Ralph Scala

This workshop explores methods and techniques involved in making altered pots. What happens to simple forms with the addition of handles and spouts? How can we contribute to the presence of a piece and not inadvertently take away from it? How do rims and feet work together? These questions and more are addressed through the pitcher, mug, soy bottle, and bowl. Students look at decisions made in the creative process—by choice or by default—that affect the expressive qualities of functional pottery. Through discussion, demonstration, and slide presentation, the workshop offers a close look at the expressive language of clay and encourages a playful exploration of form. Please note that Ralph Scala and JJ Peet have replaced Ellen Shankin as the instructor.

Surrounding the core ideas of making art objects—content, craft and courage—this workshop investigates handbuilding techniques by focusing on small/medium figurative and abstract sculptures and using multiple firing and reglazing techniques. Starting with a high vitrification point, the workshop begins with firing in a wood, soda, or reduction kiln to produce unexpected surfaces and colors, then starts the reglazing process at midrange to low fire, landing on luster and China paints. In this reglazing process, students try custom glazes and alter manufactured glazes to create their own palette, and experiment with over- and under-glazes. Alongside making, students take photos of work being produced, printing out on paper to encourage ideas for glaze/slip compositions; these works often become finished art in themselves. The goal is to push students’ making and glazing skills in conjunction with content, craft, and courage of the work.