Paper Clay w/Jerry Bennett

Join Jerry Bennett as he guides you through how to make paper clay and bonding slips for hand-built forms. This course expands your understanding of this unique material by adding various clay fibers to create functional pottery and sculptural forms. Gain valuable insights as Jerry shares practical, problem-solving advice related to your studio work, such as fixing broken work and preventing cracks.

This is an introductory class in Paper Clay, adding cellulose-based fibers to wet clay to improve the workability of the clay and lessen many of the problems associated with hand building.

Paper clay or as many people call it, fiber clay is the process in ceramics where artists add cellulose fibers to plastic clay. These fibers burn out after the first firing leaving only the clay remaining. Adding these fibers makes the clay easier to work with and more plastic. However, many of the rules that govern regular clay do not apply to paper clay. Jerry Bennett, a leading international paper clay artist, will conduct a hands-on course which will provide an opportunity for students to explore and experience new approaches to functional pottery and sculptural forms using paper clay.

Develop a personal vision of hand-building techniques for creating functional and sculptural forms. Demonstrations focus on slab construction, but students are free to experiment with coil building, pinching, and extrusion. This class will use various material techniques, including paper clay, decorating techniques including underglaze techniques, textures, colored slips, and glaze applications. This class will provide specific instruction from the instructor for advancing your work to a higher level. Each student will work independently.

Join Jerry Bennett as he guides you through how to make paper clay and bonding slips for hand-built forms. This course expands your understanding of this unique material by adding various clay fibers to create functional pottery and sculptural forms. Gain valuable insights as Jerry shares practical, problem-solving advice related to your studio work, such as fixing broken work and preventing cracks.

You will need hand-building tools, + small pair of scissors, and a clean canvas for work. Participants in the class will receive handouts that will provide valuable information about paper clay, glaze formulas, and supplier information.

Classes will take place in Wayne Art Center ceramics center.