Jason Hess Tall Bottle Forms Wood Fired.

Jason Hess-April 7, 2012 9am-4pm

In this one day workshop, Jason will demonstrate his methods for creating wheel thrown tall bottle forms and teapots, including construction of his press molded spouts. He will also present information on wood-firing techniques and his many years of involvement with the process. This will a demonstration workshop with plenty of opportunity for discussion.

Image: Farraday Newsome and Jeff ReichFarraday Newsome and Jeff Reich will present a two day hands-on workshop at the gallery Saturday and Sunday May 5-6. On Saturday May 5 Farraday Newsome will demonstrate the handbuilding techniques she uses to build her terra cotta covered boxes. She will also cover her innovative Majolica painting techniques. The day will conclude with an image presentation and gallery talk.

On Sunday May 6 Jeff will give a gallery talk and a slide presentation of his work. In the afternoon, workshop participants will decorate tiles using the techniques that Farraday has previously demonstrated.

Image: Sandi Pierantozzi

Sandi Pierantozzi: June 2-3 2012 Flat / Form / Function / Handbuilding Functional Pots

In this workshop we will cover how to hand build functional pots which have good form, function well, and have a sensitivity to the human touch as well as other senses. We will primarily be using soft slabs.

Demonstrations will include forming techniques that use circular and rectangular templates, and the method of making various parts fit together. Through making and combining cylindrical and conical parts, a variety of forms will be shown. Alternate ways of treating the bottom of a pot with regard to added feet or foot rings will be included, as well as various types of handles made from slabs and coils. How to arrive at accurate templates will also be discussed. Good craftsmanship is important, so there will be much attention paid to detail and finishing touches.

Image: Don Davis

Don Davis will conduct a 2 day workshop at the Gallery August 4-5.

He will demonstrate both wheel thrown and hand built forming methods. The workshop will start with with bowl forms and move on to composite pieces constructed from components formed by various methods. Discussion will focus on many areas of ceramics including clay choices related to form, wild materials, the improvisation, the challenge of throwing thick or thin, surface treatments, and firing methods, and finally, staying open to new possibilities while exercising personal choices toward your desired results. Ceramic history and cultural influences will be discussed as fundamental inspiration for our own contemporary philosophy and work.

Having worked primarily in porcelain for a number of years and presently also working in terracotta, Don’s slide presentation will cover transitions in his individual clay work as well as interdisciplinary collaboration. His recent project in experimental archaeology, the reconstructed Etruscan Cetamura kiln at Castello Spannocchia, Italy will be covered as well as some geology, sources of inspiration, and thoughts on a life in clay. Don Davis is the author of “Wheel Thrown Ceramics” published by Lark Books.

For more info please visit the Plinth Gallery Website

Plinth Gallery
3520 Brighton Blvd
Denver CO 80216