About <Porcelain Wheel Throwing> by @socasg

Dates and Timings: 

[PWT2023/ Batch 1]  

Dates: 22nd, 23rd, 29th & 30th April 2023. Saturdays and Sundays.  

Timing: 230PM - 6PM

Switching from throwing with Stoneware Clays to Porcelain might seem like an easy enough thing to do but we will meet some wonderful surprises that will certainly challenge and intrigue. Porcelain is a clay body that has poor plasticity, offers an unusual sensation of 'thirstiness' as it absorbs water quickly, yet collapses easily when too much water is added. It has a wonderful handfeel (like teasing burrata cheese) and requires more subtlety and finesse in movements and fingerwork to guide the clay body into form.

In this two weekends short introduction to throwing with Porcelain, participants will get to work with two different porcelain commercial clays to gain an experiential understanding of the range of 'plasticity' in porcelain clay bodies. Teacher Elizabeth will explain the basic chemical composition of all porcelains clays and why they feel the way they do; demonstrate and clarify spiral wedging; explain the pace and thickness in which porcelain should be thrown and why; as well as share her preferred tools for trimming and the Chinese technique of preventing warpage in porcelain vessels. 

Very often, aspiring potters are imbued with the idea that porcelain has to be paper-thin and this can be confusing for throwers. The 'paper-thin' bias is certainly something to be addressed during this workshop. 

Key Focus of this 2 weeks experience of Porcelain Throwing:

• The Structure of Porcelain Clay Bodies
• Spiral Wedging on a Plaster Bat
• Moisture Control
• Centering & Throwing on a Bat
• Porcelain Tools
• Precision Trimming
• Green Strength of Porcelain

Who is this Course for ? :

• Learners who have some wheel throwing experience . Students should be able to wedge, center and cone and throw basic items such as cups and bowls. 
• Learners who have always wanted to work with porcelain clay bodies and experience the difference in the throwing process
  
• Learners who wish to refine their throwing skills as porcelain throwing requires more sensitivity and greater tactile awareness

Course Fees: 

S$380  

*inclusive use of 2 different types of porcelain clay bodies and firing of up to 4 porcelain works  

Cancellation/Refund Policies: 
This workshop is non-refundable. Postponement or cancellation of this workshop can be if notified at least 72 hours prior to the workshop. 

Addedum: 
Do remember to come with nails cut. You are encouraged to use your own aprons. However, studio aprons are available to you. Please come dressed in comfortable clothing that allow for perspiration.