Ceramics
Code: C1015-22
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Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
Pinch-forming: A Mindful Approach
Aug 8 - 19, 2022
9AM-5PM
Concept
Students learn how to move beyond the usual threshold of the 3- to 5-inch pinch-formed bowl by focusing on the movement of the clay upward and around the expanding clay form. The vessel becomes a byproduct of the process of growing and expanding a form from one piece of clay without addition or subtraction, being mindful of transitions in the forming process. Students begin by gaining fluency with cylindrical, bowl and vase forms and refining these objects during the various stages of the clay-hardening process. Students then move on to learn how to competently move clay using only their hands as well as develop an understanding of how to strategically reserve clay to create relief designs and patterns that emerge from the pinch-formed vessel.
Media
Hand-building, pinch technique, stoneware, glazes, gas reduction fire to cone 10
Supply ListFaculty
![Paul.Briggs](https://assets.andersonranch.org/uploads/2021/11/Paul.Briggs-1151x1440.jpg)
Paul Briggs
Paul Briggs is a ceramic artist who primarily uses slab-building and pinch-forming techniques. He studied at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Pennsylvania State University and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in art education and ceramics. His research includes visual literacy and art making as a spiritual practice. He is an Associate Professor at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
![Paul.Briggs.corseimage](https://assets.andersonranch.org/uploads/2021/11/Paul.Briggs.corseimage-1440x1081.jpg)
Paul Briggs, Wind Flower
Join Waitlist for Pinch-forming: A Mindful Approach
Thank you for your interest in the waitlist. When space in a workshop or program becomes available, registration will open on the website. Everyone on the waitlist will be emailed to alert them of the opening. This ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to register for the workshop or program.
Ceramics
In 1966, American raku ceramicist Paul Soldner selected the site for what is now Anderson Ranch Arts Center, forming the foundation for a thriving ceramics program. Then and now, Anderson Ranch is a place where students exchange ideas and examine ceramic art and pottery-making techniques. It has always been a place where seminal moments of growth happen in an artist’s creative and critical thinking. Here, both beginning and emerging artists gain strong fundamental support, while established artists achieve new perspectives and advance their techniques.
The Ranch Ceramics team provides support, feedback and technical problem solving, giving each artist the freedom to experiment and grow. Our primary focus is on personal advancement through a process of creative discovery. We also offer community engagement through events like our Locals’ Clubs “Circle of Fire” where artists engage with the Ranch outside of the workshop setting.
The Soldner Ceramics Center makes up more than 10,000 square feet in three buildings. The Lyeth/Lyon kiln building is equipped with gas, electric, soda and wood kilns for both oxidation and reduction firings at all temperature ranges. The Ranch offers three wood kilns, four gas reduction kilns, one soda kiln and eleven high-temperature electric kilns.
Anderson Ranch is happy to extend a 20% tuition discount* in summer one- or two-week adult workshops for NCECA members. Please email reg@
Workshop Details>
Supply List
Many of the items you'll need are available in the ArtWorks Store. Please click "View Full Supply List" to see a comprehensive list of items you'll need for this workshop.
![basic-ceramic-tool-kit-8-piece-1](https://assets.andersonranch.org/uploads/2021/11/basic-ceramic-tool-kit-8-piece-1.jpg)
Ceramic Tool Kit
![fabriano-ecoqua-notebook](https://assets.andersonranch.org/uploads/2020/11/fabriano-ecoqua-notebook-600x768.jpg)
Notebook
![sakura-micron-pens](https://assets.andersonranch.org/uploads/2020/11/sakura-micron-pens-1-600x768.jpg)
Writing Utensil
Lodging & Meals
Housing is limited and includes shared and private lodging options. Reservations will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you reserve housing, the better your chance of receiving your preferred option. Please note: Workshop costs do not include accommodations.
We have established a Business Safety Plan with added layers of precaution that prioritize the health and safety of our staff, students, faculty and guests while continuing to provide you with the Anderson Ranch experience that you know and enjoy.
The Ranch Café meal plan that is included with Room and Board fees strives to provide healthy, creative meals that will nourish your artistic creativity. The meal plan includes 5 days of continental breakfasts that will include a hot offering, 5 lunches with a selection of offerings, and 5 dinners.
![_MG_9595](https://assets.andersonranch.org/uploads/2020/11/MG_9595-scaled.jpeg)
Scholarships, College Credit & Discounts
Making Art Accessible
Applications for scholarship support are encouraged. Specific scholarships are funded by Ranch supporters, either through endowed funds or special gifts.
Many colleges and universities offer college credit for workshops taken at Anderson Ranch. Discounts are available for students and teachers.
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IV
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Students have advanced skills and knowledge of the ceramics field. Students are highly motivated, have a minimum of five years experience in the field and have a portfolio of their artwork. Typical students are academics and professional artists.
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Studio, Farm, Table: The Art of Dining
Alleghany Meadows, Barclay Dodge
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Code C1519-24
This intensive workshop is led by Alleghany and focuses on refining techniques and learning new possibilities with utilitarian pots. Guest chef Barclay Dodge discusses the presentation, creative decision-making and seasonal influences. Studio work and firings culminate in a multi-course meal served at the chef’s acclaimed Aspen restaurant, Bosq. There are lectures on historical and contemporary ceramics, professional development, and social outreach. Demonstrations, discussions, and presentations focus on pottery as it functions in both service and display.
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I
Level I
Students are new to ceramics and have no formal training.
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II
Level II
Students have a basic understanding of forming techniques, such as throwing and hand building. Students have taken one or two ceramics classes or workshops.
Sep 9 - 20, 2024
9AM - 5PM
Face Your Fears: Discovering Bold New Forms
Sam Harvey
Tuition $1,450
Code C1520-24
In this fun and experimental workshop, students learn the principles of clay construction, the fundamentals of aesthetics, and how to take important risks that expand their studio practice. Students are encouraged to work through a number of ideas by creating numerous pieces, making maquettes and studies to discover new bold directions in sculptural form. The course focuses on how shape, volume, and line contribute to the beauty of an object. Deriving form from slab, coil, and press-mold techniques, students explore all the orientations that forms can take, including work for the wall, table, and floor. Working with mid-range clay bodies, we explore a variety of textures and finishes, including color slips and various glazes.