This course is focused on the fundamentals of throwing technique including wedging, centering, trimming, basic shaping, and glazing. Included in this course is an introduction to the principles of throwing and mindfulness and the integration of the two.

The focus of this course is the refinement and integration of the fundamental skills of throwing introduced in Throwing 1. We will introduce students to lidded jars, pouring vessels including pitchers, larger bowls, and plates. There will be a deepening of the mindfulness practice and its application in the ceramic process. Prerequisite: Throwing 1 or pre-approved equivalent experience.

This course is a continuation of the throwing track and introduces more complex forms and techniques including teapots, thrown and altered forms, throwing off the hump, and an introduction to decorative mark making. There will be an introduction to using mindfulness and experimentation as a vehicle for finding your aesthetic style as a potter and an artist. Prerequisite: Throwing 2 or pre-approved equivalent experience.

This course focuses on techniques which allow for larger size forms such as throwing and coiling, throwing in sections, and centering large amounts of clay. Prerequisite: Throwing 3 or pre-approved equivalent experience.

Learn how to throw and decorate upside down pots, a technique in which students throw enclosed forms which are then altered. Upside down pots are an excellent exercise in beginning to work gesturally and sculpturally. Prerequisite: Throwing 3 or pre-approved equivalent experience.

Learn to use the wheel as a tool for throwing various elements of sculptures including stacked forms, combined forms, thrown and altered forms, and enclosed forms. Prerequisite: Throwing 3 or pre-approved equivalent experience.

An exploration of making planters and techniques for bonsai. We will also cover the basics of bonsai cultivation. Prerequisite: Throwing 2 or equivalent experience.

This class will focus on finding your personal throwing style utilizing an experimental approach and a keen attention. We will be utilizing an approach rooted in the Hakomi method of self discovery through experimentation. Prerequisite: Throwing 3 or pre-approved equivalent experience.

Introduction to the basic techniques of hand building assembly including coil building, slab building, surface treatments, and the hand carving technique of Kurinuki.

In this unique course, you'll explore the art of coiling to create expressive and organic sculptures, while embracing the principle of Organicity—the idea that creativity flows naturally when we trust the process. Over several sessions, you’ll learn foundational coiling techniques, allowing your hands to guide the clay as you build and shape your sculpture. Emphasis will be placed on listening to your intuition, honoring the natural rhythms of your creative process, and allowing your sculpture to emerge organically. Prerequisite: Intro to Hand-building or equivalent experience.

An exploration of slab built techniques and applications in ceramic sculpture making. We will focus on larger scale forms with an emphasis on finding your personal style as a ceramic artist. Prerequisite: Intro to Hand-building or pre-approved equivalent experience.

We will explore the vast potential of clay to accept texture and surface treatments. We will use our hands, found objects, and fabricated tools in the creation and development of textures. Prerequisite: Intro to Hand-building or pre-approved equivalent experience.

An introduction to the Japanese art of Kurinuki. This is the art of carving pottery from solid blocks of clay. We can get wonderfully gestural, unique, and highly textured pieces through Kurinuki carving. This course is very good for beginners. Prerequisite: Intro to Hand-building or pre-approved equivalent experience.

We will explore a tile making process that can be done without special equipment for small to medium scale tile projects. Topics will include tile design, tile fabrication, glazing, and installation. Prerequisite: Intro to Hand-building or pre-approved equivalent experience.

This course will cover techniques in applying glaze such as spraying, dipping, and pouring as well as decoration techniques including using stencils, wax resist patterns, and techniques for using slips in conjunction with glaze.

An Introduction to the basic methodologies of testing glazes using progressions and blends. This class will mostly consist of glaze testing; students will have completed over 100 tests over the duration of the course. This course will set the foundation and get you started on the journey of developing a set of glazes. Prerequisite: Intro to Hand-building, Intro to Throwing, or pre-approved equivalent experience.

Join Josh for a special class on pit firing, where open flames create unique ceramics with earthy tones and patterns. Learn how to make and fire pottery for this technique. The firing session will be held at Mission Bay at dusk. Prerequisite: Intro to Hand-building, Intro to Throwing, or pre-approved equivalent experience.

This course will cover the basics of operating and maintaining an electric kiln. We will cover setting programs, replacing thermocouples and elements, efficiently loading and unloading the kiln, and diagnosing problems. Prerequisite: Intro to Hand-building, Intro to Throwing, or pre-approved equivalent experience.

An introduction to Vipassana meditation sitting and walking techniques. In addition to actual meditation we will be discussing how to begin and sustain a daily practice of meditation.

Discover how to harness mindfulness as a powerful tool for sculpting, drawing inspiration from sensations, thoughts, and emotions. This class offers a hands-on approach, combining clay with experiential exploration in a playful and immersive manner. Prerequisite: Intro to Handbuilding or pre-approved equivalent experience.

Explore working in a free-flowing, unstructured and open-ended approach without predetermined goals. This course emphasizes the journey of creating, allowing finished pieces to reflect the expression of your subconscious mind. Prerequisite: Intro to Handbuilding or pre-approved equivalent experience.