Introduction to Hand Building

Create functional ceramic pieces using slab, coil, pinch and slump techniques. Learn how to use tools, create a variety of forms and apply slips. By the end of the class you’ll have a good understanding of basic hand building methods and clay studio practices.

Special Notes

• Please being a notebook or sketchbook to class.
  
  You will receive 25 pounds of clay; additional clay is available for purchase. 
  
  Please bring a towel and a set of basic clay tools if you have them.
  
  This instructor speaks Spanish, but the class is held in English.
  
  Accessibility notes: Many artmaking processes require the ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, fine motor skills/finger dexterity, repetitive motions, vision, and some amount of physical strength. VisArts values making classes accessible to everyone, and is always happy to work with students to make accommodations when possible. Please reach out to [email protected] with specific questions related to accessibility or accommodations.
  
  Hand building generally requires some upper body and hand strength and the ability to lift 5-10 lbs at a time. Specific techniques like coil building tend to require more hand strength and joint mobility. When you take this class and as we do certain activities, we will talk about how to care for our joints and hand while develop practices that reduce fatigue and physical barriers.
  
  Paid studio access is available through our Studio Access Program. Please visit visarts.org for more information.
  Classes are confirmed one week prior to the start date. In order to help us confirm classes, please register as early as possible.

About the Instructor

Claudia Meyer

Claudia is an artist and object-maker living and working in Richmond, VA primarily working in clay and paper media. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA in Sculpture + Extended Media in 2020. Her handbuilt works in clay, although they are made of hardened earth, feel soft to the touch. Their colors are as jovial and earthly as bursting laughter. These objects emit energy through their whimsical forms and patterns. She learns from the way that the moon and the trees wave to each other and the deep knowledge rooted in the earth and our bodies.

Through her teaching, she aims to democratize the classroom space, leveling the student/teacher relationship to one of reciprocity rather than authority. Her students learn just as much from the world around them as they do from each other. In her classroom, Claudia exists as a guide for her creative students' journeys and she endeavors to teach her students limitlessness in their creative pursuits.

Instagram: @ paloma.claudi

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