Hands-On Glaze Technique Workshop with Ruth Easterbrook

Session: July 17th and 18th (2 days)

Workshop Description: Join former Ceramics Program, Artist-in-Residence and instructor Ruth Easterbrook in a virtual demonstration of her unique method of glazing to create her inviting utilitarian ware. The artist will share some of her inspiration for her surface design using and interpreting botanicals elements as seen in the natural world and art history. During her demonstration, Ruth will share new ways of thinking of glaze as a pallet of not only colors but also using the other qualities of glaze as well. Participants will observe how she plans and executes her complex surfaces using tape, wax resist, and

glaze. Through breaking down her techniques into multiple parts and sharing her tricks and tips, it will become clear that you can try them too! And will be encouraged to try their hand at home if they like, strengthening their understanding by getting hands-on experience and feedback. There will be a lunch break each day.

With the price of registration, you will receive the Zoom link as well as access to the recording of this event to review for 30 days after the completion of the workshop. A Google Classroom will be set up for the distribution of handouts and resource material to compliment the workshop.

MATERIAL PURCHASES:

This course fee covers instruction only. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own clay and tools. If you would like to buy clay or tools from the Harvard Ceramics Studio, please visit our website for a full list of materials available. Please make a note of what you want to purchase, such as # of bags and type of clay, when you sign-up for a pick-up. Ji Eun Kim will email you the invoice. Please email Ji-Eun at jikim@fas.harvard.edu with any questions.

Materials List;

If you would like to work alongside Ruth, please refer to the following:

• bisqueware (1-5 pieces)
• water
• sponge,
• newspaper
• at least 3 glazes (best if they have different characteristics ex matte, glossy, different colors, or viscosity...) that all fire to the same temperature
• Amaco wax (plus paintbrush for wax)
• blue painters tape +
• scissors,
• small loop tool,
• liquid latex (optional)
• bamboo paint brushes.
• sketchbook to make notes to try these techniques in the future.

Firing Services:

Registered students are welcome to drop off, fire and glaze the work created during the workshop through the Harvard Ceramics program. We charge 3 cents per cubic inch for all firings (bisque and glaze). We offer electric kiln (Cone 06 for bisque, 6 for glaze), high fire reduction and soda vapor firings (Cone 10). Specialty firing temperatures can be arranged. At the end of each session, you will be invoiced for the cost of your firings.

Course Fees: Free for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $250 for Harvard Graduate Students, Harvard employees and Adult Community.

Register

Registration begins Monday, May 10th at 11:00 AM ET.

Artist Bio: Ruth Easterbrook (b. 1984) received her BFA in Ceramics from Syracuse University in 2007. Afterward, she apprenticed and assisted various ceramic artists and studios. She has shown work nationally at places such as Baltimore Clayworks and Carbondale Clay Center. A turning point in her personal growth took place while participating in an eight-week concentration at Penland School of Craft in 2014. Anderson Ranch Arts Center has been an important place of learning for Ruth, spending extensive time there as a student, then summer intern and returning as the Artist in Residence in 2016. She earned her MFA in ceramics at Alfred University in 2019 and was selected as the 2019-20 Artist in Residence at the Harvard Ceramics Program in Boston, MA. Recently, she has begun her residency at the Clay Studio in Philadelphia, PA. Ruth was recently honored as a 2020 Emerging Artist by the National Council on Education for the  Ceramic Arts.