01 – 09 of October 2022
Whakatū (Nelson), Aotearoa
Among functional forms, teapots are often seen as the ultimate achievement. They make use of several different skills, each of which is useful for other forms as well, but then also require a few practical and aesthetic considerations to put them all together.
In this workshop, participants will get tips on throwing different body forms and lids, as well as learn how to throw a spout and pull a strap handle for their teapot. On day one issues of proportion and placement will be discussed, and on day two attendees will assemble the pieces to finish their masterpieces!
Regardless of whether you ever drink tea, learning or improving the skills covered in the workshop will increase your confidence and widen the repertoire of vessels you make.
If possible, participants should bring the following: towel, needle tool, sharkfin rib, zig zag trimming tool (or pointed wooden tool), wire loop trimming tool, cutting wire, sponge, sponge on a stick, caliper or ruler, and other clay tools as desired - small/medium throwing stick, rubber rib (basic shape), metal rib (basic shape), small/medium pointed paintbrush, scoring comb of some sort, batt mate/chamois (optional), and any other tools they may like to use.
Attendees must be comfortable throwing 1 kg of clay.
Bisque firing of finished pieces can be arranged for an additional cost. Details will be available at the workshop.
Please note on day two the workshop will be held at Nelson Community Potters - 136 Rutherford Street, Nelson.
Suzy first made a serious commitment to clay in 2008 when she began the distance Diploma in Ceramics through Otago Polytechnic, which she completed in 2011. Since that time, Suzy has worked as a pottery tutor as well as a maker, teaching primarily wheel-based skills as well as glazing and wood/salt firing.
Her own work is based on vessel forms, and is usually functional. Suzy has been drawn to creating ceramic versions of vernacular metal objects, such as oil cans, railway lanterns, and even basic tin cans, to call attention to the beauty of forms and objects that are often overlooked. She works with a variety of clays and firing methods, taking the opportunity to wood and salt/soda fire whenever she can.
Her involvement in the New Zealand Ceramics community includes a term on the Council of Ceramics New Zealand (2012), five years as President of the Auckland Studio Potters Society (2013-2017), and as a contributor to Ceramics magazine.