COLOR in CLAY REVOLUTION
I have recently begun exploring the use of Skinner Blends with real clay. As many of you might already know, Judith Skinner invented this process in 1992 as a way to color polymer clays. I began thinking of how it could be translated to porcelain and clay. Turns out, it works very well.
Coloring clay this way is so fast and easy that most students have mastered it during the first few hours so we can spend the rest of the workshop time learning to use the colors in our work.
I have decided to concentrate my future Workshops on this process since it holds so much potential for development. I, for one, am totally thrilled by this new area and will spend the next few years working on new ways to use it.
My workshops teach newest methods of coloring clay, mixing slips, creating secondary colors, fading colors, creating murrini patterns, using these patterns, layering slips and carving through them, sprigging with slips and melding all these techniques. They can be tailored to all levels of potters.
"For anyone who hasn't taken a workshop with Chris and you are just thinking about doing it...quit pondering and JUST DO IT...You won't be sorry... this was a great week long class. It was well worth the time, money and adventure to get there and see how Chris makes her beautiful pieces."
Valerie McIntyre
CLICK here to find an upcoming Workshop
CLICK here to see work made by former students
CLICK here to see images from a workshop
“ When I signed up for the workshop, I knew I would learn something useful, but didn’t really think I would want to use your techniques in my own work. All I’ve done since then is think about what patterns I can make and how to use them.”
Carmela Picone
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FACILITY REQUIREMENTS
The main requirement is worktable space for students similar to any hand building workshop. Weekend sessions do not require a kiln or slab roller.
“ WOW!" For those of you who missed Chris Campbell’s Colored Clay Workshop, take it if you have another opportunity ... Chris did a fantastic job of explaining her technique of coloring the clay and stacking it to develop patterns that can be used at once and also saved for future use ...
She was very free with her knowledge in all areas of pottery as well as with her own techniques and strongly encouraged us to use these methods in our own work. The workshop was made even more enjoyable by the fact that Chris obviously enjoyed teaching. A wonderful time was had by all.”
CDA, Norfolk VA
My Pre-NCECA Colored Clay workshop at the Clayart Center in Port Chester NY. I had an awesome group of talented participants who produced some very lovely colored loaves.
"Thank you for a great experience this weekend. Your passion and your knowledge shined through and I just absorbed (hopefully) so much. I can't wait to go the studio and try some options. I also appreciated the atmosphere of fun and learning you created during the workshop." Anne Halligan-Luca
"I wanted to email you to tell you how wonderful the workshop was! I am so excited about the new possibilities that are now open to me. I am now confident about using color in my porcelain jewelry. The workshop was just exactly what I needed to get the creative juices flowing in that new direction.” Barbara Tilley
"I was swimming laps yesterday and the sunlight on the bottom of the pool looked like murrinis to me. They are everywhere! Thanks for a week of nonstop information and inspiration." Eleanor Broaded
WORKSHOP REFERENCES
Rockingham Community College - Patricia Harden 336-342-4261
Ceramic Designers Association - Susan Yager 757-595-3185
Sawtooth Center for Visual Art - Warren Moyer, 336-723-7395
John C. Campbell Folk School - Mike Lalonde 828-837-2775
Clay Art Center, Port Chester - Leigh Taylor Mickelson 914-937-2047
Potters Council - Carolyn Dorr 614-794- 5824
Touchstone Center for Crafts - Meghan Feather 724-329-1370
Art at the Ranch - Randi Harper 425-870-7850
STUDENTS’ MATERIALS LIST:
WEEKEND WORKSHOP:
Needle tool, scissors, ruler.
one natural sponge – NOT synthetic
Rolling pin or small pony roller
Teaspoon scoop or melon ball scoop
Exacto knife or similar cutting tool
Plastic t-square (or something for making right angles)
3-4 flat brushes, 1 inch wide,
(cheap ones you find in hardware stores)
Gallon size plastic bags – approx. 8 of each
several old cloths
Small covered container to hold slip
Canvas or other non slip, non stick work surface
Disposable latex type gloves (if desired)
Old postcard or piece of heavier paper
Several dry-cleaner bags or plastic bags
INSTRUCTOR WILL PROVIDE
Cut off wire materials
Slats for slicing clay
Illustrated Workbook
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Photos courtesy of Sally McCollum, Eve Butts, Amy Wandless, Kathie Breckenridge and Randi Harper.
