Pinchy Porcelain

Saturday Jan 31st and Sunday Feb 1st

$300 both both days

In this 2 day workshop we will play, explore and have fun learning the properties of porcelain with a nod to historical pottery. Participants will learn a variety of hand-building techniques from pinching, coiling plus drop and drape slabs. Through a series of drawing exercises, students will develop skills to support their exploration of surfaces, with a focus on techniques such as inlay and carving. We will discuss where you experience creativity in your daily life, help identify and overcome personal creativity blockers and practice creative thinking techniques.

Participants should have some familiarity with clay and be of Intermediate experience. Day 1 will include getting our hands dirty and setting up the projects for decorating the next day; pinching, coiling and preparing a drape and drop project. Day 2 will include finishing projects from Day 1 plus a tile project and drawing exercises for applying inlay and carving on the surface. Both days will include conversations and dialogue about building your creative voice. At the end of the workshop participants can have their items fired.

Julie Wiggins received a BFA from East Carolina University. She received an honorary degree from Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute in China, where she focused her studies on traditional Eastern techniques. She began her ceramic career in Charlotte where she helped establish Thrown Together Potters. Wiggins was the recipient of “NC Best in Craft” from Our State Magazine in 2021, Skutt Ceramic Artist of the Year (2016) and “Best in Show” at the Potters’ Market (2022) at the Mint Museum. Check out her interview on The Red Clay Rambler podcast with Ben Carter.

Julie’s passion for teaching extends to craft schools, art organizations and community centers nationwide, as well as, China, Italy and Greece. In 2021, she moved her home and studio to Bakersville, NC tucked into the Blue Ridge Parkway where she lives, makes pots, fires her no-borigama wood kiln and tends to her enchanted gardens near Penland School of Crafts with her pup, Leon Bridges.