Class Overview

Really dig into the surfaces of your pots and make them pop! From the high contrast of sgraffito, where you carve through a colored slip to reveal the clay beneath, to the inlaid color of mishima, to the endless possibility of low relief carving. These techniques are really three sides of the same three-sided coin and can be used alone or in combination for eye-catching results.

In this special one-day workshop, you’ll learn directly from Ana Shioshita of Shioshita Ceramics, whose precise carving and thoughtful compositions have made her work instantly recognizable. Whether you’re expanding your ceramics skillset or trying decorative techniques for the first time, Ana will guide you through each step with demonstrations, professional insights, and plenty of carve time.

What You’ll Make

Participants will transform leather-hard surfaces using carving techniques.

Flat tiles will be provided. You can bring your own trimmed, leather-hard pieces. Please note that if you bring something large there may not be time to finish it during the workshop.

What You’ll Learn

• What sgraffito, mishima, and low relief carving are, the similarities and differences and how they can work in combination

• How to plan a design that fits your form

• Some basic ways to transfer a design to your piece

• How to prepare your surface for carving

• Tools, technique, and workflow tips

• Next steps and glazing suggestions

What’s Included

• Three tiles per person

• Black porcelain slip for sgraffito

• Studio underglazes

• Wax resist

• Carving tools and other basic tools

• Glazes for finishing your pieces (choose to come in and glaze your own piece or have your tile finished with clear glaze or no glaze)

• Bisque and glaze firing of your piece.

what to bring

• Comfortable clothing suitable for working with clay

• Optional:

  • Any personal tools or carving instruments you like to use

  • Ideas about what design you might like to carve

  • If you want to use a specific color of underglaze please bring your own

Personal Safety

Please bring your own apron or clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. For your own personal safety during this class, please:

• Wear closed-toe shoes

• Ensure long hair is securely tied up and out of the way

• Remove all jewelry

• Do not wear loose clothing

Prerequisites

This workshop is open to anyone curious about decorative pottery. Participants who have some experience working with clay will get the most from the techniques covered, but all are welcome to explore, experiment, and create.