Hand Building with Rock and Paddle (Fall 2024)

Dates: September 9 - November 25 (12 classes | 13 weeks)

Day/Time: Mondays, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Level: Beginner - Advanced
Instructor: Jennifer Peace

Course Description: In this class, you will learn to shape eggshell-thin bowls from a single ball of clay using a wooden paddle and stone. We will explore a Peruvian method of hand building that can be applied to both functional and sculptural work. The class will include visiting Harvard’s Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology to view vessels formed in this way.

Materials List:

Basic Pottery Tool Kit
Apron
Notebook/Sketchbook

Suggested Materials List:

Wooden paddle similar to this one by Mudtools. A limited number of wooden paddles will be available in class, but having your own is always nice!
Smooth stone 3.5-4 inches in diameter. (If students don’t have or can’t find an appropriate stone, they will be given instructions or how to make one in class.)
A polishing stone for burnishing (examples will be given in class)
A Surform or Mudtools Shredder
Fettling knife or something similar
Serrated rib
Smooth metal ribs (included in pottery tool kit)
Pin tool (included in pottery tool kit)
Red Rubber ribs of various sizes

Questions, email Kathy King, Director at kking@fas.harvard.edu

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; $1,095 for Adult Community; Harvard Employee TAP Regular and Long Service - follow instructions in online registration system for pricing.

Your course fee covers all clays (terra cotta, midrange, and high fire stoneware, sculpture body, porcelain, and midrange casting slip), bisque firing, glazes, and glaze firing up to 8000 cu. inches of kiln space for 13 weeks, as well as 7-day access to the Ceramics Program and its equipment from the start date of your class through December 6, 2024. All are welcome to apply to participate in the Winter Show and Sale December 12th – 15th!

Adult Community: 18+, General Public; Harvard alumni, fellows, faculty/staff, and post-docs who are not TAP-eligible; Harvard Extension School students; 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.

Registration will begin on Wednesday, July 24 at 2pm.

All registered students will receive a confirmation with class syllabus one week prior to the start date.

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 Director, Kathy King.