Ceramics
Code: VFC4901-25
-
O
Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
-
Virtual Workshop
Virtual Workshop, learn from the comfort of your own home.
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
Seeking a New Line: Experimenting with Form and Color in Ceramic Sculpture
Dec 4, 2025
6:00PM MST
10AM JST, December 5th
All Virtual Ceramics Workshops are 2-2.5 hours long
Concept
*Please note that registration will close on December 4 at 4pm MST.
Push the boundaries of form and color in ceramic sculpture with renowned Japanese artist En Iwamura. This workshop invites you to explore bold, large-scale ceramic forms while discovering innovative surface techniques that bring your work to life.
Through En’s unique approach to coil building, you’ll learn how to design and construct large clay forms with confidence. Dive into his signature methods for painting on ceramic surfaces, where water and pigment interact to create rich, spontaneous bursts of color.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this workshop offers invaluable tools, techniques, and inspiration to elevate your practice. From mastering best practices and gaining new technical skills to rethinking your creative process, you’ll leave with fresh perspectives and a renewed excitement for making ceramic sculpture.
This workshop meets virtually via Zoom Video Conferencing software (downloadable for free from Zoom.com). Review our Virtual Ceramics Workshop Welcome Guide to learn more about the workshop details.
Faculty
En Iwamura
En Iwamura was born in Kyoto, Japan in 1988. The influence of both parents who are painter, he grew up in artistic environment. After graduate the BFA in craft at the Kanazawa collage of Art and Craft, he began to be interested in international Art world. he considers that the ceramic has the potential of being one of the international languages, which can cross the different cultures, people and countries.
Workshop Details>
Scholarships, College Credit & Discounts
Making Art Accessible
Applications for scholarship support are encouraged. Specific scholarships are funded by Ranch supporters, either through endowed funds or special gifts.
Many colleges and universities offer college credit for workshops taken at Anderson Ranch. Discounts are available for students and teachers.
You Might Also Be Interested In>
-
I
Level I
Students are new to ceramics and have no formal training.
-
II
Level II
Students have a basic understanding of forming techniques, such as throwing and hand building. Students have taken one or two ceramics classes or workshops.
Jun 1 - 12, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM
Hand Turned Ceramics
Paul Briggs
Tuition $1,795
Code C0101-26
This class teaches unique pinch forming methods that resemble how clay is pulled up on the wheel. Through patience and practice, students learn how to achieve scale and bold form, and move beyond the usual 3" pinch-formed pot to pinch up to 5lbs of clay, growing a pot from one ball without adding or subtracting material. Creating both functional and sculptural objects, we engage in the merging of ideas and form, of merging inside and outside, and of subtle metaphor. Glazing and firing will be mid-range oxidation.
-
III
Level III
Students have experience with a variety of materials and fabrication techniques and know how to use hand and power tools competently and safely. Students are self-starting with some formal training in critical aspects of sculpture and have a portfolio of artwork. Students have taken a minimum of three classes or workshops.
-
IV
Level IV
Students have advanced skills and knowledge of sculpture. Students are highly motivated, have a minimum of five years experience in the field and have multiple portfolios of their artwork. Typical students are academics and professional artists.
Jun 1 - 12, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM
Building with Clay and Steel
Trey Hill
Tuition $2,250
Code S0102-26
Investigate new materials and approaches to building sculpture in this two-week exploratory workshop. Students discover innovative ways to combine different materials, creating dynamic mixed-media sculptures. This workshop experiments with adding different materials to students’ work — such as clay, steel, and found objects — while considering how each adds formal information and intensified content. A rigorous studio environment gives access to a variety of new materials and fresh ways of approaching students’ studio practice. The workshop is open to students working in any media who are looking to try something different and add new skills to their toolbox.
-
II
Level II
Students have a basic understanding of forming techniques, such as throwing and hand building. Students have taken one or two ceramics classes or workshops.
-
III
Level III
Students have significant experience with clay forming techniques, such as throwing, hand building and modeling. Students are comfortable with ceramics equipment, such as wheels, extruders and slab rollers. Students are self-starting with some formal training and have taken a minimum of three classes or workshops.
Jun 8 - 19, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM
Understanding Wood Firing
Justin Lambert, Jason Hess
Tuition $1,795
Code C0202-26
In this workshop, students learn the terminology associated with wood firing, and gain understanding of what happens during the firing and cooling processes. Participants are guided through observation systems such as the fire triangle and stoke scale, and learn how to move heat via interval stoking, and spicing up anemic wood ash via "watering your wood." Participants gain confidence making decisions during the wood firing process while creating new work and gaining valuable technical experience in wood firing.