Coiled Forms: Vessels + Attachments (Nov/Dec)
Intermediate | 5Week Class | West Oakland | Enrollment opens 10/5 at 11AM!
Service Description
Coiled Forms: Vessels + Attachments Fridays 3pm-5:30pm November 13 - December 18 **There is no class the week of Thanksgiving!** Instructor: Jen Alvarez Week 1 — Building with Coils Review coil-building techniques with an emphasis on structure, proportion, and creating larger forms. Begin a substantial vessel and explore different ways to shape and manipulate coils. Week 2 — Form + Surface Continue building larger vessels while exploring curves, asymmetry, narrowing, opening, and silhouette. Experiment with carving, paddling, combing, impressing, and other surface techniques. Week 3 — Handles + Attachments A deep dive into handles, feet, spouts, knobs, lugs, and other attachments. Explore how attachments can be both functional and sculptural and how they can change the character of a vessel. Week 4 — Sculptural Details + Finishing Complete larger vessels and experiment with additional elements, alterations, and surface treatments. Focus on making attachments and details feel integrated with the overall form. Week 5 — Surface + Glaze Explore underglaze, slips, oxides, and glaze as finishing techniques. Students develop a surface treatment that complements their form, followed by a casual critique and discussion. Project Inspiration Students can take the techniques in this class in many directions, including: Large vases — explore scale, silhouette, and dramatic openings Pitchers — incorporate handles, spouts, and functional considerations Sculptural vessels — push asymmetry, exaggeration, and unconventional forms Lidded vessels — explore knobs, handles, and fitted components Planters — experiment with larger scale, feet, drainage, and sculptural details Basket-inspired vessels — play with handles, open forms, and woven or textured surfaces Abstract vessels — focus on shape, movement, and the relationship between form and surface Students are encouraged to develop their own project rather than replicate a specific example. The goal is to use coil building as a foundation for creating larger, thoughtfully designed forms with personality and intention.
Upcoming Sessions
Cancellation Policy
Fees & class schedule: Class fees cover instructed class time (as listed in specific class schedule), use of tools and equipment, open studio hours, studio glazes and firing up to 25 lbs of clay. Additional work may be fired for a fee. Pottery class fees include 25 lbs of clay Classes are subject to change if minimum student quota isn't met (7 students). Class switches will only be available 1 week prior to the commencement of classes and based on the capacity of classes at time of request. Attendance: It is mandatory for all students who are new to the studio attend the first week of classes. No “make-up” classes are given but you're more than welcome to drop-in on another session if there is an opening or absence. For Adult classes, Kids must be 14-years old or older Personal belongings: Any items left behind 30-days after last class may be discarded without notice. Refund policy: Class fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Refund or Credit (minus $20 processing fee) if a request for refund is received TWO WEEKS and only two weeks before the start of a class. Credit (no refund) with less the 48 hour notice ONLY if your spot can be filled. No refunds or credits after attending 1st class. Classes missed due to failure to attend, planned absences, minor illnesses or vacations will not be credited for future classes. One-Time class registrations such as Drop-In Clay or Friday Night Clay are considered final ONE WEEK before start of class. Open studio hours for students: Monday- Friday: 10AM-6PM Saturday: 10AM-7PM Sunday 10AM-7:30PM (Hours subjected to change upon five days' notice)
Contact Details
1733 Peralta St, Oakland, CA 94607, USA
WestOakland@clayroomsf.com