Storytelling On Clay with Sue Tirrell

This 2 part Zoom workshop explores image, form and surface with an focus on developing techniques to emphasize unique style. Starting with found or unique imagery, Sue will talk you through drawing and rendering, the fundamentals of surface design, and how to translate it onto ceramic forms- both functional and sculptural. This workshop is open to all levels.

January 25 & February 8, 2025 / 9am-11:30am pacific time $270 / 5 hours of live instruction / 90 day access to video

January 25 & February 8, 2025

9am-11:30am pacific time

5 hours of live instruction / 90 day access to video after the last class.

Sat. January 25

Part 1: Drawing and Making Pottery Forms

2.5 hours

This session will include instruction on building a dynamic composition, the process of distilling an image into design including line quality, stylizing, frequency of texture, and how to develop your personal voice and style.

Sue will demonstrate how she plans and hand-builds pottery forms to be illustrated on and considerations including ergonomics and best practices. Throwing on the wheel will be discussed but the demonstration will focus primarily on handbuilt pottery forms.

Sat. February 8

Part 2: Applying Surface Design to Ceramic Form

2.5 hours

This session will focus on decorating and carving clay; Sue will begin by showing her collection of illustrated pottery and demonstrate carving and decoration at the leather-hard state using sgraffito, inlay and painting techniques.

Participants will have the opportunity to show their works in progress and ask questions.

Please submit your questions ahead of time if possible to [email protected] so we can be as efficient as possible with the time we have together.

If you have additional questions about this class or registration, please email us at [email protected]

Once you register you will find the recording, the tool list and helpful resources in your student dashboard, so be sure to make an account and log in.

Instructor

Instructor Sue Tirrell

Born and raised in Red Lodge, Montana, Sue Tirrell holds an AA from Cottey College in Nevada, MO and a BFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Her work draws inspiration from her experiences living in Montana and the West, her fascination with animals and interest in folk art, illustrated fairy tales and vintage kitsch. Sue’s work has been exhibited widely in the US, Canada and Australia and she has taught ceramics and multi-media workshops across the country from college classrooms to one-room schoolhouses. Sue lives and works north of Yellowstone National Park, in Montana’s Paradise Valley. I came to clay as a college freshman, intent on studying Illustration but was won over by the prospect of activating sculptural and functional ceramic objects with narrative surface design. My pots employ mythic animal imagery, crisp design and riotous color to bring playfulness, character and storytelling to daily kitchen rituals and special occasions.