-long slide show, reviewing the work and showing the process in a time laps video. Next is an hour-long demo of the sculpting process emphasizing proportion, form, and gesture and how to use image references to represent the human form accurately.
Throughout the workshop, participants will work on their pieces. In addition, the Instructor will provide guidance, support, and individual feedback.
Duration: Two Days, 12 hours of instruction
Level: This workshop is open to all levels. Some prior experience in ceramics is desirable but optional.
Creating Templates for Slab Construction
This workshop is intended for ceramic artists interested in creating custom templates for soft slab construction. Participants will be shown how to translate 2D sketches into 3D templates and troubleshoot their designs in clay.
The workshop will begin with an hour-long demonstration reviewing example work and demonstrating the template design process. This will be followed by an hour-long demonstration of the forming process, emphasizing joining, proportion, handle design, spouts, types of lids, etc.
Throughout the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to work on their own ideas. It would be helpful if they came prepared with sketches and sample pieces. In addition, the Instructor will provide guidance, support, and individual feedback.
Depending on the class length, participants will also learn how to transfer their templates onto clay. They will also learn about ergonomics and functionality considerations, such as creating a flange on a lid, finishing edge, registration marks, and more.
Materials Fee: $20 for each student (tarp paper, newsprint, white pencils)
Duration: One- or two-day workshop. Minimum of 6 hours of instruction, preferably 10 hours.
Level: This workshop is open to all levels. Some prior experience in ceramics is desirable but optional.
This workshop is intended for ceramic artists interested in creating custom templates for soft slab construction. Participants will be shown how to translate 2D sketches into 3D templates and troubleshoot their designs in clay.
The workshop will begin with an hour-long demonstration reviewing example work and demonstrating the template design process. This will be followed by an hour-long demonstration of the forming process, emphasizing joining, proportion, handle design, spouts, types of lids, etc.
Throughout the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to work on their own ideas. It would be helpful if they came prepared with sketches and sample pieces. In addition, the Instructor will provide guidance, support, and individual feedback.
Depending on the class length, participants will also learn how to transfer their templates onto clay. They will also learn about ergonomics and functionality considerations, such as creating a flange on a lid, finishing edge, registration marks, and more.
Materials Fee: $20 for each student (tarp paper, newsprint, white pencils)
Duration: One- or two-day workshop. Minimum of 6 hours of instruction, preferably 10 hours.
Level: This workshop is open to all levels. Some prior experience in ceramics is desirable but optional.
Slab Construction with Darts
This workshop covers the foundation of hand-building with soft clay slabs. Starting with simple cylindrical forms, you will learn to alter them using single, double-pointed, I-shaped, and T-shaped darts and single, double-pointed darts with complex curves. We will also explore plates and small dishes, starting with a clay slab and playing with different shapes and darts; there are a lot of possibilities.
Handouts, references, specialized tools, and templates will be provided.
The workshop will begin with a slide show reviewing the work and showing the process in a time-lapse video. Next, an hour-long demo of the building process will emphasize proportion, form, gesture, and how to use commercial pottery as a reference.
Duration: Two Days, 12 hours of instruction
Level: This workshop is open to all levels. Some prior hand-building experience is desirable but optional.
This workshop covers the foundation of hand-building with soft clay slabs. Starting with simple cylindrical forms, you will learn to alter them using single, double-pointed, I-shaped, and T-shaped darts and single, double-pointed darts with complex curves. We will also explore plates and small dishes, starting with a clay slab and playing with different shapes and darts; there are a lot of possibilities.
Handouts, references, specialized tools, and templates will be provided.
The workshop will begin with a slide show reviewing the work and showing the process in a time-lapse video. Next, an hour-long demo of the building process will emphasize proportion, form, gesture, and how to use commercial pottery as a reference.
Duration: Two Days, 12 hours of instruction
Level: This workshop is open to all levels. Some prior hand-building experience is desirable but optional.
Clay as a Tool in the Studio
Learn how to use clay as a tool in the studio, including creating texture stamps, signature stamps, molds for simple and complex forms, drape, press and hump molds, bas-relief/sprig molds, foot makers, diameter shapers, templates, various custom ribs, edge trimmers, shrink rulers, and more. This immersive, hands-on workshop is designed for ceramic artists looking to streamline their creative process. Participants will gain the skills to make clay tools tailored to their needs in the studio.
The workshop will begin with an hour-and-a-half-long introduction to the different types of tools and their uses. Then, participants will learn how to create these tools using hand-building techniques such as slab construction, solid forming, and carving.
Duration: Two Days, 10 hours of instruction
Level: This workshop is open to all levels. Some prior hand-building experience is required.
Learn how to use clay as a tool in the studio, including creating texture stamps, signature stamps, molds for simple and complex forms, drape, press and hump molds, bas-relief/sprig molds, foot makers, diameter shapers, templates, various custom ribs, edge trimmers, shrink rulers, and more. This immersive, hands-on workshop is designed for ceramic artists looking to streamline their creative process. Participants will gain the skills to make clay tools tailored to their needs in the studio.
The workshop will begin with an hour-and-a-half-long introduction to the different types of tools and their uses. Then, participants will learn how to create these tools using hand-building techniques such as slab construction, solid forming, and carving.
Duration: Two Days, 10 hours of instruction
Level: This workshop is open to all levels. Some prior hand-building experience is required.
Introduction to Jewelry Making with Precious Metal Clay
Learn to create pendants and earrings from silver Precious Metal Clay in this hands-on workshop for ceramic artists. Participants will craft a pendant and earring set using fine silver clay.
The two-hour introduction covers forming and molding techniques, including hand-building, mold-making, hollow core beads, bas relief, and slab construction.
Throughout the session, participants can explore design ideas and craft unique pieces with instructor guidance and demonstrations of specific techniques.
Duration: Two days, 10 hours of instruction. Day 1: 10 am to 4 pm, 2 hr demo with an hour lunch break from 12 pm to 1 pm. Day 2: 12 pm to 4 pm, 1 hr demo on post-firing finishing techniques.
Level: Everyone is welcome.
Learn to create pendants and earrings from silver Precious Metal Clay in this hands-on workshop for ceramic artists. Participants will craft a pendant and earring set using fine silver clay.
The two-hour introduction covers forming and molding techniques, including hand-building, mold-making, hollow core beads, bas relief, and slab construction.
Throughout the session, participants can explore design ideas and craft unique pieces with instructor guidance and demonstrations of specific techniques.
Duration: Two days, 10 hours of instruction. Day 1: 10 am to 4 pm, 2 hr demo with an hour lunch break from 12 pm to 1 pm. Day 2: 12 pm to 4 pm, 1 hr demo on post-firing finishing techniques.
Level: Everyone is welcome.
Interested in hosting a workshop? click here
