Sectional wheel throwing summer workshop
Explore the art of creating large ceramic forms in this immersive two-day workshop. This masterclass is perfect for intermediate potters who want to expand their skills beyond single-piece throwing and experiment with constructing multi-sectioned ceramic vessels. With sectional wheelthrowing you can create large-scale, tall or complex vessels by throwing separate parts— often as cylinders or stacked shapes— and joining them together when they are leather-hard. This method makes working at scale more manageable while still achieving precision and form.
Note: This is not an intro workshop. To be successful , you need to be able to confidently center 1,5kg of clay and make a cylinder.
In two days of demonstrations, hands-on practice and individual guidance.
You will learn:
- The basics of spiral wedging
- Proper seating at the pottery wheel
- How to incorporate the body into the work
- Piecemeal centering (a technique for managing large amounts of clay on a pottery wheel by centering it in smaller, stacked sections rather than all at once. This method involves setting a new ball of clay directly onto a previously centered base, then anchoring, coning, and centering the new section)
- Join leather hard sections with precision
- How to incorporate decorative elements and handles
Practical information:
- Date: Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of July
- Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm each day
Class: 10:00 to 12:30
Lunch break: 12:30 to 13:00
Class: 13:00 to 15:30
Clean up: 15:30 to 16:00 - Price: € 295,-
- Day One: Begins with an artist’s talk, offering insights into throwing sections on a bigger scale. Participants will then throw the required sections, which will firm to leather-hard overnight. Time permitting, decorative elements and handles can also be prepared.
- Day two: ocuses on refining leather-hard sections, including light trimming if necessary, before joining them to build the final form. Participants will also consider adding decorative elements and handles to enhance the character of their vessel.
- Location: Atelier van de Ven – Oudedijk 7, 3062 AB Rotterdam
- Class Size: Limited to 6 to ensure personalised guidance and a productive group dynamic.
- Teacher: Jessica Van de Ven
- Level: Suitable for those beyond the beginner stage who can control form and wall thickness; no prior experience with large forms is required – guidance will be provided throughout the workshop
- Language: Dutch or English
- Lunch: Bring your own lunch, we’ll provide coffee, tea (dairy-free and herbal alternatives), water, fruit and chocolates
- Cancellation policy: You can cancel two weeks prior to the beginning of the workshop (afterwards no refund). Atelier Van de Ven reserves the right to cancel the workshop in case of insufficient bookings (minimum of 3 participants)
What to bring:
- Comfortable clothes that can get dirty (we provide lab coats)
- Short nails are absolutely required for a better result
- Remove jewelry, rings, watches, or long necklaces to avoid damage
- Long hair in a bun
Do you have any questions?
Please send us an email.
PS Firing is not included. If you would like to keep a piece after the workshop has ended, we can, by agreement, bisque fire one piece per person at an additional cost of €10,-kg. Participants who are traveling or prefer to work at their own.
