01 – 09 of October 2022
Whakatū (Nelson), Aotearoa
Handles can be a signature feature of a potter’s work, but people often avoid them, so they don’t ruin what has been until that point a “good” pot. Whether you are still getting to grips with centering or you are already otherwise a pretty confident thrower – this workshop is for you.
Participants will learn how to pull a strap, and how to use it to make several styles of handle for a jug, mug, or teapot. The workshop will also cover the use of pulled straps to make handles for lids and crocks, and how to use straps to make feet for platters, boxes, etc. Beyond the basic strap, attendees will learn how to pull a handle on the pot, and how to alter and stretch coils of clay to create decorative handles.
If possible, participants should bring the following: leather hard pot(s) (optional) or bottle/jar to practise on, towel, small paintbrush (optional), a basic pottery tool kit (sponge, cutting wire, wooden knife, wooden shark fin rib, steel rib, needle tool and trimming tools) and other clay tools as desired.
Bisque firing of finished pieces can be arranged for an additional cost. Details will be available at the workshop.
Suzy first made a serious commitment to clay in 2008 when she began the distance Diploma in Ceramics through Otago Polytechnic, which she completed in 2011. Since that time, Suzy has worked as a pottery tutor as well as a maker, teaching primarily wheel-based skills, as well as glazing and wood/salt firing.
Her own work is based on vessel forms, and is usually functional. Suzy has been drawn to creating ceramic versions of vernacular metal objects, such as oil cans, railway lanterns, and even basic tin cans, to call attention to the beauty of forms and objects that are often overlooked. She works with a variety of clays and firing methods, taking the opportunity to wood and salt/soda fire whenever she can.
Her involvement in the New Zealand Ceramics community includes a term on the Council of Ceramics New Zealand (2012), five years as President of the Auckland Studio Potters Society (2013-2017), and as a contributor to Ceramics magazine.