Shape and Texture: A Three Day Participatory Exploration of Technique and Identity in Clay
Ceramics Workshop with Mike Stumbras
July 6, 7, 8, 2024
Saturday, Sunday, Monday, 10am - 4:30 PM
Structure of Class: (3) 6.5 hour in-person sessions
C274 • All levels
Registration deadline: Friday, June 28, 2024
Current Mendocino Art Center members receive a 30% discount off each class registration! See below for details.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Often, the most effective method for assimilating new techniques into your artistic practice is through direct hands-on experience. In this workshop, Mike will work alongside students to demonstrate and guide the investigation of various techniques including wheelthrowing, handbuilding, slip trailing, water etching, gold luster application and spraying glazes for atmospheric effects. Mike will speak about his design and construction philosophy and give students feedback about finding their own voice in clay. Students are encouraged to bring a few finished pieces or images of their finished work to share if they are interested in doing this.
Day 1:
In the morning, Mike demos wheel throwing and hand-building construction techniques and talks about his handle-making philosophy and finding your voice in clay. Students can spend time working on or off the wheel alongside Mike and will receive feedback during work time. Students determine the amount of time spent demoing vs making. Students receive handouts including written process overviews, glaze recipes, and other technical info.
In the Afternoon, Mike will demo finishing up multicomponent forms and give an in- depth slip trailing demo. Students will work alongside Mike to continue working on the wheel, finishing up thrown or handbuilt forms and begin slip trailing. Mike will demonstrate sprigging his work.
In the evening, Mike will give a slide presentation about his work and historical inspirations (approx 40 minutes). This can also be scheduled at the convenience of the host.
Day 2:
In the morning, Students can finish up work from the afternoon of day 1. Mike will demo handles, spouts, and lids for multicomponent forms. Students can slip trail their pieces from the morning and the day before. Mike will provide feedback and assistance. Students begin drying work.
In the afternoon, Students will continue slip trailing and Mike will talk about water etching and glazing considerations. Mike will demo using shellac and wax to water etch and how this can be used in combination with underglazes and textures. Students should begin drying pieces for Day Three and will begin painting shellac and wax for water etching.
Day 3:
Students can also apply shellac to work made during Day 1. Mike gives a short glazing demo with information about the process and equipment for spraying glazes for cone 10 or cone 6. Basic information about glaze chemistry/recipes and the application of lusters will be included.
In the afternoon, shellacked pieces from the day before will be etched. Students will begin packing up and will meet for a show-and-tell “not critique” session with the group. Students receive Mike’s contact info to follow up with them after the end of the workshop.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR - Mike Stumbras
Mike Stumbras hails from Chicago Illinois, He received a BFA in ceramics, a BS in biology from St. Olaf College in 2011, and an MFA in Ceramics from Louisiana State University in 2017. He completed residencies across the country. Formerly a visiting assistant professor at the College of William and Mary and a Lecturer at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Stumbras has exhibited work nationally and internationally. Currently, Mike is an Assistant Professor in Ceramics at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.
TUITION & FEES
Current MAC Members: $477
Non-members: $682
Current Mendocino Art Center members receive a 30% discount off each class registration! This applies to the member only and can only be used once per class. This discount is reflected in the prices above. Not a member yet? View our membership benefits and sign up today.
REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations must be made in writing, either by mail or email. If you notify us at least 14 days prior to the first class meeting, you will receive a refund of tuition less a $45 cancellation fee. No refunds will be made after that date for any reason due to our contractual obligations and material acquisitions. If the Art Center is compelled to cancel a class you will receive a full tuition refund. Memberships are non-refundable as they are considered a donation to the Art Center.