Making & Using Terra Sigillatas with Rhonda Willers

Explore the ancient art of fine clay slips, from raw clay to layered, colorful surfaces. Join us for a two-day workshop making and using terra sigillatas! We will create base and colored terra sigillatas to apply to test tiles and test forms you create. Terra sigillata is a fine clay slip that has deep historical roots and traditions. It can be used at any temperature range. Terra sigillata colors are vast and can be layered and enhanced resulting in a multitude of possibilities. We will use base terra sigillata to create and explore colored terra sigillatas through patterns, layered designs, and surfaces. This workshop expands beyond the technique and creates an environment encouraging creative inquiry. Students should bring their love of exploration, creative risk-taking, and, of course, their favorite brushes, clay tools, sketchbooks and supplies. Students are asked to bring: • Basic ceramic tools: wire tool, carving tools, fettling knife • Variety of soft bristle brushes (like Hake style brushes) • Small textural stamps and sgraffito tools (optional) • Rubber ribs (Mudtools red and green or similar) • 1-cup measuring cup • Teaspoon set that includes: 1/8 tsp, 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 TBS • Personal respirator or mask (Powerhouse will have spare KN95 masks) • Nitrile/plastic gloves for hands that are sensitive to materials Powerhouse will provide: • Clay for test tiles • Raw materials for making base and colored terra sigillatas • 8 oz containers for students to make line blends • Other supportive supplies for the workshop About the Instructor: Rhonda Willers is an artist with a multi-discipline art practice that includes ceramics, mixed media, drawing, painting, and time-based installations. She is the author of the book Terra Sigillata: Contemporary Techniques, host of the podcast The Artist in Me Is Dead, former president of the board of directors for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, and her writing is featured in The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad. She lives and works in rural Elk Mound, Wisconsin, with her husband, three children, and two cats. Registration for our classes and workshops are non-refundable. No refunds, credits, or make-up sessions will be provided for cancellations or missed classes. 322 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA [email protected]