Intro to Wheel-Throwing - Zen Pot Basics

This class is an introduction Pottery Wheel Throwing using Zen Traditions as they apply to the ceramic production process. It is mostly entirely wheel based. Learn the essentials of the Art of Clay using Zen.

The cost is $250 for the 8-week class.

You will produce 10-12 pcs on average

All Tools and Supplies are provided. Just wear comfy unattached clothes!

Topics covered include:

Learning to Throw Simple Forms: Cups, Bowls and Plates

The 16 Basic Clay Throwing Qi Movements

Learn the Essential Practices (Nyoho Forms) of a Clay Studio

Learn Centering and Being Unattached to Pots

Learn Basic Essentials of Trimming & Glazing

Creating a Tea Ceremony

Course Syllabus

Class 1

Tea Ceremony

Instructions for the Cook

Key Zen Principles - Zen Daoism, Balance, Chi, Cycles, Imperfection

Nyoho of Clay -Instructions for the Cook - Studio Rules (Zen Pot Precepts)

Life Cycles of Clay

Basic Tools Introduction + Gifts (bucket, towel, tools)

Intro to Clay Movements

Stamp Making

My first tea cup (a gift to future)

Homework: Keep Track of Clay Ball

Class 2

Finding the Center (layers of the onion of awareness)

The Dao - essential quotes

Movements 1,2,3

Gifts: Apron and Shirt

Unattachment - group potting and zen pot life (love, cherish, cut, smoosh)

Mindset practice “Be the Pot”

Making friends with Clay (talk, listen pet, wake up, )

Considering the full cycle

More Cups and Mugs

Homework: Bring in food in bowl to share

Class 3

Renunciation, begging

Food Sharing with Bowls

Plan to give away as gifts

Creating Bowls as Love Vessels - give away

Gifts: Towel and Bandana

Movements 4,5,6

Throwing Bowls

Homework: Bring in long pointy, hoopy object

Class 4

Reaching for an Imperfect Perfection

Trim away the extras, leave the pure form (a continued shape)

Gifts: Clear Ruler + Trim tools (wood stick, small trim tool)

Basics of Trimming

Movement 7,8,9

Simple Surface Design

Bring in Food on Plate to share homework

Class 5

Cookies and Snacks (served on plates)

Zen Practice of Giving Alms & Gifts

Alms Plates - feeding others

Movement 10,11 (flat objects)

Throwing Plates

Gift: Trapazoid plate maker tool

Dog Bowls (bring to brother wolf?)

Class 6

Another Tea Ceremony

Studying The Art of Tea and Ritual Movements Ceremonies

Tea Cups, Pourers (bottles)

Movement 12, 13 (throttling)

Bells (shake the giant bell)

Homework: Design Inspirations

Class 7

Transformation Process

Glaze Composition and Selection

Basic Glazing Techniques

Movements 14,15,16

Gift: Glaze Book, Zen Brush and Sponge

3 pots - 3 styles (minimal, streaks, yin yang)

Sacrifice a pot (gift or hammer)

Homework: wrapping materials

Class 8

Critique and celebrate new life

Kiln opening?

Final Touch-Ups, grinds

Feedback Roundtable

Tea Cup Handover

Gift Wrapping

What’s next?

Party