Summer Workshops
“Wood and Vapor- Throwing for Atmospheric Firings,”
with Bryan McGrath
June 6-14, 2009
Fee- $495 (includes firings)
Intermediate to advanced level
Plan to attend an informative and relaxing workshop this summer on the beautiful Upstate New York campus of Pratt Institute. Experience the unique possibilities and excitement of firing the salt and anagama kilns at PrattMWP.
The workshop will focus on throwing strong functional and sculptural forms while exploring the atmospheric firing effects of fly ash, flashing and various stacking techniques in the PrattMWP anagama kiln. Additionally, we will be making work for firing in the salt kiln, utilizing the exciting effects of vapor glazing at temperatures lower than traditional salt firings. The emphasis in the vapor firing (cone 3-6) will be on the drawing and “collage” effects of masking and dusting powders on surfaces for texture and color.
Techniques for making larger works will be demosnstrated with an emphasis on vases and platters. Discussion will include aesthetic approaches, design decisions and firing techniques.
Topics will include use of slips, glazes, appliqué and many other surface techniques on stoneware (porcelain will be available but its use will be limited due to firing procedures). All work made during the workshop will be fired, although time may limit some pieces to be bisque fired only.
The workshop will culminate in a 24-36 hour firing of the anagama and a simultaneous firing of the salt kiln. In addition to making pots for the firing, students are asked (but not required) to bring a few small bisqued pots to the workshop for use in stacking the “himitsu,” or “secret chamber” of the anagama. Discussions of form, surface and firing effects will lead up to the excitement and camaraderie of loading and firing both the anagama and vapor kilns. The art and science of firing gas and wood kilns will be covered (with possible ideas for experimentation).
The workshop will include slide presentations, critiques and a special guest artist and possible field trip. Clay will be provided at an additionalcost. A light breakfast of fruit, pastry and beverageswill be provided each day. Allother meals are self-catered. Dorm style accommodations are available at a fee of $200 for the workshop (a $50 deposit is required). Please notify need at time of registration.
Bryan McGrath has been head of the PrattMWP ceramics program since 1985, following eight years of teaching in the Midwest. He has more than 35 years of college and community arts teaching experience and has led numerous workshops in throwing, salt and wood firings and kiln building in the US and Ireland. His work is included in public and private collections in the US, Japan and Australia. A potter since 1974, he has had a passionate interest in the relationship of the fire to the form and surface of pottery.
The PrattMWP ceramic studiois one of the best small pottery shops in the country. Housed in a Victorian era carriage house designed by Richard Morris Hunt,the studio is intimate yet comfortable with ample room for exploring all facets of the ceramic arts. A recently completed timber and slate kiln shed houses the salt, downdraft, raku and anagama kilns. The beautifully maintained campus provides a perfect setting for a productive stay. Attracting students nationally and from abroad, our summer workshops are very popular. So don’t wait to register!
For more in formation call 315 797 0000 x2176
or Email Brian.
Registration opens Feb 16th and is limited! To register, call 315-797-8260. $100 deposit due at registration. Balance is due May 1.
Testimonials about previous summer clay workshops at PrattMWP:
“… itwas a great week. I especially liked the demos and the level of instruction provided was top notch. I learned a lot from the on the spot critiques and the personal one on one comments on my work.”
Janna K., Philadelphia, Pa.
“Great nine days! Good balance of hands-on, discussion, field trip…having access to the studio late into the night!”
David C., Watertown, N.Y.
“The workshop was an extraordinary experience on many levels. The long studio hours enabled one to focus and internalize the information given in the demos withlots of personal space for all. The trips to the Everson Museum and local artists’ studioswere great. I will carry the experience with me forever.”
Mary S., Boulder, Colo.
“I found the workshop exceeded my expectations. I feel I learnt more in one week than in a whole semester. I enjoyed the flow and progression of the tutelage. The camaraderie and support from Bryan made this workshop special.”
Justine B., Cambridgeshire, England
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PrattMWP
310 Genesee Street
Utica, New York 13502
(800) 755-8920
(315) 797-0000 x2248
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