Tuesdays | 6:30 - 9 pm | June 2 - July 7

Taught by Yuki Watanabe

Take your pottery to the next level through thoughtful and dynamic surface design. In this course, we’ll explore a range of decorative approaches—from ancient traditions to contemporary practices—while building both technical skills and personal expression.

Students will begin by testing techniques on tiles before applying them to their own ceramic forms. Surface design has the power to transform a piece, adding depth through texture, color, and pattern.

Techniques covered include wheel-thrown surface effects, carving and sgraffito, inlay, stamp and sprig mold making, underglaze transfer, slip trailing, bubble glazing, and mocha diffusion.

This course emphasizes experimentation, play, and the development of your own visual language. By the end, you’ll complete a cohesive project that integrates multiple techniques and reflects a deeper understanding of how surface design can elevate your work.

What’s Included

• Six weeks of 2.5-hour weekly classes focused exclusively on mastering volume

• Automatic Upgrade: a full 25 lb bag of any clay body (your choice, up to a $40 value)

• Special tools for surface design that students keep

• Access to studio basic tool kit

• Access to studio glazes

• Firing of your class work

  • Students can fire up to 1200 square inches in volume (most equivalent to eight items that are 6” x 5” x 5”). Students can fire more for an additional firing fee based on volume.

• Weekend open studio access

  • 2 hours/day during open studio hours (Saturday & Sunday, 12–5 pm)

• Option to purchase additional clay during class or open studio

Course Curriculum:

Week 1: Surface designs on wheel (spiral, crackle, chattering, slip design)

Week 2: Carving, sgrafitto, in-lay

Week 3: Making and using stamps and sprig molds

Week 4: Underglaze transfer and slip trailing

Week 5: Bubble glazing and Mocha diffusion

Week 6: Glazing party