Instructor: Ryder Gordon
Saturdays
November 15, 22 & December 13
1pm - 4pm
3 sessions

Students will explore the mold-making process! We will learn how to make three types of plaster molds for clay: (1) press molds, (2) hump/slump molds, and (3) slip cast molds. This workshop will consist of three class days over three Saturdays from 1pm -4pm.
Day 1 students will be introduced to the mold making process, review the objects students hope to cast, and cast simple one-piece molds.
Day 2 we will test our small molds from the previous class, then jump into mold-making for slip casting (multi-piece molds).
Day 3 will include cleaning up our molds and doing our initial slip-cast tests with clay. You will go home with at least 2 usable molds for your studio practice (depending on size/complexity).

Students will be provided with 25 pounds of plaster each and all tools required for the workshop. Students should bring: a particulate respirator (P100) or N95 mask, as well as a few potential objects to cast.

Ryder grew up in the Boston area, where he was introduced to the potter’s wheel at a young age. He graduated with a degree in art education and ceramics from UMass Dartmouth. He has studied wood, gas, and soda firing with Chris Gustin and Chris Smith, as well as raku with Stephen Branfman (to name only a few!). Ryder has instructed and assisted at The Potter’s Shop and School in Needham, Peter’s Valley School of Craft, and Castle Hill Center for the Arts. Ryder’s work is defined by pushing the limits of what can be accomplished both on and off the potter’s wheel. He creates functional pottery with shapes that bulge, grow, and swirl as well as more decorative coil-built vessels. Ryder uses glaze and atmospheric firing to highlight his complex forms, creating dynamic surfaces.