Circle, Square, Oval
Dates: January 28 - April 15 (12 classes | 14 weeks)
Day/Time: Tuesdays, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Instructor: Paul Wisotzky
Course Description: This class, intended for Intermediate – Advanced students, will focus on creating pots of different shapes, including circular, square, and oval that all start on the wheel. It will include altering, adding hand-built elements, subtracting material, and attention to the surface both in the wet and leather-hard stages. We’ll explore a variety of utilitarian pottery including cups and mugs, serving dishes, and lidded vessels to name a few. We’ll spend time each session sharing work in progress and discussing function, aesthetics, and the technical challenges of making altered pots. We will be making some of the tools we will use to create the work. Both at the midpoint and in the final sessions, our attention will turn to decorating and glazing. You will learn how to use sponge stamps of different shapes and sizes to apply and layer glazes, slips, underglazes, oxide washes, and wax resist in the glazing and decorating process.
Materials List:
Basic Pottery Tool Kit
Surform Shaver or Mudtools Shredder
Bat Pins
Bats
Apron
Small Towel
Tool Purchases:
Here is the list of available tools and materials at the Ceramics Program. You may also consider ordering from a local supplier (Sheffield Pottery, Amherst Pottery Supply or Portland Pottery). If you have questions, please email Ji-Eun Kim directly at jikim@fas.harvard.edu.
Course Fees:
$150 for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $510 for Harvard Graduate Students; $1,130 for Adult Community; Harvard Employee TAP Regular and Long Service - follow instructions in the online registration system for pricing.
Your course fee covers all clays (terra cotta, midrange, high fire stoneware, sculpture body, porcelain, and midrange casting slip), bisque firing, glazes, and glaze firing up to 8600 cu. inches of kiln space for 14 weeks, as well as 7-day access to the Ceramics Program and its equipment from the start date of your class through May 2nd. All are welcome to apply to participate in the Spring Show and Sale May 8 – 11th, 2025!
- Adult Community: 18+; General Public; Harvard alumni, fellows, Extension School students, and faculty/staff who are not TAP-eligible; students from universities other than Harvard
- Harvard Employees eligible for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): TAP regular (employees worked less than 15 years) and TAP long service (employees who worked 15 or more years at Harvard)
- Harvard College Undergraduate Students: Currently enrolled students at Harvard College. This does not include Harvard Extension School Undergraduate Students. You must register with your Harvard email – we can arrange for an alternative email to be used for class after registration is complete.
- Harvard Graduate Students: Currently enrolled students in a Harvard University Graduate Program. This does not include Harvard Extension School Graduate Students.
All registered students will receive a confirmation with class syllabus one week prior to the start date.
Registration will begin on Wednesday, November 13th at 2 pm.
Questions?
- For questions regarding course content, policies, staffing or facilities, please contact Director, Kathy King.
- For questions regarding registration, purchase of tools and materials, please contact Administrative Coordinator, Ji-Eun Kim.
- For questions regarding electric kiln certification, materials, studio equipment and safety policies, please contact Operations Coordinator, Mary Cale Wilson.