All Levels: Nerikomi and the Art of Patterned Clay (Oct 26-Nov 16)

Unlike other methods of ceramics, the Japanese art of Nerikomi brings colour and design into the clay itself! During this workshop, Taylor Simpson of Taylor Stone Studio will teach you how to create stunning functional pottery through the creation of patterned blocks of coloured clay. 

This class is open to beginners and experienced ceramicists. Students must be age 16+.

Over four sessions, you will learn the fundamentals of Nerikomi (handbuilding with marbled clay), including creating coloured clays, building crack-free blocks of patterned clay, and transforming the blocks into beautiful slab-built functional pottery. By the end of class, you will leave with a small set of platters, trays, and trinket dishes, similar to those shown in the photos but made from your own unique pattern. 

Session 1 will focus on creating coloured clays:

• Mixing mason stains into clay
• Inlay technique using slabs
• Intro to slab building a tray/platter

Session 2 will focus on building patterned blocks of clay:

• How to build a patterned block
• Various types of patterns (e.g., stripes, swirls, organic marbling)

Session 3 will focus on creating with Nerikomi:

• Cutting and handling Nerikomi blocks
• Handbuilding plates, platters, trinket dishes, etc. using Nerikomi slabs

Session 4 will focus on finishing pieces:

• Trimming Nerikomi work to reveal crisp patterns 

Between sessions, students are granted unlimited open studio access from 10am-10pm everyday. After the final class, we bisque and glaze fire up your pieces in a clear glaze. Class fee includes coloured clays and firing of up to 4 pieces. Students may choose to have additional pieces fired for a small fee ($5 per piece). You can pick up your finished work 2-3 weeks after the class has finished. 

Class is held from 6:00pm-8:30pm on Mondays at 853 Hiawatha Pl S in Seattle. The classes occur on Oct 26, Nov 2, 9, and 16. 

If you need to cancel your purchase, we can offer a full refund less a $25 restock fee up to 14 days prior to the first class and 50% refund within 14 days of the start of class. Because of the costs of offering classes as a small art studio, we do not, under any circumstances, offer refunds or credits after the first day of class.

This class is taught by Taylor Simpson (@taylorstonestudio on Instagram).