4-week Mindfully Muddy Handbuilding 101: Wednesdays 6:30-9pm May 8th- 29th
Make hump day the day where you’re feeling more grounded and creatively inspired
Join us every Wednesday in May to find your flow with clay as we explore the natural elements
Our popular 4-week Mindfully Muddy Handbuilding class is where the magic of making meets mindfulness. Together we’ll deep dive into the foundations of handbuilding with clay, where the elements of the natural world intertwine with the art of slowing down. Let the experienced guidance of our instructor, Amelia, lead you through an enchanting journey of clay and creative expression.
Over four weeks, you’ll learn clay and mindfulness techniques that harmonize with each of the four elemental forces: Earth, Water, Wind/Air, and Fire. You will not only master the essential handbuilding techniques but also immerse yourself in the contemplative essence of clay work.
At the start of every class, we'll take a mindful moment to center ourselves, immersing in the present moment and aligning with the week’s elemental theme. As you shape clay with purpose and concentration, you'll find yourself tapping into a deeper awareness of yourself and the elements around you.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this workshop is all about exploration, creativity, and inner reflection.
Course Highlights:
Structured Learning: Engage in 2.5 hours of weekly in-person instruction over four weeks, covering foundational handbuilding techniques.
Open Studio Hours: Practice your newfound skills at your own pace during dedicated studio hours outside of class time. Studio hours are daily from 11am-7pm Monday-Sunday and with full day access on class days (6am-midnight).
Comprehensive Materials: Your course includes all the necessary materials, providing a hassle-free experience including 15lbs of either white stoneware clay or brown speckled buff clay, studio glazes, firing of all pieces, access to studio machinery and equipment, and personal shelf space.
Weekly Adventures in Clay:
Week 1: EARTH - Getting Grounded Let's kick off our adventure by getting down and dirty with Mother Earth. Using ancient techniques such as pinching and coiling, you'll shape clay into vessels that feel like they've been plucked straight from the earth itself. Get ready to feel the raw power of clay as you mold and shape it with your hands, tapping into its natural energy.
Week 2: WATER - The Flow of Creativity Dive headfirst into the fluid world of Water as you craft your own mugs and vessels. Just like a gentle stream, clay responds to your touch with ease, allowing your creativity to flow freely. Let your instincts guide you as you explore your imagination, diving deep into the creative process and finding inspiration at every turn.
Week 3: AIR - Expressive Surface Design Harness the boundless energy of Air as you delve into surface design techniques. Learn the art of mishima, sgraffito, and carving to add depth and texture to your creations, allowing your imagination to soar to new heights.
Week 4: FIRE - Embrace Transformation In our final week, embrace the spirit of Fire as you carefully glaze your pieces and send them off to the kiln. Anticipate with excitement as the alchemical process begins, knowing that behind the scenes, your clay creations will undergo a remarkable transformation. After the magic of glaze and high heat works its wonders, you'll be delighted to see your finished pieces emerge as new works of art, ready to be admired.
Why Choose Studio Sumi:
Whether you're seeking a new hobby or rekindling an old passion, I try to create all of my classes and workshops so that they are perfect for individuals of all skill levels. Studio Sumi is a community of like-minded creatives, and our collective goal is to unwind in a friendly pottery studio, and discover the joy of working with clay.
Instructor bio:
Check out Amelia’s instagram
Amelia Waliany is an artist and community organizer based in San Francisco, with a creative lineage from New York City and Houston, Texas. A lifelong doodler-with-pen, she was thrilled in 2014 to discover clay as a new artistic medium, energized by the playfulness inherent in the spatial, physical, and tactile aspects of the material. Deeply resonating with the therapeutic, meditative flow-state that is brought on by the process of making with one’s hands, Amelia has since honed her ceramics practice in several studio settings and collectives, along the way absorbing a wide variety of techniques, materials, and themes alongside a vibrant global community of inspiring makers. A people-person to her core, Amelia loves sharing her passion for clay to help others find their creative spark.
Location:
Studio Sumi
5031 Geary Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94118
Check out Amelia’s work below!
FAQs:
First Class
Please arrive about 5 minutes before the class begins so I can check you in. At the first class I'll give you the student door code which works between 6am and 12am daily with the exception of other class times.
Door Code
I will provide a door code for student practice hours between 11am and 7pm Monday-Sunday (with the exceptions of private events, which you will notified in advance). If you forget it, no problem! Just email bri@sumiware.com to help you out.
Age Requirement
The classes are paced for and primarily booked with adults, but I do allow ages as young as 16 years old.
Cancellation Policy
To request a cancellation and refund, you must email bri@sumiware.com. Refunds requested more than one week prior to the first class are fully refundable or you can reschedule to a different month if available. Refunds requested within one week from the first day of the beginning of the session are 50% refundable. There will be no refunds or rescheduling once the class begins. Should a class not fill sufficiently, I may cancel it one week prior to the first class session and issue full refunds to those who enrolled.
Missing a Class
The first class is foundational to the entire series; I strongly recommend that if you are unable to attend the first class that you consider joining us for another month when you can attend them in sequence. For the other classes, if you are unable to attend or miss a week, email bri@sumiware.com and you can schedule a 1:1 make-up or join another class for the week.