Creating Differently: Ceramic Hand Building Through the Lens of Neurodiversity

With Nathan Himes

July 9 - 14, 2023

Location: Grunewald Guild Pottery Studio

What will class time be like?: On days One and Two we will be creating slab-built boxes through guided demonstrations, concepts, and design elements that aim to help us understand and express our individual neurodiversity through art. At the same time, we will be learning the techniques of hand-building with clay. On days Three and Four we will focus on finishing techniques, using oxides and washes to highlight details on our individual designs. We will also be doing some neurodiversity-affirming activities throughout our time together.

Will I need to work outside of class?: Yes, participants wishing to create complex or ambitious projects should expect to spend additional time working outside of class.

What can I expect to create?: Participants can expect to create a minimum of one slab-built decorated and lidded box. We will use colored oxide washes instead of glaze. Participants may also have the chance to create relief tiles, should time allow.

Do I need experience to take this class?: All experience levels welcome, including beginners

What do I need to bring to class?: Sketchbook; studio clothing; personal hand-building tools (optional)

Minimum age of participants: 18

Required deposit: $200

  • Commuter – $100.00
  • Cabin – $980.00
  • Hilltop House King Private Room + Private Bath – $930.00
  • Hilltop House Queen Private Room + Shared Bath – $880.00
  • Hilltop Private Room (Full + Two Twins) + Shared Bath – $830.00
  • Private Queen Room + Shared Bath – $780.00
  • Private Twin Room + Shared Bath – $780.00
  • Shared Room + Shared Bath – $505.00
  • Yurt – $605.00
  • Library Dorm – $380.00
  • RV with Electric: 125V/30 Amp – $380.00
  • RV with Electric: 25V/20 Amp – $380.00
  • Personal Tent or Car Camping – $330.00

Neurodiversity describes the idea that all people think, behave, and interact in the world around them in different ways.  Within the scope of neurodiversity is Neurodivergent, a term used to describe those with neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD), Dyslexia, and other mental or neurological conditions.

This class will be led by an instructor who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and belongs to a family with a range of Neurodivergent conditions. In this class, we will create slab- and coil-based hand-built pottery while learning techniques, processes, steps, and concepts.  Together, we will learn the nature of clay while observing how this could be done through the perspective of a neurodiverse and neurodivergent affirming artist. All projects and designs will aim to be mindful of and embrace the fact that all brains and neuro-diverse people can share how they think, interact and belong in the world through artistic imagery and expression.

All neuro-diversities and pottery experience levels are welcome to join this class.

About the Faculty

Nathan Himes

Nathan grew up in the Pacific Northwest just outside of Seattle. He graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a BFA, emphasis in sculpture and ceramics. He has worked as a pottery instructor teaching kids and adults as well as a retail manager and kiln technician at Clay Art Center in Tacoma. Five years ago Nathan […]

Learn more about Nathan Himes

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