Large Forms + Saggar Firing with James Watkins

Large Forms + Saggar Firing with James Watkins

Adult Intensive | This class has been canceled

1812 West Main Street Richmond, VA 23220 United States

Clay II

All Levels

3/21/2020-3/22/2020

10:00 AM-4:00 PM EDT on Sun Sat

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$290.00

$261.00

$5.00

Discover the saggar firing technique and create large forms on the wheel. James will share his techniques, address technical issues involved in large-scale throwing and show students how to throw large platters, vessels and double-walled forms. James will also demonstrate the saggar firing technique, which is a method of creating confined atmospheres within a container or saggar in which a clay piece is fired. The confined space combined with various combustible materials creates dramatic markings, with colors ranging from black to red-orange. Saggars have been made of many materials, but in this class, you'll learn how to create a saggar using aluminum foil.

  • While the bulk of this course is demonstration-based, students will have the opportunity to work on the wheel. However, students will not keep or fire these works.
  • This class will meet from 10 AM - 4 PM on both Saturday and Sunday.
  • Classes are confirmed one week prior to the start date. In order to help us confirm classes, please register as early as possible.
  • Each student is encouraged to bring 4 or 5 bisque-fired pieces (no larger than 10” x 10”) for the saggar firing.
Watkins, James

James C. Watkins is a ceramic artist who has worked with clay for over 40 years. His work is held in 21 permanent collections, including the White House Collection of American Crafts at the Clinton Library in Little Rock, Arkansas, the Shigaraki Institute of Ceramic Studies in Shigaraki, Japan; the Everson Museum in Syracuse, New York; the Tweed Museum in Duluth, Minnesota and the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana. Watkins taught in the Texas Tech University College of Architecture for 35 years, is a recipient of the prestigious Horn Professorship and was recently awarded the professor emeritus title.