Coil Building

October 7-8, Studio T/M, Gainesville, FL

In this hands-on workshop, Osa Atoe will demonstrate coil building techniques passed on to her by South African Zulu potter Jabulile Nala. We will use these methods to create voluminous sculptural vessels that we will then decorate with coils, carving and other methods inspired by various African art and craft traditions. Additionally, Osa will share wild clay samples that she has collected from around the United States including Florida. All materials and lunch provided!

Africa Adorned: Surface Decoration Techniques Inspired by the Continent with David MacDonald

April 1-2, 2023, Harvard Ceramics, Allston, MA

This workshop will consist of fundamental surface decorating techniques used to articulate an African aesthetic. Atoe and MacDonald will share their influences and how they each developed a decorating language that connects them with their heritage. The artists will demonstrate their individual carving techniques used to create rhythmic geometric patterns, including David MacDonald’s method using his handmade ebony wood carving tool.  The artists will also demonstrate how they use slip trailing, stamps, and other techniques to create texture and visual interest. Students are welcome to bring up to four leather hard items to decorate. Leather hard tiles and tools will be made available to those who do not have pots available. For those not enrolled in a course at the Ceramics Program, bisque firing of student work will be made available at a cost of 2 cents per cubic inch. 

Pattern Play (with Jen Allen)

May 2022, Arrowmont School of Crafts

Come play with us! This workshop will focus on translating two dimensional patterns to three dimensional forms. Students will learn aspects of pattern making and are encouraged to bring a collection of pattern images that are inspiring to them. We will make tools to apply patterns to clay slabs and wheel thrown cylinders and create templates/ bisque molds that have patterns already integrated in them. Students will learn how to carve patterns with ease and will learn how to achieve purposeful mark making and varied line quality. They will also learn how to choose slips and glazes that accentuate texture. Participants will leave with a couple of glazed pieces, some bisqueware and a handful of tools to add to their toolbox. Some clay experience is helpful but not necessary.

Artist as Entrepreneur (Virtual)

Saturday, March 5th, Online

Let's adjust our attitudes around money and figure out ways to thrive as artists in an increasingly demanding economy. I'll be sharing my approach to selling pots and running a pottery business with lots of time for Q&A. I'll cover social media marketing, shop drops, retail vs. wholesale and how to choose in-person events wisely.  Sign up: https://kalastein.thinkific.com/courses/Osa-Entrepreneur 

Don't Overthink It: Making a Classic Coffee Cup (Virtual)

May 2020, Companion Gallery

After resisting the "regular" coffee cup form form for years, Osa Atoe realized

that the mugs she reached for in her own cupboard morning after morning were the most basic, no nonsense cylinder mugs with comfy handles. In her workshop, Osa will demonstrate how she throws her mugs, creates handles that are both attractive and comfortable to hold and decorates her surfaces with carving and stamping. She will also share some of her glazing techniques and recipes.

Terracotta Textures: Handbuilding with Clay

Saturday January 29, 2020

10am-4pm Sarasota Clay Company This workshop will be divided into two sections. For the first half of the class, we’ll expand the possibilities of pinch pots by using them to create a hand built teapot. In the second half of the class, we will make our own clay stamps and use them to create fun, personalized textures while slab building. No previous clay experience is necessary. Sign up here.