Clay Exploration: Intermediate Ceramics with Alyson Iwamoto

Description

Led by Alyson Iwamoto

Dates: April 11, 25 + May 9, 23
4 sessions meeting every other Thursday from 6-9pm  

Join artist and educator, Alyson Iwamoto, to expand your ceramic knowledge and vocabulary and further explore the possibilities of clay. Guided by Alyson over the course of two months, participants will explore building on plaster molds, creating paper templates, soft slab construction and how to combine fundamental handbuilding techniques to build complex forms.  We will push, pull, carve and bevel clay to create sculptural forms and explore the limits of the medium. Throughout our time together participants will gain a deeper understanding of form and function as well as form vs. function and the spaces in between.

This workshop is best suited for those with a fundamental understanding of ceramics, or those who have taken an introductory class(es) and want to further their ceramic knowledge. Clay is a remarkable material and goes through many transformations as it dries, lending itself to various techniques.  Each technique produces a different aesthetic and potential. Throughout the workshop participants will deepen their relationship with the medium and incorporate these fundamental techniques into their own creative practice.

Join for a focused and playful learning environment grounded in exploration and in letting go of expectations. Participants can expect to leave with greater knowledge of hand building that they can incorporate in their life and studio. Potential projects made and not limited to:  boxes, jars, colanders, ceramic woven bowls, masks, highly functional or completely sculptural pieces… you choose your adventure.  

It is recommended that students have prior experience with ceramics and a basic understanding of working with the material including the different stages of clay; greenware, bisqueware and glazeware. 

Throughout the duration of the course, participants will be given clay to work with at home in order to practice, develop ideas and technique outside of class time. All tools and materials are included. All pieces will be fired and ready for pick up within 3 weeks of the final session. All pieces that are glazed will be food, microwave and dishwasher safe.

This workshop will take place at Sooki Studio's new location in Frogtown, 2971 Allesandro Street, Los Angeles, 90039.

Instructor  

Alyson Iwamoto has worked in clay for over 20 years.  She received her BFA in ceramics from Cal State University Long Beach and is an arts educator and advocate for the arts in public schools.  

Her work is inspired by her Japanese heritage and LA roots and has been on display at the Craft Contemporary, Japanese American National Museum and the American Museum of Ceramic Art.

She has taught a wide range of ages in various nonprofit institutions such as Inner-City Arts located in Skid Row where she taught over 8,000 children.  That is where she learned the power of art and the infinite potential of imagination.

Sliding Scale Pricing⁠

Sliding scale pricing is a tool for social equity. We use sliding scale pricing to make ceramics education accessible and affordable. 

There are three tiers for pricing, when signing up for a workshop, please pay on the scale what feels right to you and your current finances. This is a trust based system, only you will know what feels comfortable and possible.

The high end of the scale is the true cost. If you are someone who can afford to pay this, please do, as this offsets the price for others, allowing us to create more affordable offerings.

There are a set amount of spaces available per tier to ensure that the scale is balanced and workshop costs are covered. If a tier is sold out it means that all those spots have been spoken for. An interest free payment plan is available for all workshops, breaking the workshop cost down to smaller payments over a longer period of time.

We do our best to ensure workshops are accessible and affordable. We are continuously improving our pricing system, please reach out if you have any questions or ideas you'd like to share.

Cancellation Policy

Workshops are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend the workshop you may transfer your spot to another person, please confirm with the studio when doing so.

Accessibility 

The workshop space is ADA accessible. A bathroom is available for workshop participants that has a set of 3 stairs leading to it that is not currently ADA accessible. For any specific needs or additional questions on accessibility, please reach out. 

COVID Protocol
Participants are encouraged to take at home Covid tests prior to the workshop to ensure collective safety. As we're working in a very well ventilated environment, masks are optional. If you are experiencing any Covid like symptoms or have been exposed to someone with Covid, please stay home and get in touch.