Semester:
Offered:
Session 2: March 23 – April 27 (6 classes)
Day/Time: Tuesdays, 1pm – 3pm ET
Level: Beginning – Advanced
Instructor: Paul Wisotzky
Course Description: This class will focus on creating circular, square and oval pots that start on the wheel. It will include altering, adding hand-built elements, subtracting material, and attention to 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 discussing function, aesthetics and the technical challenges of making altered pots. In order to participate in projects/assignments, access to a potter’s wheel and a minimally equipped studio is necessary. In the final two sessions, our attention will turn to decorating and glazing. Using three sets of sponge stamps - circle, square and oval, we will decorate and glaze. You will learn how to use sponge stamps to apply and layer glazes, slips and wax resist. Sponge stamps produced by the instructor will be available for purchase.
With your registration, you will receive access to a Harvard Google Classroom which will provide a place for sharing of ideas, discussion, hand-outs and will feature recordings of each class. In case you miss a class or would like to review, these recordings will be available for 30 days after the end of the course.
Suggested Materials List:
- Basic Pottery Tool Kit
- Clay
Additional tools you may consider:
-
Serrated metal rib
or scoring tool or fork (if you don’t have a serrated metal rib) - X-acto knife (that will be used for clay only)
- Variety of brushes for ceramic application
- Cup for water
- Board for your working area (Hardi-board, masonite-board, dry-wall or even stiff cardboard).
Clay and Material Purchases
This course fee covers instruction only. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own clay. Here is the list of available clays, tools and materials at the Ceramics Program. You can also purchase the supplies at your local art supply store or online. If you would have questions, please email Ji-Eun Kim directly at jikim@fas.harvard.edu.
Glazing and Firing Services
Registered students are welcome to drop off, fire and glaze your ceramic work 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; $300 for Harvard Graduate Students, Harvard employees and Adult Community.
For questions regarding course content, policies or materials, please contact Director, Kathy King.
For questions regarding registration, please contact Administrative Coordinator, Ji-Eun Kim.
Location: Zoom