Kate Marotz Workshop: Coil and Pinch

Workshop: October 24th and October 25th 10am-4pm Both Days $250 non-members $225 Members  *Bring a bag lunch

We are delighted to be hosting Kate Marotz for a solo exhibition; artist talk and a 2 day weekend workshop. Kate is an extremely talented ceramic artist specializing in hand built sculptural forms. Her beautiful surfaces are a combination of stoneware, fine slip (Terra Sigillata) and borax to bring out a speckle texture. She draws inspiration from her surroundings which happen to be our own state of Wisconsin!  Kate is the current president of WI Craft, She has exhibited throughout the country and is published in Ceramics Monthly and Pottery Making Illustrated.

Come join us and learn from this amazing artist.

Schedule:

• One-day: The first day of the workshop will focus on coil and pinch construction. The tools and techniques Kate uses will be introduced, giving participants time to create using the demonstrated processes. A variety of handles and trimming kurinuki-style will be covered during the first day.

• Two-day: The second day of the workshop will focus on terra sigillata (a fine particle slip application with added color) Participants will be provided with videos, recipes, and a guide that Kate wrote to help you create your own terra sigillata. Additionally, the use of washes will be discussed and demonstrated to show how to achieve an atmospheric look to electric fired work. Students will need to bring a bone dry piece using cone 6 clay for this hands on application. 

Kate Marotz Artist Statement

The role of ceramic pots in daily life serves as a source of inspiration in my continued exploration of functional ware. 

I make functional stoneware pots that formally draw from rural Wisconsin’s cocoons/chrysalides, bones, and seed pods. On long walks in Wisconsin’s landscape, I find joy in the smaller details of the land: stones, wild flowers, birds nests, and tree bark become focal points of my excursions. Incorporating these surfaces, forms, and patterns in my work is my invitation to join me in the intimate moment of discovery.

I use a coil and pinch technique to highlight joinery and record the interaction of fingers and pliable clay. Stacked concave curves evolve into rhythmic forms with handles that reinforce the illusion of accordion-like compression. I am interested in the volume and negative space created by the repetition of these curves as well as the interplay created when multiple pieces are in proximity to one another. Every vantage point of each piece reveals information, rewarding the investigative user. 

My terra sigillata color palette is that of wild flowers, animal bones, leaves, and stones. Subtle and distinct color shifts encourage closer inspection, consideration and reflection. Simple patterns disrupt the visuals of the forms, maintaining their path, unaffected by the undulations of the form. Borax washes add quiet patterned layers and bone-like speckling. The care and thoughtfulness invested in creation is a celebration of my genuine interest in the details of daily life.

Please click the links to learn more about Kate Marotz

https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/ican-membership/artist/marotz-kate

https://artaxis.org/artist/kate-marotz/

Special Notes.

• Note: This Class is held on the second floor and there are stairs to access the classroom
• Bring a bone dry piece using a cone 6 clay for the second day terra sigullata application
• Small class size will allow for individual attention
• Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
• Bring a bag lunch. Coffee, tea and water will be provided
• Free 4 hour Parking in back 2 hour street parking (we will take a break at 12/12:30 for lunch