Day 1: Introduction to Design and Initial Construction

Morning Session: Introduction and Design 

• Welcome and Presentation

• Austin introduces the workshop and shares insights on ceramic furniture design.

• Understanding Material Properties

• Presentation on slab shrinkage and interior structure considerations for furniture.

• Design Exploration

• Students sketch 3 to 4 design ideas. Austin provides feedback on which designs may work best for first-time furniture makers.

Afternoon Session: Maquettes and Initial Construction 

• Creating Miniatures

• Students spend time sculpting 2 or 3 maquettes based on their design sketches.

• Austin discusses the learning process and the balance between the final piece and the maquette.

• Beginning the Furniture Piece

• Students start their main projects by creating base slabs and engaging in coil building.

• Austin demonstrates proper building techniques, focusing on:

• Rolling and compressing slabs to prevent warping, sinking, and cracking.

• Crafting and attaching coils for maximum strength and efficiency.

Day 2: Furniture Fabrication

All-Day: Building and Support Structures 

• Main Furniture Construction

• This day is dedicated to the fabrication of the furniture pieces.

• Austin guides students on adding internal supports, ensuring that all pieces have proper structural integrity.

• Techniques for Enclosing Furniture

• Instruction on how to effectively enclose furniture designs, including flipping tables if necessary.

• Students are encouraged to refine their maquettes if they wish to keep them as part of the learning experience.

Day 3: Surface Refinement and Finishing

Morning Session: Surface and Completion Techniques 

• Refining the Furniture

• Austin discusses techniques for refining furniture pieces, including closing any openings and smoothing surfaces.

• Guidance on when to flip tables and prepare them for the drying phase.

• Drying Process

• Instruction on successful drying techniques and how to prepare pieces for loading into the kiln.

Afternoon Session: Firing and Finishing

• Kiln Firing Schedules

• Austin explains kiln firing schedules and provides his own for reference.

• Surface Finishing Options

• Discussion on various surface finish options for large furniture pieces, considering both aesthetic and functional aspects.

• Loading and Transporting Pieces

• Austin assists students in loading their completed pieces into vehicles for transport to their next destination.

Outcome:
By the end of the workshop, participants will have successfully crafted a one-of-a-kind ceramic furniture piece, having navigated the entire process from conceptual design to material selection, construction, and finishing techniques. Through hands-on practice, they will gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical challenges and creative possibilities involved in ceramic furniture-making. Participants will:

• Master Essential Ceramic Techniques: Learn and apply foundational skills such as slab construction, coil building, and the use of internal supports to create durable and functional pieces.

• Understand Material Properties: Deepen their understanding of clay behavior, such as shrinkage, warping, and cracking, and learn how to manipulate these properties to ensure the longevity and stability of their work.

• Learn Adaptive Problem-Solving: By troubleshooting construction issues like warping, cracking, and weight distribution, participants will learn how to think critically about their furniture design and how to make adjustments as needed.

• Navigate the Firing Process: Learn about kiln schedules, firing temperatures, and proper drying techniques, empowering them to manage the critical stages of firing and prevent issues during the drying process.

In addition to acquiring technical skills, participants will leave the workshop with the confidence to approach future projects independently, armed with a thorough understanding of the complexities involved in large-scale ceramic works and furniture design.

Below is the information about SSNYC Firing service guidelines and fees:

-Drying Time 4 weeks / Storage fee for Greenware pieces $60 (4 weeks) 

Additionally SSNYC requires a refundable security deposit of $55. The deposit will be refunded upon the pick up of the piece. Work will be discarded 1 week after the pick up date appointment.

-Firing Fees:

0.06 cents per cubic inch cone 06

0.06 cents per cubic inch cone 6

0.12 cents per cubic inch cone 10

Studio access Fee for glaze application: $130