"Clay Tetris – Handbuilding in Bits and Pieces: Join ceramic artist Wendy Converse for a dynamic handbuilding demonstration that explores her distinctive approach to creating industrial and robotic sculptures. Wendy will share her process of combining slabs, coils, and extruded elements to build complex, sectioned sculptures, along with her process for finishing and firing the works.

We’ll discuss: Creating foundational elements using both soft and leather hard slabs Integrating coils and extrusions to add volume, rhythm and structural support Managing the drying stages during assembly to achieve strong, seamless joints Bringing personality, expression and gestural movement into your work Adding finishing details to bring the whole piece together into a clear, unified vision

As part of the workshop, we will create a single, large group sculpture, using components created by each participant. This workshop is ideal for clay artists looking to expand their handbuilding skills, experiment with form, and discover new ways to think about construction. Whether you’re creating functional ware or sculpture pieces, you’ll leave with new techniques and inspiration to incorporate into your work.

"Wendy has been working in clay for over 20 years. In 2014, she moved from Massachusetts to the tiny town of Salem, SC with the goal of spending more time focusing on her art and family. Since setting up her own studio and becoming involved in the woodfire community, her work has quickly evolved into her own unique style. “I have always been excited by old structures. I love to explore how time and life wears down even the most unyielding of materials… rocks carved by wind and rain; steel that was once unwavering reduced to paper thin. And yet, little details shine through the decay giving us a glimpse of the past. This is the jumping off point for much of my artwork.”