Clay Workshop

This workshop will give a brief overview of the complete process of gathering materials, constructions of vessels, and outdoor firing techniques. We will look at and discuss local clays, and consider what materials will translate to adequate clay bodies, slips, and tempers. The start of the workshop will focus heavily on building methods that consist of a hybrid between coil and pinch. There will be an emphasis on how to prevent coil pots from slouching, bulging, and other steps to create consistency while building. Midway through the week, we will discuss different surface finishing techniques and how these will translate to pitfired works. The week will culminate with an outdoor firing.

Throughout the week, there will be discussions of protocol and things to consider when utilizing these methods. Most importantly, how can we collectively and individually be respectful during knowledge exchange? The goal is to be an addition to the overall fluency in clay through process, materials, and the narrative of our art practice.
Open to all levels. 

Lead by Headlining CLAY Festival Visiting Artist, Jared Tso

Artist Bio

Jared Tso After a few years of working as an Engineer, and juggling the occasional art exhibition, Jared made the decision to pursue a Masters of Fine Arts at the University of New Mexico. Since its completion in Fall 2021, Jared has pursued art full time and has since continued a trend of awards at SWAIA’s Santa Fe Indian Market.

More recently Jared has received encouragement and recognition of the innovation that accompanies his vessels. There is a rooted intention with each vessel to not only to provide clear context in traditional Navajo Pottery, but to also include further examples that contribute to the definition of Navajo pottery.

Traditional in technique and process, there is a ever growing desire to encourage a further exploration of the timelessness of Navajo pots. Both with form, and the strong and present function of classic Navajo pottery, Jared hopes to make vessels that have a clear visual path of continuity within this ever growing multigenerational portfolio of work.

https://www.instagram.com/jaredtsopottery/
Artist Webpage https://www.jaredtso.com/