Intro to Porcelain (Session 8)

Service Description

Tuesdays from 5:45-8:15pm November 4th - December 16th (no class 11/25) In this six-week ceramics course, students will refine their porcelain wheel-throwing skills while exploring form, surface techniques, and glazing. They will create matching vessels, experiment with trimming and carving, and use sodium silicate and mason stains for texture and color. A key challenge will be throwing thin-walled porcelain lampshades, focusing on translucency and precision. The course culminates in dedicated trimming and glazing sessions, ensuring students leave with a collection of refined, high-quality pieces. Week 1: Matching Sets – Students will create three matching vessels, such as cylinders or bowls, focusing on consistency in form. This week introduces porcelain and water control techniques to maintain structural integrity. Week 2: Trimming & Carving – Developing finishing techniques, students will refine their forms through trimming and decorative carving. Week 3: Sodium Silicate & Mason Stains – Exploring textural and color possibilities, students will experiment with sodium silicate and mason stains to add depth to their work. Week 4: Let There Be Light! – A challenge in thin-walled throwing, students will create porcelain lampshades, focusing on evenness, translucency, and precise shrinkage calculations. Week 5: Trim-a-thon – A dedicated week for trimming and refining all works before glazing. Week 6: Glaze-a-thon – Students will complete their pieces with glazing techniques that enhance texture, translucency, and surface quality. - 25 lbs of Nara 5 or Frost - 6-weeks of 2.5 hours of instruction - Unlimited use of the studio during open studio hours - Firing fees - Glazes