Students follow the decision-making process of an Artist-in-Residence as we create a classical piece of pottery, such as a bowl, vase, plate, or drinking vessel. We discuss the creative process in context of their growth as a student — how failure is the sister of success —and the transferability of a creative mindset to problem-solving in school, and through other cultural forms such as textile and clothing, furniture, architecture. 

As we take a 60-90-minute visual journey through cultures and time, I use the potter’s wheel to produce large scale pottery forms making it easy for everyone to appreciate. I use live demonstration and multi-media to compare forms, design, and symbolic imagery in Native American, Hispanic, African, Greek, Japanese, Latin American, African, and Asian—both classical and contemporary.

Students learn about formal design, and how the clay pot reveals specific design characteristics that tell stories for every culture. They become part of the design process, engaging in dialogue with the artist as the vase emerges. Depending on the size of the class, and socially safe distancing practices, students can come up to the wheel feel the clay spinning through their hands as we design a group vessel. 

To compliment the work in the classroom or assembly, I bring samples of finished work, and posters from my art-collection.