Ceramics Workshop

Last week our Art seminar class went to Lincoln Square Pottery Center for a workshop on creating Arts and Crafts themed tiles! I could not ask for better subject matter! I am kind of obsessed with Motawi Tiles. The atmosphere at Lincoln Square is really relaxed and very independent feeling with great tunes playing. The workshop was even cooler because one of my classmates interns at Lincoln Square and she was able to lead the class. First we learned how to roll out clay slabs on a slab roller (I have taken a few classes in ceramics but I am always amazed at how perfectly flat and smooth the roller makes the clay). Then we were each given a small square of clay to carve our creation. Hallie (my classmate) brought out some books on the Arts and Crafts movement to give us some inspiration with our tiles. I love how the motifs are usually of plants and things found in nature but they are also designed in a way very reminiscent of geometric shapes. I tried my best to base my design on the traditional Arts and Crafts ideals and shapes. I can't wait to see how mine turned out!
Everyone's looked pretty cool in the initial greenware stages...greenware is what unfired ceramics is called. Here are some snapshots of the workshop.

My teacher, Martina, and Sara working hard on their tiles!

Hallie showing us different tools to use for different markings.

My tile!