Nick Joerling

Clay: Pots and Possibilities

Course Description
Beginning with round pots coming from the wheel, we will push, cut, coax, and stretch those forms. Why alter pots? Tom Spleth nicely observed, “As work departs from thrown forms that typically refer to pots and pottery, it gains the ability to describe forms in nature, suggest the vulnerability of the figure, and express the asymmetry found in human experience.” Our focus will be on utilitarian pots but we will take some liberties with that notion too. Various ways of making handles, lids, and spouts will be explored. Slides and demonstrations will form the backdrop for lively conversations about everything from making a living to making pots personal. Process is paramount, humor emphasized, taking chances encouraged.