01 – 09 of October 2022
Whakatū (Nelson), Aotearoa
This two-day workshop run by Duncan Shearer is all about a form - the jug (or pitcher).
There is a rich ceramic history around the form and function of the jug, and participants will spend a couple of days furthering the skills required to master this iconic form. With Duncan’s guidance, attendees will be making a range of jugs to play with features like spouts and handles.
This is a throwing workshop, so having some level of throwing experience is crucial. Participants must be comfortable throwing 1kg of clay and, if possible, they should bring their own tools, or a basic pottery tool kit (sponge, cutting wire, wooden knife, wooden shark fin rib, steel rib, needle tool and trimming tools), as well as a sponge on a stick.
Bisque firing of finished pieces can be arranged for an additional cost. Details will be available at the workshop.
Duncan first became interested in clay as a teenager. When he was 16 took lessons at the Auckland Studio Potters, but it wasn’t until he started studying ceramics at UNITEC in 1994 that he realised it was a lifelong occupation. In 1998, Duncan graduated with a bachelor in 3D design, majoring in ceramics, and he has been working as a studio potter ever since.
Duncan loves to experiment with new clays and, since moving to Rahu Road, he has been using clay from his land – a rich, wild Coromandel clay. He responds to the different characteristics of the clays, seeking out qualities that he enjoys when throwing pots on the slow moving treadle wheel.
Teaching has been a mainstay of his working life, providing a rewarding, challenging and inspirational livelihood. He has taught many classes from beginner through to tertiary level, from short workshops to year-long courses.
Find out more about Duncan on his website.