Class Description::

Pottery has always been an art and science of the earth. Foraging for local clays begins a conversation with our local landscape. Through observation and experimentation our understanding and awe deepen for the unique histories and personalities of the minerals shaped in our hands.

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

We will spend the first day in the foothills around Portland, meeting the young subsoils formed from Columbia River Basalts, Cascade volcanic arc and learning about the unique geology of the Portland Basin. We will discuss foraging, processing, clay bodies, blending and more! Portland area geology, as well as recent industrial history has limited the clay deposits of the region. It is important to know that clay foraging is still possible in the area and that this workshop focuses on the diversity of clay types found around the Pacific Northwest.

Clay personalities are as varied as the bioregions of the world. Naturally, some clay types are better for some ceramic applications then others. In this class, we will learn about the most common clay types and explore how work with their strengths and limitations in blending clay bodies for low, mid-range and higher temp firings.

This workshop is taking place on the unceded indigenous lands of Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, and Molalla. Understanding our materials as potters connects us intimately with the geologic, as well as peopled histories of these lands. It is our responsibility as guests in these places to come with respect and care for these histories and ecosystems, so that we are contributing to connection and protection and not perpetuating extraction and harm.

If you are Indigenous or Native American, Black, Latino/a/x/e, or someone of the global majority that has been prevented from connecting to, tending or protecting the land as a result of colonial oppression there is a 30% waived fee for participation in this workshop. Please email us to get the check out code!

Workshop Format
The first day will be at an outdoor foraging location just outside of Portland metro. We will:

• meet different clay families and how to identify them on the landscape

• explore foraging ethics and resources for finding clay, as well as field tests

• process clay for the best handbuilding or wheel throwing results

• discuss the wide world of mined and manufactured ceramic materials

• blend and build a small wild clay pot or sculpture that will receive a greenware glaze on Sunday - fired after class with pick up 2-3 weeks later

On our second day, back at Nola Clay, East Portland we will:

• overview clay blending, maturity, absorption, and troubleshooting clay bodies

• discuss kiln protocols and techniques for firing wild clays and glazes, as well as alternative non-electric firing methods

• dabble in the basics of natural glazes using minerals and other local materials

• make our own line blend glaze tests and glaze our handbuilt pots/sculptures from day one

Teacher Bio:: 

Hosanna White is an educator, paintmaker, wild clay potter, and ameture geologist. She is dedicated to learning slow crafts like primitive firing, weaving, and cheese making that connect her with the source of her materials and the magic that comes from transforming them for everyday use. Hosanna lives in the foothills of Western Oregon, a geologically rich landscape that has inspired her studio work, Whitesnake Arts. She blends bio-regional history and land stewardship into her watercolor artwork and place based pottery. She is a passionate earthenware potter who only uses local materials in her low fire functional work. Learn more about her offerings at whitesnakearts.com. 

******CANCELLATION POLICY:

Cancellations can be honored with a full refund up to 14 days prior to the class start date, minus a $15 processing fee. We are unable to offer refunds or transfers for any reason once the course has started.

Once the class has begun, you cannot transfer your session to another student. These policies are in place to protect our employees and our small business, as we cannot recoup these.

The studio kindly asks that you do not fire work if you do not plan to pick it up within 30 days. Work held past 30 days will be tossed.

Join us for this two-day intensive workshop—September 1st and 2nd—with Russian artist Kseniya Polyakova, hosting her second series of workshops in the United States! Whether you’re new to clay or an experienced potter, you’re certain to walk away with new skills and a better understanding of how to build larger forms on the potter’s wheel.

Participants will have unlimited clay to practice with during the course.

Location: Nola Clay, 3905 NE MLK Jr Blvd, Portland, Oregon
Time: 10 am–6 pm (with a 1-hour lunch break)

Please note before registering: To keep the cost of the course down, your registration does not include the firing of work made during the workshop. Students are welcome to take their favorite project with them or pay the studio a firing fee to have them bisque fired.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made at least 30 days before the course begins are eligible for a full refund, minus a $50 processing fee. These policies help us support our staff and keep things running smoothly. Thanks for your understanding.