Narrative Vessels (Session 7) 2025

Service Description

Thursdays @ 6:00-8:30pm, September 25th - October 30th For centuries, vessels have been used not only to hold objects, but also to hold meaning—recording myths, memories, rituals, and personal histories through form, surface, and symbolism. In this 6-week class, we’ll explore the vessel as a narrative object and build our own ceramic pieces that reflect a personal or thematic story. Through a combination of historical references, handbuilding techniques, and conceptual prompts, each student will create at least one finished vessel that conveys a story through its design. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Annie Artell and elevate your Handbuilding & Sculpture practice! Week 1: Introduction to Narrative in Clay We'll begin by looking at the history of storytelling through vessels—examples may include Greek amphorae, Mimbres bowls, Nigerian Yoruba pots, or contemporary ceramic artists using narrative. Students will brainstorm a theme, memory, or story they want to explore and begin sketching ideas. We’ll also create a series of test tiles to try out texture, carving, and surface design approaches that can help convey narrative. Week 2: Sketch to Form — Building the Base Structure Students will begin building their narrative vessels using coil and pinch techniques, focusing on shape and silhouette to support the story. We’ll discuss how form can suggest mood or meaning, and how to plan surface imagery in relation to the vessel's shape. Week 3: Slabs, Layers, and Additive Storytelling We’ll explore slab work and additive construction methods, considering how to incorporate elements like handles, lids, or sculptural additions that enhance or support your theme. We'll also start refining surface textures and plan space for imagery or text. Week 4: Carving and Surface Narrative Students will experiment with carving, sgraffito, stamping, and kurinuki techniques to build layers of narrative detail. We'll discuss abstraction versus literal representation, and explore how symbols, patterns, or even distortion can add emotional resonance. Week 5: Underglazing and Final Touches Demonstrations on underglaze application, layering, and storytelling through color. Students will begin painting, drawing, or glazing their vessels, tying in visual elements that support their chosen themes. Week 6: Glazing + Group Reflection Finish glazing all work. We’ll end with a group discussion where students can present their vessels and speak about the stories behind them