Kiln God Dude w/ Ginny | Wednesdays, Oct 14th & 28th | 9:30am-12:30pm

Kiln God Dudes Every kiln deserves a little personality—and perhaps a guardian or two! In this fun, character-driven class, we’ll explore the history and traditions of kiln gods, from their roots in Chinese pottery communities, where they were honored as protectors of the kiln and its fiery mysteries, to the more personal, whimsical kiln gods created by studio potters today. After all, when earth, fire, and a little bit of magic come together, who couldn't use a little extra good fortune? We’ll use a press mold to create the face, then bring our Kiln God Dude to life with sculptural details, attitude, and plenty of individuality. Your creation can be a freestanding sculpture or a lidded vessel, using the head as a lid to conceal a little secret compartment. Tuck written notes, hopes, wishes, or perhaps a few carefully worded requests inside for your next kiln firing! Whether you’re making a kiln god for your own kiln or creating one to help IRC’s kilns excel when firing for the studio, you’ll have the opportunity to make a character that’s uniquely yours. In our second session, we’ll add color and personality with glazes and underglazes. Will your dude be a mischievous troublemaker, a wise old soul, a fiery guardian, or a fellow with a serious attitude problem? The choice is yours. Come ready to get creative, embrace the unexpected, and give your kiln a character it won't soon forget! Pre-Registration is required. Please review our Studio Policies Instructor: Ginny Piech Street Skill level: Intermediate & Advanced Cost: $75 Materials Fee: $10 Class Dates: Wednesdays, October 14 & 28 Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm Length of Class: Session 1: Approximately 3 hours — creating and sculpting your Kiln God Dude. Session 2: Approximately 3 hours — glazing and decorating your finished character. Clay Skills To Be Learned: How to use press mold and working with underglazes Materials To Bring: Your favorite clay tools. Any favorite glazes or underglazes you would like to use during Session 2.