Pottery, Hand-Building (Introductory Level)
Date: April 29 – May 20, 2023 (Saturdays, 4 weeks)
Time: 11:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Instructor: John Niznansky
Fee: $85.80 plus HST (Members) | Fee: $98.67 plus HST (Non Members)
In this four-week class you will explore the use of clay in the process of making functional and artistic items. You will learn basic skills that will enable you to form, and construct items using simple tools, as well as being introduced to studio tools such as the slab roller, and clay extruder.
By the end of this class, you will have an understanding of the making of pinched forms, coiled forms, extruded forms, and slab built forms. This will enable you to continue on your journey of making clay items at home with minimal investment in tools. You can expect to have several completed projects by the end of this session.
Class fees includes the use of tools, equipment, firings and glazes. Students can purchase clay from the centre. ($25/bag)
John Niznansky is, for the most part, a self-taught potter who has been greatly influenced by several old-time potters including Robbin Hopper, Karen Karnes, Phil Rodgers, Warren Mackenzie, and Richard Batterham. Having previously worked with stained and warm glass, and working as a finishing carpenter on Vancouver Island, he was searching to make a change and work with a more fluid and malleable media like clay.He acquired his first pottery wheel and kiln in 2004 and started as a hobby potter. He studied various pottery styles and after having moved to Southern Ontario, progressed to making and selling his work at a local market.
He now resides in Sydney and has built a studio to continue with making and selling functional wares locally in Cape Breton. He has a keen interest in using local clay for production of pots and for making glaze materials. His inspiration comes from the influence that nature, and the local environment has on his work.
Advance registration for members begins April 3.
General registration for non-members begins April 17.
For more information on this program or to register, email tammy@capebretoncraft.com