“The dinnerware workshop was again very enjoyable and productive. Louisa and Levi; the workshop moderators; are both very knowledgeable about slip casting and also very friendly. Both are also more than willing to offer advice on how to achieve what the student is looking to do. Either will also actually perform a task if the attendee is uncertain on what to do, or feels more comfortable having one of the moderators perform the task.
The workshop began with a demostration of what we were about to do and with the demostration, an explanation of how we'll be doing the same or similar. The demostration displayed on how to use the porcelain clay (slip) to draw on the plaster mold (laster molds are used because the plaster draws the moisture away from the clay, allowing it to dry to a consistency to hand mold). Then after finishing the design, we were shown how much slip is required to fill the mold. Then we were shown after placing on another mold, about how much additional slip to use to create the bottom of the mug or bowl. After the demo the remainder of the workshop was we, the attendees; creating our own mugs, bowls and dinner plates. Two (2) of each type.
I would recommend not only this workshop, I would also recommend any of the Wilcoxson Brooklyn Ceramics offerings.”
“While I've taken Wilcoxson's most other slip casting workshops twice or more, this is the first time for the tableware workshop and it was just as much fun as the others.
Kevin, Mikayla and Lourdes; today's moderators; are very knowledgable about slip casting and also quite willing tp help with design ideas, best way to use the porcelain clay when creating the design and also advice on how best to pour the clay for the particular vessel being created; mug, plate, saucer, etc.
They also offer advice on; or volunteer to; fix cracks or other imperfections in the shaped bject.
After the clay is poured, any one of the three present checks on the poured clay and then tells the student; I for one; and when the clay is the right consistency to remove from mold. Then the procedure on how to de-mold, decorate further and shaping are provided. Finally on just how much clay to use for the bottom.
I would like to say thank you to Kevin, Mikayla and Lourdes for their aid. And thank you to Wilcoxson for having these workshops. I would recommend to anyone wishing to learn or just use porcelain clay to attend one of their workshops!!”
