Mould Making and Slip Casting Workshop

Class Description

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 - 10am - 3.30pm (with half an hour break for lunch) 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 1pm - 4pm 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. Materials: Materials including clay, plaster and slip will be supplied by OPC. Students will need: Throwing tools – ribs, sponges, chamois, shaping tools (anything that is in your regular tool kit) Dust mask (optional but recommended) Notepad and pencil for note taking and sketching Fettling knife, brushes for surface decoration and a finishing sponge. Please bring your lunch with you on the first day. 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 visit to New Zealand, and she is excited to learn about the country, the culture, the pottery, and the artists. Her website is www.modcrmx.com.