Pottery has always been an art and science of the earth. Foraging for local clays begins a conversation with our local landscape in which our understanding of the geological narratives and mineral personalities in our hands deepens with time and experimentation.

This two day intro explores the complex chemistry and creativity of working with wild clays of the Pacific Northwest and how to integrate them into your pottery practice.

Saturday Sept. 7th and Sunday Sept. 8th from 10-4pm

The first day will be an outdoor foraging location just outside Portland and will include:

• an exploration of the different clay personalities one finds when foraging,

• how to identify appropriate places for foraging,

• how to process clay for best handbuilding or wheel throwing results, and

• the basics of blending theory, additives, and more

On our second day, we will:

• handbuild or throw pot to get a hands-on feel for clay blending and how to create tests. These will then be bisque fired and availible to pick up the following week.

• discuss mid-range firing protocols and techniques, as well as

• overview the basics of natural glazes and slips.