Dates: November 13- 15

Time: 10am- 5pm (hour lunch break at 1pm)

Where: 604 New Park Ave, West Hartford, CT 06110

Class: This course is limited to 12 students!

Join me for an immersive three-day workshop In West Hartford, Connecticut, where you'll create your own ceramic furniture—choosing from a chair, stool, or side table. Led by ceramic artist, designer, and educator Austin Coudriet, this workshop will focus on advanced hand-building techniques, with a special emphasis on designing and constructing strong internal structures to support large-scale ceramic forms.

By integrating coil and slab-building techniques, we’ll explore methods for reinforcing large-scale forms, including the use of internal ribs, hollow chambers, and strategic bracing. This hands-on approach will give you the skills to design ceramic furniture that is both structurally sound and visually compelling.

Additionally, we’ll cover moisture control, shrinkage planning, and structural attachment techniques to help your work withstand the challenges of ceramic furniture-making. This masterclass is designed for intermediate to advanced makers eager to refine their skills and push creative boundaries. If you're a beginner, prior experience is recommended before enrolling.

Beyond the studio, take advantage of your time in Connecticut— enjoy outdoor activities, shopping, dining, and culture with spots like Blue Back Square and The Center for shops/restaurants, nature at Elizabeth Park and the West Hartford Reservoir, historical sites like the Noah Webster House, entertainment at Playhouse on Park, and family fun at The Children's Museum

*Refund Policy – Junk Pot Studio Workshop

• Before October 1st: A refund of $775 will be issued for cancellations.

• After October 1st: No refunds will be available. However, if the vacated spot is filled by another student, a partial refund of $650 may be granted.

**Firings not included. additional firing fees will be discussed in the workshop

Day 1: Introduction to Design and Initial Construction

Morning Session: Introduction and Design 

• Welcome and Presentation

  • Austin introduces the workshop and shares insights on ceramic furniture design.

• Understanding Material Properties

  • Presentation on slab shrinkage and interior structure considerations for furniture.

• Design Exploration

  • Students sketch 3 to 4 design ideas. Austin provides feedback on which designs may work best for first-time furniture makers.

Afternoon Session: Maquettes and Initial Construction 

• Creating Miniatures

  • Students spend time sculpting 2 or 3 maquettes based on their design sketches.

  • Austin discusses the learning process and the balance between the final piece and the maquette.

• Beginning the Furniture Piece

  • Students start their main projects by creating base slabs and engaging in coil building.

  • Austin demonstrates proper building techniques, focusing on:

    • Rolling and compressing slabs to prevent warping, sinking, and cracking.

    • Crafting and attaching coils for maximum strength and efficiency.

Day 2: Furniture Fabrication

All-Day: Building and Support Structures 

• Main Furniture Construction

  • This day is dedicated to the fabrication of the furniture pieces.

  • Austin guides students on adding internal supports, ensuring that all pieces have proper structural integrity.

• Techniques for Enclosing Furniture

  • Instruction on how to effectively enclose furniture designs, including flipping tables if necessary.

  • Students are encouraged to refine their maquettes if they wish to keep them as part of the learning experience.

Day 3: Surface Refinement and Finishing

Morning Session: Surface and Completion Techniques 

• Refining the Furniture

  • Austin discusses techniques for refining furniture pieces, including closing any openings and smoothing surfaces.

  • Guidance on when to flip tables and prepare them for the drying phase.

• Drying Process

  • Instruction on successful drying techniques and how to prepare pieces for loading into the kiln.

Afternoon Session: Firing and Finishing

• Kiln Firing Schedules

  • Austin explains kiln firing schedules and provides his own for reference.

• Surface Finishing Options

  • Discussion on various surface finish options for large furniture pieces, considering both aesthetic and functional aspects.

• Loading and Transporting Pieces

  • Austin assists students in loading their completed pieces into vehicles for transport to their next destination.

Outcome:
By the end of the workshop, participants will have successfully crafted a one-of-a-kind ceramic furniture piece, having navigated the entire process from conceptual design to material selection, construction, and finishing techniques. Through hands-on practice, they will gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical challenges and creative possibilities involved in ceramic furniture-making. Participants will:

• Master Essential Ceramic Techniques: Learn and apply foundational skills such as slab construction, coil building, and the use of internal supports to create durable and functional pieces.

• Understand Material Properties: Deepen their understanding of clay behavior, such as shrinkage, warping, and cracking, and learn how to manipulate these properties to ensure the longevity and stability of their work.

• Learn Adaptive Problem-Solving: By troubleshooting construction issues like warping, cracking, and weight distribution, participants will learn how to think critically about their furniture design and how to make adjustments as needed.

• Navigate the Firing Process: Learn about kiln schedules, firing temperatures, and proper drying techniques, empowering them to manage the critical stages of firing and prevent issues during the drying process.

In addition to acquiring technical skills, participants will leave the workshop with the confidence to approach future projects independently, armed with a thorough understanding of the complexities involved in large-scale ceramic works and furniture design. 

Tools students should bring:

- Wire tool, 

- Needle tool,

- Various metal ribs

- Serrated ribs

- Paddle

- Surform

- Metal fork

- Rubber ribs

- Knife 

- Wire harp tool