Handbuilding with Clay: Spirituality in Abstracted Nature

The participants will explore the possibilities of creating abstract forms using the basic techniques of pinching, coiling, slab and the combination of them all. By observing the surrounding nature of the Sitka Center and their daily life, the participants are encouraged to interpret nature connected with their feelings and experiences, and to come open for the expansion of ideas. All the works will be bisque fired, but no glaze firings, since time is limited. Students will need to return to campus later to collect their bisqued works.

Ruri has been working with clay for over 40 years. After the apprenticeship under master Mashiko potter, Tatsuzo Shimaoka, she established her studio and kiln in rural Sheridan, Oregon. In 2004 she had her anagama kiln (wood firing climbing kiln) constructed, named it FuuKooGama (Wind and Light Kiln). She has been focusing on abstract sculpture fired in her anagama and other wood fire kilns.

Nature is her important source of inspiration, as well as all kinds of relationships in our daily life.

• 2 pcs of about 12" x 12" flat canvas

• Lazy Susan

• 2 12" x 12" board (1/2" - 3/4" plywood, or similar wood) as working board

• Something from kitchen: fork, knife, anything which can create textures.

• Couple of plastic containers (yogurt, etc.) for water

• Wash cloth for your hands while working

• Clay: two bags (50LBS) for each participant

• Wedging board

• Cutting wire

• Needle with handle

• Rolling pins

• Newspapers, extra canvas, small sponges, plastic sheets

• Extra work boards

• Banding wheels