Visiting Artist Workshop: “Form, Line, Transpire, Refine” with Noel Bailey

Modest thrown forms make an excellent foundation for a variety of hand building methods. Coil-and-pinch additions, carving and darting subtractions, ovaling, ribbing, scraping, handle making – all are techniques we’ll use to make pots that transcend the symmetrical limitations of the wheel in this 2-day, hands-on workshop. With these methods, we’ll explore how foot and lip alterations define and elevate the character of basic forms. Further investigations of rhythm, movement, and composition will be made through the use of line – from subtle surface cuts, to form altering molded impression stamps. As we guide design decisions through a framework of function, we will employ personal aesthetics and discover spontaneity and ideas through making.

Tools to bring:

• Your standard handbuilding kit with your name on every tool.
• Good quality knife with a thin, narrow blade, shorter than 3″, that comes to a point and is fairly sharp. (Exacto, Dolan, a kitchen paring knife)
• Flexible metal rib(s)
• Sureform/shredder
• Optional: Hax tool from Sherrill Mud Tools
• Optional: 4 cylindrical pieces, about mug size, (thrown with 1 to 1.5 lbs of clay) at the leather soft (nearly ready to trim stage).

There will be a break for lunch both days. Feel free to bring your own lunch or visit one of the many restaurants within walking distance.

If you are curious about Noel Bailey’s workshop but haven’t decided whether or not to sign up you may consider attending his Virtual Artist Talk on Tuesday, October 6, from 12:30 – 1:30 pm.

About the Instructor

Noel Bailey is a potter, teacher, and student – raising, working, practicing, and playing in Vermont’s Mad River Valley.  

Born and raised in Southwest Colorado, Noel is enchanted by vibrant landscapes through the continual pursuit of gorgeous lines and hydrologic idiosyncrasies. He has a M.F.A. from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a B.A. in Art Education from the University of Northern Colorado. He spent 4 summers with renowned makers and workshop presenters at Laloba Ranch Clay Center in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. A hometown apprenticeship with Potter Bill Wilson and a rad high school clay program fostered an indelible love of the pursuit of ceramics.