Description
Taught by Ako Castuera
6-weeks on Thursdays from 7:00pm - 9:30pm
June 1, 7*, 15, 22, 29 + July 6
*No class on June 8
In this workshop participants will learn three fundamental techniques to handbuilding: pinch pots, coiling and slab building. From these three techniques you can essentially build anything. This workshop will be a focused learning environment grounded in exploration and in letting go of expectations.
Participants are welcome to make anything they'd like, included but not limited to: functional & abstract forms, cups, plates, bowls, vases, vessels, planters, jugs, soap holders, candy jars, something to hold surprises, a replica of your pet, the list goes on.
No experience is necessary, this workshop will be suited to those who are curious in working with clay for the first time and those who haven't worked with clay for sometime and would like to create in a communal space with support and instruction.
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. Weeks 1-4 will be dedicated to making pieces, weeks 5 & 6 will focus on surface decoration and glazing pieces.
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, located in East Los Angeles, 15 minutes east of Downtown.
*Photos of ceramic pieces courtesy of Ako Castuera, photos of workshop participants by Jeremy Aquino
Sliding Scale Pricing
Sliding scale pricing is a tool for social equity. We use sliding scale pricing to make ceramics education accessible and affordable to all.
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.
Instructor
This workshop is taught by artist and educator, Ako Castuera. Ako works with clay, soil, plant and animal matter in her sculptures, exploring reciprocal exchange with the living forces generated from, converging on, and returning to soil.
She has led classes and workshops in clay and storytelling across a wide range of ages and settings, from public parks to private universities. Her work has been exhibited at museums and galleries nationally, and she is known for her work as an Emmy award winning director on the animated series, ‘City of Ghosts’, a children's television show that explores rich, often overlooked histories in Los Angeles.
Cancellation Policy
Workshops are non-refundable, if you do need to cancel I will try my best to fill the spot, in which case I can offer a refund, however this is not guaranteed. If you are unable to attend the workshop you may transfer your spot to another person.
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 so that we can schedule a make-up session.