Create a sculptural bonsai container by hand in this two-part ceramic workshop at Bentwood Nursery in Laura Dufala’s studio. Using slab-building techniques and rich brown clay, participants will design and build a shallow, one-of-a-kind bonsai vessel that balances function with artistic expression. Inspired by traditional bonsai aesthetics as well as contemporary ceramic form, this workshop encourages organic shapes, subtle asymmetry, texture, and landscape-inspired surfaces rather than rigid symmetry or conventional pottery forms. Participants will be invited to think about the character and feeling of a future bonsai while shaping their container—whether windswept, quiet and balanced, rugged, or terrain-like in form. A selection of authentic bonsai container books and references will be available during the workshop for inspiration and design exploration. Part One: Build Participants will design and hand-build a custom bonsai container no larger than 6” x 4” using slab-building techniques with rich brown clay. How to roll and compress slabs evenly Cutting and assembling walls for clean joints Creating drainage holes (essential for bonsai health) Adding feet and structural support Surface texture or simple decorative elements Skills level: Beginner–Intermediate Duration: ~2–3 hours Part Two: Glaze: After drying, participants return to glaze and finish container. Choose glaze Techniques: brushing, dipping, or layering How glaze affects texture and final color Functional glazing considerations (interior vs exterior) Duration: ~1.5–2 hours Materials & Tools Included Brown clay Rolling slabs/tools (rollers, ribs, knives) Slip & scoring tools Glazes Brushes and glazing tools Cost: $150, includes two sessions, all materials and firing. Pickup: First week in October at the Gresham Japanese Garden Kyoudou Center.
