Workshop: Nerikomi and Coloured Clay with Alex Wilkinson

If you love patterns and enjoy a bit of serendipitous decoration from the making process, this is the workshop for you.

Nerikomi is the traditional Japanese technique of hand-building with coloured clay. In this beginners to intermediate workshop led by Alex Wilkinson, you will discover ideas about porcelain ceramics, paper clay, decorating using coloured clay patterns, and hand-built functional tableware.

You will learn how to use stains to colour clay, and how to layer and fold the coloured sections to create lines, shapes and patterns, either at random or in specific places, with the goal of creating a functional vessel.

Each workshop participant will be supplied with 10kg of porcelain paper clay, pre-stained and ready for use. The pieces will be constructed, dried, then fired to cone 10 with Alex's beautiful matte clear glaze. Participants will be able to take home any clay not used in the workshop for a head start in their coloured clay journey. If possible, participants should bring a basic pottery tool kit (sponge, cutting wire, wooden knife, wooden shark fin rib, steel rib, needle tool and trimming tools).

If possible, attendees should bring the following tools: clay tools, including clay knife, wooden rolling pin, wooden roller, paddle (or wooden spoon), paint brush, needle tool or serrated kidney (for scratching), clay wire/clay harp, any slump or hump molds to use in the workshop.

This workshop is suitable for all levels. Bisque firing of finished pieces can be arranged for an additional cost. Details will be available at the workshop.

Visit our website to find out more about Nelson Clay Week and to view Alex’s bio.

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