Faceting, Fluting, and Texturing Clay
With Alex Olson
May 30 - June 4, 2027
This workshop focuses on faceting, carving, and texturing techniques that bring geometric, organic, and tactile qualities to wheel-thrown pottery. Participants will create and alter their own cups, bowls, and vases while learning the techniques Alex uses to create his faceted, fluted, and textured work.
With plenty of time to practice and experiment, students will gain a deeper understanding of the variables involved in carving and altering clay. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite throwing and carving tools, along with objects such as shells, leaves, and stones to experiment with as texturing tools.
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Materials to bring:
Favorite wheel-throwing tools, including ribs, sponges, knives, trimming tools, etc.- Favorite carving and texturing tools
- Found objects for creating texture, such as shells, leaves, stones, or other materials
- Mudtools carving bows and wide-mouth U-shaped fluting tools
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Materials Provided & Studio Firing
Each participant will receive one 25 lb bag of ^6-10 stoneware clay. A bisque firing will take place midweek. Basic studio tools and materials are provided, and participants will have 24-hour access to the studio throughout the workshop.
Please bring packing materials to safely transport any greenware and bisqueware. Not all pieces made during the workshop will be dry enough to be fired.
Schedule:
Sunday
- 4:00–5:00 PM: Check-In at Adamah Retreat Center
- 5:00–6:00 PM: Welcome Dinner
- 6:00 PM–Evening: Introductions, Workshop Overview & Get Settled
Monday
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
– Introductions– Throwing Pots with Faceting in Mind (Bowls, Yunomi/Cups)
– Considerations, Variables, Tips & Tricks - 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
– Faceting Demos
– Variables to Consider when Carving - 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
- 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore
Tuesday
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time– Artist Talk/Slideshow
– Faceting, Trimming, Texturing - 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
– Throwing Pots with Fluting in Mind– Fluting Demos
- 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
- 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore
Wednesday
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
– Talk/Slides: Inspiration from Other Artists - 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
– Additional Demos and Discussion - Evening: Chef’s Night Off — explore the area and enjoy dinner on your own!
- After Dinner: Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore
Thursday
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
– Additional Demos (throwing, carving, requests) - 12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00–5:00 PM: Demos & Studio Time
– Additional Demos (carving, trimming, refining) – Discuss: Bisque Sanding, Glazing/Firing Considerations - 5:00–6:00 PM: Dinner
- 6:00 PM–Evening: Open Studio Time/Hiking/Explore
Friday
- 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00–10:30 AM: Final Making & Refining
- 10:30 AM–12:00 PM: Group Critique, Discussion & Workshop Wrap-Up
- 12:00 PM: Workshop Ends
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View frequently asked questions here!
Instructor
Born in Seattle, Washington, Alex Olson was raised by a family of artists—his mother a painter and his father a photographer. He spent summers growing up on Stuart Island, Washington, where exploring the remote wilderness fostered a deep attentiveness to and appreciation for the rhythms of the natural landscape. Before studying ceramics, Alex worked primarily in woodturning and photography. He earned a B.A. in Studio Art from Carleton College in 2018, where his artistic practice expanded to include ceramics. Through his artistic career, Alex strives to cultivate an ever-curious studio practice, share his passion for craftsmanship, and inspire creativity in…
Learn more about Alex Olson