Gestural Throwing /Atmospheric Effects for Electric Firing
This workshop is structured as a natural follow up to “Throwing Relaxed, Gestural Forms – With an Emphasis on Design,” July 18-23, for those that would like to spend 2 weeks at Adamah!
Steven will demonstrate his techniques of throwing relaxed, gestural forms and there will be follow-up time for students to make a few pots, but since the main focus of the week is on glazing and firing, we will mostly be making smaller items to use as glaze tests.
Students that do not sign up for the prior workshop should plan on bringing approximately 10 bisque fired pots for glazing. ^6 or ^10 porcelain is the first choice, but white stoneware will also work. A selection of forms is best, with emphasis on small to medium sized pots. It is also recommended to bring 12 - 16 vertical test tiles for experimentation.
When glazing, Steven will address ways to achieve the kind of richness and surface variation in electric kilns that potters have come to associate with reduction firing. The goal is not to imitate reduction, but to set the stage so that multiple layered glazes can interact with each other in the firing. The basic techniques of spraying and the more advanced theories of layering and blending glazes will be addressed. Although glaze formulation is beyond the scope of this workshop, further experimentation with a wide range of glazes will be discussed. We will fire at ^8 oxidation, but all of the information is also applicable at ^6 or ^10. Firing schedules and how they affect glaze surfaces will be included in the discussion. Steven’s glazes will be available to use, but students are encouraged to also bring small containers of familiar glazes for experimentation.
Preparing for the workshop – Items to bring with you.
1. Bring all throwing and trimming tools you want to work with. Specific tools I suggest are:
a. Kemper S4 Stainless Scrapper
b. Red Mud Tools ribs
c. Curved rib for shaping bowls
A chamois for use on rims
2. Plastic wrap for covering pots
3. We will have ^10 porcelain available for students to purchase, but if you would like to use your own body, I suggest a smooth textured ^6 or ^10 porcelain, but white stoneware will also work.
4. If you have spray guns you want to experiment with, you are welcome to bring them.
5. A cup / pint of a familiar glaze or 2 you would like to experiment with.