Form & Figure: Beginning Sculptural Handbuilding

This ten-week class is an engaging and hands-on introduction to sculptural handbuilding techniques. Participants will begin by learning the basic handbuilding construction approaches of coil, pinch, and slab, and be guided in proper attachment methods to add on to your creations. Students will be led through basic form construction of simple objects such as fruit, animals and masks, and be instructed on the proper creation of solid and hollow forms. Participants will work with slab rollers, clay extruders, and hump molds to shape their pieces and bring creative ideas to life. The course also introduces surface decoration techniques with slips and glazes to add unique finishes to each piece.

Most classes begin with a demonstration of the day’s technique, followed by class work time and individualized guidance from the instructor.

The final class will be a fun gathering and potluck where students can share their work, discuss their creative process, and reflect on what they’ve learned.

This is a Beginner level class. No prior clay experience is necessary.

Learn more about instructor Sierra Bundy.

We believe clay is for everyone! Need tuition assistance? Please visit our tuition assistance page for more information.

What’s included:

• Access to use our studio during open studio hours every day, for the duration of the class, from 10AM to 9PM.
• 1 bag of clay (pick-up first day of class)
• Personal half shelf for storage of tools, clay, and in process work

What to bring:

• A good attitude and a mind open to learning.
• A basic pottery tool kit. (This should include a cut off wire, wooden knife, wooden rib, metal rib, needle tool, sponge, trimming loop tool and double-ended ribbon tool.)
• An apron or clothes that can get dirty.
• A notebook or sketchbook.

Pottery NW has communal tools available. Personal toolkits, bat pins & additional clay can be purchased at the online student store. All items purchased from the store need to be picked up onsite.

Please Note:

• If you are new to the Pottery NW studio, or if you have not attended orientation as of summer 2023 quarter, you must attend the first class to receive the mandatory studio orientation. New students who do not attend the first day will be dropped from the class without a refund of the class fee. On the first day of class, late arrivals beyond 15 minutes after the class start time will not be permitted to join. Returning students should still attend the first day of class as the instructor will not be able to reteach missed lessons and demos to absent students in the proceeding classes.

 • We are in Pioneer Square, so please plan ahead so that you have enough time to park. You don’t want to miss anything!