KOREAN WHEEL THROWING TECHNIQUE
This traditional technique (off-the-hump) is ergonomic and easier on the body as compared to the Western method of wheel throwing commonly taught today. The technique also provides more control of the piece while throwing to minimize the material that has to be trimmed. While it takes a bit more time and effort to set up, with patience, it makes wheel throwing a pleasure.
Skill Level: Some experience wheel throwing but new to Korean technique (Advanced Beginner to Intermediate)
Learn:
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How to center and throw off-the-hump
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How to throw consistent size and shape pieces for production
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How to use traditional throwing and trimming tools
Details:
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Wet-work and trimming (no firing included)
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Two consecutive days, four hours each day
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For those with some wheel throwing experience
CLAY PREPARATION
Most clay sold in boxes today are not suitable for throwing straight out of the bag, and neither is clay that’s been sitting around in the studio too long. This hidden source of frustration discourages many beginners and takes away value time from throwing. To make matters worse, it often results in s-cracks and/or other flaws in the fired piece. Setting the stage for successful and enjoyable wheel throwing begins long before the wheel spins. Proper clay preparation is a critical part of any workflow, regardless of studio size or experience level. Tools ranging from clay slicers to DIY plaster bats to aid in the process will be covered in this workshop.
Skill Level: Beginner
Learn:
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How to prepare newly purchased clay for throwing
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How to recycle clay for throwing
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How to spiral wedge
Details:
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Wet-work only
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Two consecutive days, four hours each day
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No experience required; provides fundamental skills for those moving into wheel throwing
CENTERING
So critical to a successful and enjoyable throwing experience, this skill calls for a separate, two-day workshop all on its own. Learn the differences between Korean style of centering clay and Western method commonly taught today. Start with spiral wedging, move to dry-centering, and then incorporate cone wedging to prepare the clay to transition to throwing.
Skill Level: Beginner
Learn:
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How to spiral wedge
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How to dry-center
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How to cone wedge
Details:
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Wet-work only
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Two consecutive days, four hours each day
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No experience required; provides fundamental skills for those moving into wheel throwing
TEAWARE
The teapot is a cornerstone of a potter’s skill set, combining throwing, hand-building, and functional design. This workshop covers the various skills and pieces for a traditional Korean tea ceremony, as well as pieces commonly used in modern tea ceremonies across Chinese, Korean, and Japanese traditions. The class concludes with a tea ceremony and tasting.
Skill Level: Intermediate Wheel Throwing
Learn:
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How to throw and hand-build various teapot components
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How to make supporting pieces for tea preparation and drinking
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How to conduct a tea session using the pieces
Details:
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Wet-work and trimming (no firing included)
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Two consecutive days, four hours each day
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For those comfortable with wheel throwing and ready to progress to more advanced skills in teapot and teaware creation