In this specialized 4-week course, participants will learn how to create various teapot parts on the pottery wheel and construct their very own teapot. Techniques that will be covered include creating different lid types, teapot forms, spouts, handles, and how to properly join all the elements to create a well-functioning teapot. In addition, Jotham will show how to make drinking vessels for tea, including yunomi and chawan. Students will have the option to make these forms off-the-hump or individually on the wheel with the consideration for creating a whole tea set. Jotham will be teaching these techniques off-the-hump. We will also discuss historical considerations of tea culture, explore forms from different eras, and end the class with a collaboration with local teahouse Steep LA to enjoy our finished teapots together.
This class is designed for students with some throwing experience and should be able to center at least 2 to 3 lbs of clay comfortably. Throwing consistently and uniform will be another goal to achieve throughout this 4 week course. At the end of this class, you’ll have more quality, variety, and refinement in your personal body of work.
- Week 1:
- Throwing teapot bodies and lids off-the-hump
- Week 2:
- Throwing spouts and making handles, joining all the parts
- Week 3:
- Throwing tea-cups, yunomi, and chawan
- Week 4: extended for firing
- Glazing your teapots + Tea Ceremony at Steep LA- tea ceremony tickets are available if interested in joining
