Workshops at Pullen Arts Center

Colored Clay: Basics and Beyond with Chris Campbell

August 25-29
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Pullen Arts Center

Do you think colored clay is too difficult, too expensive or too limiting? Join me for this exciting workshop where you can explore the possibilities of using color in your pottery work. While basic hand building skills are needed, you do not have to have experience with coloring clay. I encourage collaboration so you can share and learn new techniques. Supplies will be available for purchase onsite. Chris Campbell is a North Carolina potter who has been creating Nerikomi porcelain Artwork since 1991. She is known for her inventive use of brilliant colors and her unique bold designs. She has taught Nerikomi skills in her Workshops across the USA and Canada. She has written many articles on this subject and her pieces have been included in many show and collections.

What Can I Expect in this Workshop?

My former students will tell you that you can expect to be very tired by Friday!

We start class every day at 9 a.m. and work through until 5-6 p.m. in the afternoon. We break for lunch for about an hour.

I provide each student with a handbook for note taking and a cutting wire.

During the day I present teaching demonstrations that are interactive. You are encouraged to ask questions or to ask me to repeat a point you don’t understand.

Afterwards you get time to practice what you just learned. I am available at all times for questions and general information.

You will find many of your fellow students have various levels of experience. I have always found the degree of sharing in my Workshops to be very high. You can always ask for help and assist others.

It takes a lot of time to make a Nerikomi piece, so attention to detail at all times is very important. It is a mindful step by step process that should not be rushed. I want you to have wonderful results.

I have NO SECRETS. If I know the answer to a question I will tell you.  If I don’t know, I will try to look it up for you.

I think it would be pointless not to share my experience. I love to see my students go beyond what I have taught and forge their own paths in color.

What is a Regular Workshop Schedule?

Every one of my workshops are unique.

I always begin with my basic outline/goals for the workshop. These are the basic skills I want to pass on.

The fun part is that these plans often get "edited" by the students’ requests. We still get the basics done but sometimes change gears a bit.

My basic idea for this workshop is to make sure everyone creates a successful piece of Nerikomi pottery even if it is their first time working with colored porcelain.

Each day we alternate demonstrations by me with work times for you. We will have a few low firings of the kiln and a final high firing of the glazed pieces.

The workshop officially ends at 5 p.m., but the facility stays open late. You can grab dinner then come back and work. Most students choose to do this. Most nights I will be there late, working on the next days’ demos.

Are There Workshop Rules?

1.    Don't put up with not knowing, please ask! There are no dumb questions.

2.    Don't arrive late in the morning. I start teaching at 9 a.m.

3.    Don't answer your cell phone in the room. Go out into the hall. Better yet, put your phone on silent.

4.    Don't loudly share. If you are having an excellent conversation you might want to take it out into the hall so as not to disturb those nearby who are trying to concentrate.

5.    Don't lose sight of any tools I borrow, I am notorious for walking away with them.

-Chris Campbell

Is There a Supply List?

If you have limited luggage space, advise Chris so she can bring extra items for your use. 

• Favorite hand building tools 
• Needle tool, scissors, ribs, sponges
• Any 2 rulers/paint stir sticks etc. of the same thickness
• Large and small rolling pin or pony roller 
• Exacto knife or similar cutting tool
• A couple 1 inch wide, flat brushes
• Spray bottle 
• Quilting ruler 
• A spliner (tool for fixing screens found in hardware stores)
• Gallon and quart size plastic bags – approx. 6-8 of each 
• 6-8  old cloths for wrapping work in progress
• Small covered container to hold slip
• Approx. 24” square non-stick/non-slip work surface 
• Several dry-cleaner bags or plastic bags for overnight storage

Optional items you might like:
Sherrill Cutting Tool (retails between $26-$30), small handheld extruder and dies, disposable latex type gloves.