Sculpting Light: Ceramic Lamps - Feb. 19 + 26

Sculpting Light: Ceramic Lamps A two-part ceramic lighting intensive exploring form, function, and light through handbuilding. Fridays, February 19 + 26, 2027 | 3–6 PM Two 3-hour sessions | 12 spots available Masks required | ADA accessible Sooki Studio · Frogtown, Los Angeles In this two-part workshop, we'll explore ceramic forms designed to hold and interact with light, creating a one-of-a-kind functional table lamp. Students will learn foundational handbuilding techniques while considering proportion, form, and how a ceramic object changes when illuminated. Across two three-hour sessions, we'll have plenty of time to thoughtfully design and build our pieces during the first session, then return to them once they've reached the leather-hard stage to trim, refine, and add finishing touches during the second. Session One: Design + Build We'll begin by looking at the basic anatomy and construction of a table lamp and discussing how different ceramic forms interact with light. Students will then design and handbuild their own lamp base using coil building and other handbuilding techniques. We'll consider scale, proportion, openings, hardware placement, and the relationship between the ceramic base and its eventual lampshade. You'll also choose the lamp hardware that will accompany your finished piece. Session Two: Refine + Finish We'll return to our pieces at the leather-hard stage, giving us time to trim, carve, alter, and refine the forms before firing. This second session allows us to slow down and pay attention to the details that can be difficult to resolve in a single making session—from cleaning up edges and adjusting proportions to adding texture and finishing the surface. All ceramic work must be completed during the two scheduled workshop sessions. Additional studio time is not included. Finishing Your Lamp The standard workshop focuses on unglazed, fired local clay, allowing the natural surface, texture, and color of the material to remain visible while keeping the emphasis on form. After the workshop, Sooki Studio will fire and professionally wire each lamp. Your finished, functional lamp base will be ready for pickup approximately four to six weeks after the final session. Each registration includes clay, firing, basic lamp hardware, and professional wiring for one lamp. Basic hardware includes: Transparent PVC cord, aluminum on/off socket, and all necessary components to assemble your lamp. Students who would like to further customize their lamp can choose from two optional upgrades: Premium Lamp Hardware — +$50 Upgrade to an antique-style twisted fabric cord and dimmable brass socket for a more refined finish. Studio-Glazed Finish — +$60 Choose from a curated selection of Sooki Studio glazes. We'll glaze and fire your piece for you before professionally wiring it. The upgrade includes the additional glazing materials, labor, and firing. Premium Hardware + Glazed Finish — +$110 Combine both upgrades to customize your lamp's hardware and ceramic finish. Upgrades can be selected during registration or added during either workshop session, subject to availability. All selections must be finalized by the end of the second session. Please note: Lampshades are not included. Students will need to provide their own compatible lampshade. We'll also have a small selection available for purchase at Sooki Supply. Experience Level Ceramics experience is recommended but not required. This workshop welcomes newer makers and those new to handbuilding, while giving students with previous experience plenty of room to explore more ambitious forms. What's Included Two three-hour guided studio sessions (six hours total) Clay for one ceramic table lamp, max size 12x12x12" All necessary ceramic tools and materials Firing of your ceramic lamp base Basic lamp hardware and electrical components Professional lamp wiring and assembly A finished, functional lamp base, ready for a compatible lampshade Water, tea, coffee, and light snacks Your finished lamp will be ready for pickup approximately four to six weeks after the final session, with an estimated pickup window of March 26–April 9, 2027. Optional premium hardware, glazing, and lampshades are available for an additional fee. Three Ways to Register We offer sliding scale pricing to make our workshops more accessible while ensuring our programming remains sustainable. Please choose the rate that feels right for you and your current financial circumstances. $250 — Community Rate A reduced rate for those who would benefit from a more accessible price point. $275 — Standard Rate Reflects the true cost of the workshop, including instruction, materials, firing, and studio expenses. $300 — Sustaining Rate For those who have the ability to contribute a little more. Your contribution helps subsidize Community Rate spots and supports accessible programming at Sooki. There are 12 spots available in total, with a limited number allocated to each pricing tier. Once the workshop is full, registration will close. Interest-free payment plans are available. Optional Upgrades Premium Lamp Hardware — +$50: Antique-style twisted fabric cord and dimmable brass socket. Studio-Glazed Finish — +$60: Studio glazing in your choice of color from a curated selection, including additional firing. Premium Hardware + Glazed Finish — +$110: Both upgrades combined. Upgrades may be selected at registration or during the workshop, subject to availability. Instructor This workshop is led by Sooki Studio founder Natalia Ira Sookias, who has over a decade of teaching experience, from kindergarten through graduate-level students, across the U.S. and Europe. She has studied at CalArts, Central Saint Martins, Penland School of Craft and the Prince's School of Traditional Arts in London. Health, Safety + Accessibility To help keep our space safe and accessible, masks (N95 or KN95) are required for all workshops. Please bring your own; extras are available at the studio. Masks help protect against airborne illness as well as clay and glaze dust. Our studio is fully ADA accessible. The supply store and restroom are accessed by three steps, with a portable accessibility ramp available upon request. Please reach out ahead of your visit with any accessibility questions or requests so we can best accommodate your needs. Email: info@sooki.studio