Description
Please join us for a special 2-day workshop at the Handle Factory. Stuart Gair will demonstrate how to throw and alter forms in various ways. Basic, straightforward shapes will be made on the potters wheel and then rasped, cut, folded, pushed or scraped to create paired-down, geometric forms. Surface techniques will include carving and slip application. Gair will also address his approach to making forms specifically for the atmospheric firing process and how to make wadding resists, structures, and discs to create marks on the wares when fired.
Stuart Gair received a history degree from Ohio University and completed an MFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Gair has spent time making work and teaching at the Archie Bray Foundation (Helena, MT), Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) as well as Colorado Mountain College (Aspen, CO). Currently, Stuart lives and works as a full time studio artist in Athens, Ohio where he is exploring alternative ways of firing the soda kiln. The geometric forms he creates are driven by form, function, utility, subtlety, and discovery. Gair hopes that each piece is used and enjoyed whether displayed on a table or in the hands of the user.
“I make pottery that is intricately decorated and utilitarian in nature. It is important that each piece is approachable and highly functional to establish trust with the viewer and invite closer examination. As a student of history, I’m drawn to the essence of strength found in architecture, masonry and work that has endured through time. Surface treatment provides me the opportunity to explore these interests through the subtleties of architectural pattern, detail, and geometry.”
Tuition includes clay. A recommended tools list will be sent post registration and you are encouraged to bring your own. The Handle Factory has tools you may borrow if needed.
The workshop does not include any firing, and participants are welcome to take home any items produced as greenware. If you would like items bisque fired after the workshop, separate arrangements can be made with The Handle Factory.
Cancellation policy for workshops: You may cancel up to 1 month prior to a workshop and receive a refund of tuition minus a $75 admin fee. You may cancel up to 2 weeks prior to a workshop for a partial refund IF your space in the workshop can be filled. If we are not able to fill your spot at that point, no refund will be issued.
This workshop is being held in conjunction with a soda firing workshop July 29th and 20th with Stuart Gair and Ben Eberle at The Karma Kiln, just 2 miles from The Handle Factory! You may register separately for the firing HERE!
