One-day Wheel Demonstration with Teacher Kwak Kyung Tae

March 14, 2026 | One-Day Wheel Demonstration | 10AM - 5:30 PM

Join us for an intensive One-day demo where Tao of Clay welcomes Teacher Kwak Kyung Tae from Korea for his first time teaching in San Diego. Teacher Kwak will share the traditional techniques of Korean wheel throwing in a focused and engaging format. Watch a master showcase the depth of knowledge as he demonstrates countless shapes and forms. Classes will be taught by Teacher Kwak live  and translated into English by his apprentice. Experience a unique and immersive opportunity designed for pottery enthusiasts.

This masterclass welcomes participants of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced potters. This course distills the essence of Korean throwing philosophy and deconstructs each step in the making process, providing a clear, direct, and repeatable framework for participants to follow. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and will have the opportunity to see the master demonstrate a form they are interested in, outside of the planned curriculum.

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Topics covered:

• History and context of the Korean approach to clay sourcing, storage, and preparation
• Spiral wedging (Gomak-milgi) and closing the spiral into a cylindrical form for more efficient centering
• Fundamentals of centering a large mass of clay for throwing off the hump, with emphasis on relaxing the clay for better clay response
• Exploration of sabal (teabowl) making, with a breakdown of steps to better understand each phase of the making process and finger placements
• Korean-style trimming demo using handmade tools and understanding the harmonic relationship between throwing and trimming in relation to the final form
• Developing a more discerning “eye” for line and form by separating the structural and shaping phases of throwing
• Demo of cylinders, plates, and teapots off the hump with advanced techniques
• Large sabal (bowl), hangari (Jars), dalhangari (Moon Jar, 2-piece joining technique)
• Buncheong decorating techniques: Dipping Buncheong and Brushing Buncheong

Level: Beginner-Advanced

Prerequisite: Prior experience is not necessary. Open to all skill levels.

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Schedule:

Teaching hours 10:00 AM - 1 PM

Lunch Break: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Teaching Hours: 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM

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Studio Access

This workshop includes access to the studio only during scheduled workshop hours.

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About Teacher Kwak Kyung Tae

A fascination with large Onggi vessels and the rough simplicity of Korean slipware led Kwak Kyung-tae to develop his own voice in clay. He works exclusively in Onggi and Buncheong, taking his inspiration from the traditions of the Korean peninsula of his birth, particularly during the Joseon dynasty, and applying them in a modern context. His work is resonant of nature’s forms and structures through wheel-thrown and altered work, often including spontaneous marks and gestural brushwork on large pots. His works evoke a balance of the crude and the sublime power of nature’s imperfection, in large and small scale work. The austerity of his style is born from an honest, tacit relationship with clay developed and mastered over a lifetime. He has held solo and group exhibitions throughout East Asia and Europe. His pieces are sold in galleries and shops in Europe, Asia, and the USA.

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Cancellation Policy:

All sales are final and non-refundable. No refunds will be given for cancellations made at any time. Please consider this policy before purchasing a ticket.

Missed Class Policy:

We do not offer refunds, prorated refunds, or make-up sessions for missed workshop days or times.

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Age Requirement:

Ages 18 + (Ages 16–18 may participate with prior approval. Please contact info@taoofclay.com for more information.)

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Please contact info@taoofclay.com with any questions.