Ancient forms: festive crafts

Join this 3-week course where you will learn about the origins of pottery-making while getting inspired by ancient shapes, symbols and traditions.

Buckle up for an adventure that will transport you through the ages! We're diving headfirst into fascinating winter feasts and celebrations, from Yule and the Winter Solstice to ancient Saturnalia, Christmas, and New Year's, all while adding a touch of creativity with pottery-making.

What to expect:

• In the first 2 meetings, you’ll learn everything you need to know about hand-building pottery (how to work with clay, techniques, handling tools, decoration, glueing and much more).
• Each week you will be inspired by ancient pottery and art to make your experience and objects unique (topics: ancient winter feasts & celebrations).
• The last meeting is dedicated to glazing your pieces making your objects safe and ready to use.
• You will have personalised learning in a small group of participants with guidance for all skill levels and interests.
• You will feel confident and relaxed in a creative and friendly environment.
• Some pieces can be coloured on the same day using underglazes, providing instant gratification and enhancing your pottery-making experience.
• The class price includes all materials, including clay, tools, and glazes, as well as firing services.
• Your pieces will be fired within 2 weeks, depending on how busy the studio is.
• We keep the pieces at the studio for max 3 months.

Agenda

19:00 - 19:20    Archaeological & historical approach: Alexandra presents the ancient topic with its archaeological and historical contexts.

19:20 - 19:45    Ceramic technique demo: Özlem makes a demo about the hand-building techniques of the day.

19:45 - 21:20    Creating pottery: Students apply the techniques to their own ideas and projects.

Alexandra is a doctor in ancient history and archaeology. She has been participating in numerous excavation projects for over 15 years. During this course, she will acquaint you with the everyday life of ancient people and their ceramics.

Özlem is the founder of commonroom and an architect. She has worked with clay for over 20 years and has given numerous workshops and classes.