Learning From Others
Our workshops provide an opportunity for you to learn a new technique, improve your skills and challenge yourself all while hanging with other members.
Mocha Diffusion Workshop
May 2023
Presented by Unha Hill
The Mocha Diffusion surface decoration technique is a slip application method. It uses different materials to produce a reaction between acid and alkali that creates intricate veined patterns reminiscent of trees or ferns on clay surfaces. Workshop participants explored this technique on various forms. The workshop also covered throwing small forms off the hump through demonstration and hands-on experience.
RAKU Workshop and Accreditation
October 2021 and 2022
Presented by Sandra Mills & Jenny Rushforth
Participants experienced the fun of Raku firing. Instructor Vicki Ruple Lepe offered an on-line workshop about a variety of techniques to help participants get the best results from a Raku firing. The workshop covered tips and tricks when creating Raku forms as well as design and glazing techniques. Raku Kiln Accreditation was available which equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to set up and fire the kiln safely. Accredited individuals are able to rent the Raku kiln.
“Throw Big” Workshop
June 2022
Presented by Owen Davies
This workshop covered intermediate throwing knowledge and techniques needed to build large scale work. Participants learned new skills including;- spiral and cut wedging
- centering and throwing in sections
- choosing the right clay
- drying techniques
Empower Your Capacity and Growth as a Creative Professional
February 2022
Presented by Chris Mitchell
This workshop was comprised of a series of customized one hour small group sessions. These sessions were structured around specific topics or themes determined in collaboration with participants. The format facilitated individual reflection, action planning and group discussion. Weekly check-ins supported accountability to individually specific goals and projects.
Underglaze Decoration and Carving Techniques Workshop
April 2021
Presented by Larissa O’Reilly
Larissa demonstrated techniques such as colour mixing, proper preparation, and application with Amaco underglazes. She also covered troubleshooting advice to avoid common issues such as blistering, bleeding and pin holing. The workshop also included step-by-step printmaking, paper resists, transfers and carving (Mishima and Sgraffito) technique demonstrations. The workshop also included best practises for using squeeze bottles and brushes.
Mastering Glaze Consistency
January to March 2021
Presented by Sue McLeod
The workshop also:- covered step-by-step testing systems for improving the consistency of glaze applications and results, and
- reviewed fixing many glaze flaws like running, crawling, glazes turning out the wrong colour, and cloudy clears.
Drawing for Ceramics
October 2019
Presented by Kathy Kranias
Participants also:- sketched in a measured and gestural way with pencil, conte crayon and India ink,
- explored how mark-making expands the repertoire for imagery,
- worked on developing the essential motor skills for decorating ceramic objects.
Nerikomi Workshop
June 2019
Presented by Eiko Mazda
Attendants learned the Nerikomi technique through this hand-building workshop with Eiko Maeda. The Nerikomi technique uses slabs that are stacked, folded and formed into shapes from layers of coloured clay and then sliced through to reveal patterns. Eiko taught participants how to make a small rose patterned bowl and a bowl with another floral pattern.
Hand-Building Workshop
November 2018
Presented by Heather Dynes Smit
Heather is recognized for her soft-slab hand-built forms that are both sculptural and functional in design. The workshops guided participants to explore soft slab hand-building construction process and technique. Through demos and open discussion on form and function, participants learned how sculptural form, function and simplicity can exist in everyday utilitarian objects. The workshop covered cover basic tool and template design for making multiple forms with a focus on drinking and pouring vessels.
Clay Surface Treatments
February and April 2018
Presented by Lesley McInally
Lesley demonstrated how she develops rich textured surfaces, building up one layer at a time, painting coloured slips of varying thicknesses onto a clay surface while incorporating underglazes, ceramic chalks and stencils. Using her mono print techniques, she paints the ceramic pigments onto paper and transfers the results back onto the clay surface. Participants learned how this technique offers endless possibilities for pattern and textural variation.Mocha Diffusion Workshop
May 2023
Presented by Unha Hill
The Mocha Diffusion surface decoration technique is a slip application method. It uses different materials to produce a reaction between acid and alkali that creates intricate veined patterns reminiscent of trees or ferns on clay surfaces. Workshop participants explored this technique on various forms. The workshop also covered throwing small forms off the hump through demonstration and hands-on experience.RAKU Workshop and Accreditation
October 2021 and 2022
Presented by Sandra Mills & Jenny Rushforth
Participants experienced the fun of Raku firing. Instructor Vicki Ruple Lepe offered an on-line workshop about a variety of techniques to help participants get the best results from a Raku firing. The workshop covered tips and tricks when creating Raku forms as well as design and glazing techniques. Raku Kiln Accreditation was available which equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to set up and fire the kiln safely. Accredited individuals are able to rent the Raku kiln.“Throw Big” Workshop
June 2022
Presented by Owen Davies
This workshop covered intermediate throwing knowledge and techniques needed to build large scale work. Participants learned new skills including;- spiral and cut wedging
- centering and throwing in sections
- choosing the right clay
- drying techniques
Empower Your Capacity and Growth as a Creative Professional
February 2022
Presented by Chris Mitchell
This workshop was comprised of a series of customized one hour small group sessions. These sessions were structured around specific topics or themes determined in collaboration with participants. The format facilitated individual reflection, action planning and group discussion. Weekly check-ins supported accountability to individually specific goals and projects.Underglaze Decoration and Carving Techniques Workshop
April 2021
Presented by Larissa O’Reilly
Larissa demonstrated techniques such as colour mixing, proper preparation, and application with Amaco underglazes. She also covered troubleshooting advice to avoid common issues such as blistering, bleeding and pin holing. The workshop also included step-by-step printmaking, paper resists, transfers and carving (Mishima and Sgraffito) technique demonstrations. The workshop also included best practises for using squeeze bottles and brushes.Mastering Glaze Consistency
January to March 2021
Presented by Sue McLeod
The workshop also:- covered step-by-step testing systems for improving the consistency of glaze applications and results, and
- reviewed fixing many glaze flaws like running, crawling, glazes turning out the wrong colour, and cloudy clears.
Drawing for Ceramics
October 2019
Presented by Kathy Kranias
Participants also:- sketched in a measured and gestural way with pencil, conte crayon and India ink,
- explored how mark-making expands the repertoire for imagery,
- worked on developing the essential motor skills for decorating ceramic objects.
Nerikomi Workshop
June 2019
Presented by Eiko Mazda
Attendants learned the Nerikomi technique through this hand-building workshop with Eiko Maeda. The Nerikomi technique uses slabs that are stacked, folded and formed into shapes from layers of coloured clay and then sliced through to reveal patterns. Eiko taught participants how to make a small rose patterned bowl and a bowl with another floral pattern.Hand-Building Workshop
November 2018
Presented by Heather Dynes Smit
Heather is recognized for her soft-slab hand-built forms that are both sculptural and functional in design. The workshops guided participants to explore soft slab hand-building construction process and technique. Through demos and open discussion on form and function, participants learned how sculptural form, function and simplicity can exist in everyday utilitarian objects. The workshop covered cover basic tool and template design for making multiple forms with a focus on drinking and pouring vessels.Clay Surface Treatments
February and April 2018
Presented by Lesley McInally
Lesley demonstrated how she develops rich textured surfaces, building up one layer at a time, painting coloured slips of varying thicknesses onto a clay surface while incorporating underglazes, ceramic chalks and stencils. Using her mono print techniques, she paints the ceramic pigments onto paper and transfers the results back onto the clay surface. Participants learned how this technique offers endless possibilities for pattern and textural variation.
