Collage Together: The Wonders of Wild Clay with Xavier Reyes-Jech, December 5th and 6th from 12-4pm

Make a slab mug and learn about utilizing wild clay for a glaze like terra sigalatta in this two day workshop. Utilizing non traditional handbuilding techniques students will collage together a completely unique textured slab built mug of their own. 

This workshop is fantastic for ceramicists of all levels whether it's your 1st or 100th time touching clay there's something new to learn about slab building for everyone. All materials are provided but students are encouraged to bring their own items to implement for texture. This could be anything from a house key to a spaghetti strainer. 

Day one: Dec 5th from 12-4pm
Participants will learn various alternative handbuilding techniques to collage together a slab mug. This will be broken into an hour-long demo portion followed by a short texture exploration and 2hours of guided making time. Participants will finish their mugs at the end of the first day to be dryer for the second day. 

Day two: Dec 6th from 12-3pm
The session will begin with a presentation breaking down how to harvest and process wild clay to be used effectively. This presentation will be followed by a short demo on applying the wild clay terra sigillata and utilizing wax resist. The second day will conclude with an hour for students to apply their wax resist and terra sig.

In this two day workshop Xavier will teach his slab building and pinching techniques followed by information on finding and processing wild clay into terra sigillata. 

***Students are encouraged to bring odd personal items to utilize for texture, examples could include but are not limited to- cool garbage, fun trinkets, special rocks

Xavier Reyes-Jech is a Ceramics Instructor and artist with an active practice in Bellingham WA. Xavier’s work explores themes of history as lived experience in which he translates into his work with layers of texture color and various surface decorations. Xavier has had the opportunity to work in many creative spaces throughout his career. Building community and connection is something he values just as much as his own creative practice. Now you'll find Xavier in Bellingham making a mess of his studio or busting his favorite clay myths. 

Workshop will be in-person hosted at Saltstone Ceramics in the Wallingford Neighborhood of Seattle. This workshop is appropriate for all levels of experience with clay and is open to students 15 and older. All firing services are included in the cost, and instructor will glaze your pieces for you.

This all-levels class is recommended for students 15 years and older. The pottery wheel will not be used in this workshop. The materials will be provided on-site. All firing services are included in cost, and an instructor will glaze your pieces for you.