Mold Making and Slip Casting Workshop

Open to the Public

workshop

Sunday October 19th and Sunday October 26th 9.00am-3pm/ and 9.00-1pm

Price:$170

Enrollment date: Monday, September 8th 8am

Tutor: Liz Heller

About:  

Wheel to Mold: A Two-Day Pottery & Slip Casting Workshop
Discover the magic of transforming wheel-thrown forms into reusable molds in this hands-on two-day ceramic workshop creating functional vessels that combine the aesthetics of hand-made pottery with slip-cast precision.

This class is open to all skill levels, a basic understanding of centering and throwing on the wheel is a plus, no experience in mold-making or slip-casting necessary.

 Day 1 – From Clay to Mold
Start at the potter’s wheel, where you'll throw simple, solid forms under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Then, learn how to create a one-part plaster slip-casting mold directly from your freshly thrown piece — capturing your original shape in a lasting, consistent form.

Day 2 – Casting & Reproduction
Return to your custom mold and dive into the art of slip casting. You’ll learn how to prepare slip, pour and time your casts, and safely demold your pieces. Leave with multiple versions of your original form and a deeper understanding of ceramic reproduction techniques.

Students will need: Throwing tools – ribs, sponges, chamois, shaping tools (anything that is in your regular throwing tool kit) Dust mask (optional) Notepad and pencil for note taking and sketching, Clay without grog , fettling knife, brushes for surface decoration (if we play with color) and a finishing sponge.

 Bio:

Your instructor: Liz Heller is an Associate Art Professor at Colorado Mountain College in Aspen, CO, US. Liz learned how to slip cast while getting her MFA in Sculpture then turned it into a profession once she learned how to 3d print her own designs while an Artist in Residence at The Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, CO in 2014. Since then, Liz has used various digital fabrication techniques to design her originals and has recently developed this technique for her beginning mold making students, which she now uses in her own studio practice. This will be Liz’s first-time visiting New Zealand and is so excited to learn about the country, the culture, the pottery and the artists. Her website is www.modcrmx.com.

Please note:
Please bring food for a shared lunch
Clean up times are within the hours allocated for class time
If a workshop is unable to go ahead on the planned date due to the tutor being Covid positive, we will reschedule these events to a later date. Refunds will only be possible if no suitable alternative date can be found

By purchasing a place in this class, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Health & Safety Procedures.