Beyond the Basics: Handbuilding – Thursday Mornings with Reena Bajaj (3/2/23 – 4/6/23), 10:00AM-1:00PM
Dates: Thursdays, March 2nd – April 6th (6 weeks)
Times: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Price: $360 (glaze, 1st bag of clay, firing, instruction and drop-in open studio time included). Tools ($20 + tax) and additional clay ($15-$35 per 25 lb bag) available for purchase at Clay Studio.
Description: Join experienced ceramicist Reena Bajaj and learn how to make beautiful pots without a pottery wheel! In this class we will spend our time exploring the basics of handbuilding and surface decoration. You will learn how to use coiling, pinching, and slab building techniques to create one of a kind ceramic ware. This class is designed for handbuilding beginners and for individuals who have learned the fundamentals of handbuilding. Together we will improve and explore our creativity. Students may work on independent projects or be guided by weekly demonstrations. Age 18+.
Drop-in open studio hours will be available for this course: Students are welcome to come in to Clay Studio during our Open Studio Lab hours to work independently on Sundays from 11AM-4PM, Mondays from 10AM-1PM, Tuesdays from 4PM-8PM, and Fridays from 10AM-1PM. Please note that Open Studio Lab hours are subject to change.
Covid-19 Vaccination Mandate: Starting February 1, 2022, Clay Studio will require all employees, teachers, members and students to be vaccinated in order to enter the studio. You must show your vaccination card, a photo of your vaccination card or your SMART Health Card Record from Ca.gov to a Clay Studio employee on your first day of class. You may also email a photo of the above to info@ClayStudioSB.org.
Instructor: Reena Bajaj
About your instructor: 30+ years ago Reena was looking for a medium to express her artistic desires. She tried drawing, sketching, painting, etc. and then she tried ceramics. The moment Reena touched clay she knew she had found her calling. She started at Moorpark College in 1990 and took classes for five years. After honing the basic skills of throwing different types of clay, bisque firing, glazing, kiln firing, pit firing and raku, she also took classes in color and design. Reena was introduced to and inspired by masters such as Shoji Hamada, Harrison McIntyre, Bernard Leach amongst others. In 2015 Reena moved to Santa Barbara and attended UCSB and then on to SBCC Schott Center until it was shut down due to Covid. In 2021 she heard about Clay Studio and has been a member ever since. Reena has loved working with clay ever since she first put her hands in it and Clay Studio has been a gift to her. She looks forward to sharing her skills and teaching at this amazing studio.