Shaping Stones: Intro to Ceramics with Natalia Ira Sookias - Sun. Feb.
Description
Taught by Natalia Ira Sookias
Sundays in February from 10am-1pm
Dates: February 2, 9, 16 & 23
Our hands are our receptors to feel through this world. They signal to our minds and hearts how to interact with the landscapes that surround us. When connecting and attuning to our sensorial touch, the information that we gather through our finger tips can be one of our greatest sources of insight.
In this introductory workshop, we will focus on tuning the relationship between our hands, hearts, minds and material. We will strengthen our ability to listen, and feel through clay. We will develop our capability to hear what the material is telling us and allow it to lead us, rather than imposing our own expectations onto it.
Participants will learn fundamental techniques to handbuilding including pinch pots, coiling, slab building and glazing. With these techniques participants can essentially build anything, functional, abstract and everything inbetween.
Participants are welcome to build as many pieces as they’d like throughout the duration of the workshop and will receive clay to take home with them in order to practice and develop work outside of the studio.
All pieces will be fired to cone 5 and will be ready for pick up within 3 weeks of the commencement of the workshop. All pieces that are glazed will be microwave and dishwasher safe. All experience levels welcome.
Instructor
This workshop is taught by Sooki Studio founder, Natalia Ira Sookias. Natalia has been teaching over the last decade from the kindergarten level ranging to university graduate students in the US, Europe and the Middle East. She studied at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), Central St. Martin's and the Prince's School for Traditional Arts in London.
Mission
At Sooki Studio, we create a thoughtful, intentional, and socially conscious space centered on care, communication, and community. We’re committed to fair wages for our teachers and staff that reflect their invaluable work. Thank you for being part of the journey! We’re always improving and welcome your feedback.
Sliding Scale Pricing
Sliding scale pricing is a tool for social equity, designed to make ceramics education accessible and affordable.
When signing up for a workshop, please choose the pricing tier that feels right for your current finances. This is a trust-based system, and only you know what’s comfortable and possible for you.
The high end of the scale reflects the true cost of the workshop. If you’re able to pay this, it helps subsidize others and makes our offerings more affordable.
There are limited spaces per tier to ensure balance and coverage of workshop costs. If a tier is sold out, it means all spots have been filled. An interest-free payment plan is available, allowing you to split the cost over time.
We strive to make our workshops accessible and continually improve our pricing system. If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out!
Cancellation Policy
Workshops are non-refundable. If you can't attend, you may transfer your spot to someone else—please confirm with the studio when doing so.
Accessibility
The workshop space is ADA accessible. However, the bathroom has 3 stairs and is not ADA accessible. There is an ADA-compliant bathroom across the street. For any specific accessibility needs, please reach out.
COVID Protocol
We encourage participants to take at-home COVID tests before visiting the studio to ensure collective safety. The space is both indoor and outdoor, with excellent ventilation. N95 masks are provided and are optional but encouraged. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to COVID, please stay home and let us know.
Wildfire Air Quality Protocol
We are working to seal our indoor space and install commercial-grade air filters. In the meantime, N95 masks are provided to all participants.