The complete digital masterclass for potters ready to leave behind frustration and finally feel confident in the world of clay.
So What is Clay Foundations?
Clay Foundations is a digitally produced Masterclass series structured into six-modules of over 35 episodes of pottery education. We've been quietly building this for the past year, and invested seriously to create it- because we want to serve those who are ready to take clay seriously.
Clay Foundations is Mathom House's first complete masterclass and will be the curriculum that anchors everything else in our virtual workshop library.
Clay Foundations gives you the unshakeable base every great potter needs to builds on.
At Mathom House Studios, we believe in craftsmanship in all things. Including the production of this course series.
Inside you'll see:
- Three Cinematic Camera angles throughout the series that show you exactly what is happening, all at once.
- Professional audio and editing. Enjoy crystal clear audio, and student considered editing so everything you see and hear is as enjoyable as it is informative.
- Designed for self-paced learners with structured live touch points (yes, you get face time with Will).
- We dive deep. Most courses are made to be quick- this course does not gloss over processes- when it counts, we show you every step in real time.
- You receive Lifetime access. Buy once. Yours forever. All Future updates and add-ons included.
- Clay Foundations is the ONLY virtual pottery course designed to replace an entire university level ceramics curriculum in it's scope and depth of topic coverage.
Curriculum Walkthrough
Module 1: Orientation
Episode 1: Welcome to Class
Episode 2: 6 Steps to Success - Will's Story
Episode 3: Course Overview and Goals
Episode 4: Supplies and Gear (What you need, and do not)
Episode 5: Ceramic Vocab, Shared
Language, and Beginner's Mindset.
Episode 6: Studio Workflow and Safety
Episode 7: How to Succeed with this Course
Module 2: All About Clay
Episode 1: What is Clay? - a geological, historical, and cultural breakdown of clay and its role in our lives.
Episode 2: Clay Types and Behavior- a deep dive on clay types and how each behaves.
Episode 3: Proper Clay Preparation- surfaces, wedging, and storage.
Episode 4: Clay Drying Stages- and what happens at each.
Episode 5: Drying Management - how to avoid drying to quickly, and how to create reclaim surfaces, and damp box.
Episode 6: - Clay Recycling - how to reclaim your clay effectively even in small studio without a pugmill.
Module 3: Fundamentals of Handbuilding
Episode 1: Handbuilding Basics - definitions, examples, essential tool and gear lists, and essential techniques overview. (how to score, slip & join)
Episode 2: Pinch Pots - overview and demonstration of pinching, and how to make variety of different pots via the pinch method.
Episode 3: How to Coil Build - how to properly create and and use clay coils to build pottery vessels. Extruder type Breakdown.
Episode 4: Building with Slabs- stiff and soft slab construction techniques including How to make a perfectly even slab with only your hands, and proper compression techniques.
Module 4: Fundamentals of Wheel Throwing
Episode 1: Meet the Machine - Gear you need, Tool to have, and Wheel Anatomy to know.
Episode 2: The Principles of Wheel Throwing - how to center, open, pull, and shape with confidence every time.
Episode 3: Making Functional Forms - a discussion on form philosophy and ergonomics paired with a full demonstration on how to design and throw a Mug, a Bowl, and a Plate.
Episode 4: Trimming and Finishing- trimming tools and their uses, foot styles and purpose, how to trim effectively.
Module 5: Surface Design
Episode 1: What is a Glaze? - defining the components of a glaze, how they are different from underglazes, and deciphering commercial glaze labels
Episode 2: Glaze Application Methods - deep dive and demonstration of how to brush, dip, and pour glaze on your pottery effectively
Episode 3: All on Underglazes - a breakdown of underglazes and what they are exactly- demonstration of how to use underglazes, and the creative possibilities that exist.
Episode 4: Common Glaze Issues- and all about how to fix and avoid them!
Module 6: Buying, Firing, and Maintaining Kilns
Episode 1: Interview with Clay King! - part 1 with Tricia Woodland; how to choose the right kiln for you (brand breakdown and model selection guide)
Episode 2: Interview with Clay King! - part 2 with Mike Mahon; how to prepare your studio for a kiln (electrical, ordering, delivery)
Episode 3: Anatomy of a Kiln - a tour of an electric kiln, its parts, what they do, and how to maintain them.
Episode 4: Loading and Firing Your Kiln - proper loading and firing practices for both bisque and glaze- and kiln controller walkthrough.