Pottery, Wheel Throwing (Introductory to intermediate Level)

Pottery, Wheel Throwing (Introductory to Intermediate Level)
Date: April 24 – June 26, 2023 (Mondays, 8 weeks)
Instructor: John Niznansky
Fee: $171.60 plus HST (Members) | Fee: $197.34 plus HST (Non-Members)

Over the course of this class students will learn the basics of throwing on a potter’s wheel. Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate level student, this is the class for you. Students will learn techniques needed to centre, throw and trim a pot, providing them the skills and practise to get comfortable with the wheel, and make basic forms.

This class offers a fun practical approach to develop a beginning knowledge of terms and methods for making pots. It covers clay preparation and reclaiming clay, which will give you the basics for working at home.

For the beginner students, the instructor will go over wedging, centering, pulling, trimming and finishing the clay to provide students with skills to make basic forms such as mugs, cups and bowls. The instructor will discuss glazing techniques and students will complete several finished pieces of functional pottery. (No class on May 22 & June 12)

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