Intermediate Wheelthrown Pottery

with Michael Stek

Saturday, May 18 · view days & times
Price: $230 | $207 ArtsQuest Member
Fees: $5 Visual Arts Service Fee on all orders
Additional taxes and fees may apply
Venue: Ceramics/Clay Studio
Ages: 18+

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6 Weeks

Saturdays, May 18-June 22 | 1-4 p.m.

A. Five different wheel thrown shapes on the cylinder (minimum dimensions for each is 4 inches across by 6 inches in height) as follows: three out of “A”-body studio clay for cone 6 ox firing, (also use white slip) for underglazing

B. Two wheel thrown plated (8-12 inches across for each) out of “A” – body studio clay for (slip) decoration.

1. VESSEL…to design and execute a hollowed-out, “container” form, functional or sculptural. This does not refer to a boat, though it could end up being one.

2. PLATTER…to design and execute a large (over 12 inches across) wheel thrown flat form where the primary goal is a very personal surface treatment and secondarily development of the skill to throw a platter. Sketches, demos will be done.

3. SECTIONAL FORM…basically a three dimensional form (utilitarian or sculptural) consisting of more than one component fitted together, i.e. wheelthrown plus wheelthrown or handbuilt, etc. You may choose to make a mold for this project and incorporate aware produced from the mold. Other “media” might be incorporated. Sketches. Demo and lecture.

4. PLACE SETTING…to design and execute a three or more piece “special” place setting including at least one bowl form, one plate, and one cup or glass. The design (both form and surface) should be very personal as in for “me,” for someone specific like the President, for a special event, or for yourself. Demos will be done.

5. TEAPOT or SOUP TUREEN…to design and execute either an extremely personal teapot or soup tureen, two specific types/pieces of ware commonly associated with being made of clay. Functional or non-functional. Research from a historical as well as contemporary perspective is HIGHLY recommended. Demo will be done.

I have had a strong fascination with archeology, anthropology and art since childhood. Some of my greatest influences have been the primal forms and stories of traditional cultures from around the world. Primal art forms have influenced the imaginations and the works of artists throughout time. Indigenous artists were masters of utilizing materials from natural resources, as well as materials imported or manufactured by outsiders. Each form, whether a totem, mask, shield, body art or figurine was created as a means of connecting human beings to each other and to the spirit world. These works functioned as a bridge creating a sacred communion or dialogue between the physical and spirit worlds.

The creative problem solving process has been a vital part of my life. I have been active in teaching and producing art in public and private venues to children and adults throughout my adult life. It was really during later part of my undergrad studies where I began using my early life experience years growing up where I was traveling the world that my area of personal interest began to focus on clay and in particular, figurative, gestural clay sculptures. My process evolved as integral components of rituals and influenced civilizations over time. Living the cultures of some of the world along with research and study (BFA in painting, MFA in Ceramics and Painting) highly influenced my own creative endeavors. That interest continues to lead me toward a deeper understanding of how the daily experiences of traditional cultures, and ours, were/are interwoven with our natural environment and spiritual concepts. This process is also evident in my more functional works, being hand-built to wheel thrown.

Each creation I design may be based on a cultural observations to convey my own personal narrative. My sculptural works are mostly hand built, high-fired clay forms. The surfaces may be impressed and/or incised with a compilation of natural and manufactured textures, patterns, and symbols to convey a story or idea. Colour is incorporated predominately through the application of oxide stains, coloured slips, and the method in which its fired (anagama fired, salt, raku, or reduction). Metal, hemp, raffia, and other materials may be added to elaborate and exaggerate the forms. My objective with each piece is to create a contemporary interpretation and visual narrative of primal concepts.

Schedule

• Saturday, May 18, 2024 @ 1:00 PM 05/18/2024 01:00 PM 05/18/2024 04:00 PM 15 Intermediate Wheelthrown Pottery https://www.bananafactory.org/event/16029/intermediate-wheelthrown-pottery/ Ceramics/Clay Studio false MM/DD/YYYY

Venue Information

Ceramics/Clay Studio
Banana Factory
25 W Third Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-332-1300
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