Wheel Throwing and Altering Weekend Workshop w/ Deb Schwartzkopf / July 10-11 / 9:30-4:30
Join Deb Schwartzkopf for two hands-on days of wheel throwing, altering, and combining thrown parts into functional forms. Deb will share her approach to throwing simple components and transforming them into expressive, dynamic shapes through cutting, stretching, bending, and fun combinations.
We’ll begin by throwing bottomless cylinders and learning how these simple forms can be altered to create movement and character. We’ll throw taller forms, remove darts, and develop creative silhouettes. We’ll also experiment with combining parts to build more complex forms and see where our creativity leads. Think citrus juicer, dessert boat, plate, multi-opening vase.
Through demonstrations and plenty of hands-on making, Deb will share techniques for developing forms in stages, responding to the clay as you work, and finding new possibilities within simple thrown shapes. We’ll talk about why seams crack and how shifting your attention and techniques can lead to better outcomes. Along the way, we’ll talk about drawing inspiration from our environment, setting up small clay studios, mentoring, and maybe even a little gardening!
Come ready to try on new techniques!
~A little bit about Deb. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington Deb earned her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Alaska in 2013. A year of independent study at San Diego State University was followed by completing a Masters of Fine Arts at Penn State in 2005.
Deb has taught at Ohio University, Massachusetts College of Art and Design and the University of Washington. She has worked nationally at the Archie Bray Foundation (MT), Mudflat Studios (MA), The Clay Studio (PA), Pottery Northwest (WA), Watershed (ME), and internationally at Sanbao in Jingdezhen, China, and the Residency for Ceramics-Berlin in Germany. Deb also taught with the University of Georgia’s study abroad program in Cortona, Italy for a semester.
Deb has led over 80 workshops as well as exhibiting throughout the US and internationally. Moving back to Seattle in 2013, she bought her own house and studio space in 2013. Deb established Rat City Studios in Seattle where she holds community classes, works with studio assistant positions, and hosts events.
