Tao of Clay
Thrown & Altered Forms Workshop with Yoo Sung
Thrown & Altered Forms Workshop with Yoo Sung
Couldn't load pickup availability
Monday, September 28 – Tuesday, September 29, 2026
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (1-hour lunch break from 1:00–2:00 PM)
Tao of Clay is honored to welcome acclaimed Korean ceramic artist Yoo Sung for an immersive two-day workshop.
Rooted in the rich traditions of Korean ceramics, Yoo Sung reinterprets historical forms through a distinctly contemporary lens. His approach embraces the individuality of each pot, allowing the making process to guide the final form rather than imposing a predetermined outcome, a philosophy that closely aligns with the values of Tao of Clay.
Through a combination of demonstrations and guided hands-on practice, participants will learn Yoo Sung’s approach to throwing porcelain, building stable forms, and developing organic movement through thoughtful alteration. Beginning with strong structural foundations, students will refine and transform their work through trimming and profile alterations to create expressive, flowing forms.
Throughout the workshop, participants will practice these techniques under Yoo Sung’s guidance while gaining insight into his artistic philosophy and working process.
Level: Intermediate – Advanced
Prerequisite: This workshop is intended for potters with previous wheel-throwing experience. Participants should be comfortable centering clay and independently throwing basic forms.
Workshop Schedule
Day One | Thrown Porcelain & Structural Foundations
- Introduction to throwing with focus on porcelain
- Understanding the unique qualities of porcelain
- Demonstrations focused on stability and controlled construction
- Throwing foundational forms designed for later alteration
- Guided hands-on practice
Day Two | Trimming & Profile Alteration
- Trimming techniques for altered forms
- Profile alteration strategies
- Developing natural flow through subtle structural changes
- Refining balance, proportion, and overall form
- Guided hands-on practice and individual feedback
Materials & Tools
Please bring your own throwing tools as they are not provided.
Tao of Clay will provide:
- 12 lbs of Cone 6 porcelain (recommended by Yoo Sung)
- Buckets
- Sponges
- Storage boards
Clay Selection
Yoo Sung’s demonstrations will focus on throwing with porcelain and the techniques he has developed specifically for working with this material. We encourage participants to work with the provided porcelain to experience these methods as intended. However, if you are more comfortable throwing with a different clay body, you are welcome to bring your own clay. You will still be able to learn and practice the same throwing, trimming, and alteration techniques throughout the workshop.
Tao of Clay will provide 12 lbs of Cone 6 porcelain (recommended by Yoo Sung) as part of the workshop. For those who prefer a non-porcelain white clay, we will also have Mammoth Clay Company’s A-Side, a smooth white stoneware body, available for purchase at the studio.
Firing
Firing is not included with workshop registration.
Students may:
- Fire pieces at Tao of Clay for $5 per pound
- Take work home to fire elsewhere
The standard firing rate applies to work up to 14 inches in any dimension. Larger pieces are subject to oversized firing surcharges.
Students who fired at Tao of Clay may return during open studio hours, when the glazing studio is not in use for classes, to glaze their work. Once bisque firing is complete, participants will have two weeks to return and glaze their pieces.
Studio Access
Workshop registration includes studio access only during scheduled workshop hours.
About Yoo Sung
From an early age, Yoo Sung loved making and drawing things, which naturally led him to enroll in the Department of Ceramic Design at Icheon JaeIl High School. At the age of 17, he began working with clay—a connection that has continued for more than 30 years.
At the age of 20, while working as the chief wheel thrower at a traditional ceramic workshop specializing in buncheongware, he happened to visit a porcelain exhibition hosted at the royal palace. There, he encountered a porcelain moon jar for the first time. Captivated, he sat in front of it for hours, feeling as though it was his destiny to dedicate himself to the art of white porcelain.
Rooted in the traditions of Korean ceramics, Yoo Sung draws inspiration primarily from historical forms, reinterpreting them through a contemporary aesthetic. His work seeks to honor tradition while expressing a distinctly modern sensibility in porcelain.
In the early years of Yoo Sung Ceramics, his porcelain was meticulously crafted with a focus on tea ware. Every piece—from teapots to cups—was carefully designed to achieve precise proportions and optimal performance, taking into account factors such as water flow, pressure, and surface tension.
His porcelain is not intended for mass production or broad commercial appeal. Instead, each work is created for collectors and individuals who deeply appreciate the artistry and enduring value of fine craftsmanship, with the hope that these pieces become a meaningful and beautiful part of their lives.
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.
Age Requirement
Ages 18 +
(Ages 16–18 may participate with prior approval. Please contact info@taoofclay.com.)
Please contact info@taoofclay.com with any questions.
