Historical-Contemporary Mashup: Reimagining Ancient Forms with a Modern Twist

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Description

Special Topics: Historical-Contemporary Mashup: Reimagining Ancient Forms with a Modern Twist with Ben Roti

Fridays | Jan 17 – Feb 21 |  9 am-12 pm  |  6 Instructor-Led Class Sessions + 6 Open Studio Practice Sessions

In this unique hand-building class, students will explore the fascinating world of historical pottery by reimagining ancient forms and techniques through a contemporary lens. Students will choose an iconic historical pot or ceramic vessel and recreate it using modern materials and personal interpretation. This course blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative design, allowing students to learn from the past while creating something entirely their own.

Prerequisite: Completion of a beginner-level ceramics course.

 

What You’ll Learn:

Historical Inspiration: Select a historical pot or ancient ceramic form to study and reinterpret, learning about its cultural significance, materials, and construction methods.

Handbuilding Techniques: Build your modern version of the historical piece using hand-building methods such as coiling, pinching, and slab construction, as well as integrating new textures and forms.

Modern Design: Discover how to add a contemporary twist to traditional shapes, making the piece your own while respecting the essence of the original design.

Artistic Expression: Learn to blend functional pottery with sculptural elements, creating pieces that reflect both historical reverence and contemporary innovation.

 

Class Details:

Intermediate to Advanced Level: This class is ideal for students who are familiar with hand-building techniques and are eager to dive into more complex projects that combine history and modern creativity.

One-on-One Instruction: Small class sizes ensure personalized guidance throughout the process, from selecting your historical inspiration to completing your unique creation.

 

Included Materials: Tuition includes your first 25-pound bag of clay, glazes, firings, and one open studio session per week.

 

25 0117 BR

Ben Roti

Ben Roti

Ben Roti is a ceramic artist originally from Spirit Lake, IA. He attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, from 2006 to 2010 and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Ceramics. During college, Ben’s ceramic work concentrated on the elements of world conflict culminating in his BFA show, “The Cost of War.” After finishing his BFA, Ben accepted a position as a studio assistant to ceramic artist, Don Reitz in Clarkdale, Arizona. Over several years (2010-2014), Ben had the opportunity to work with Don Reitz in the studio, assist with workshops in Montana and Florida, and was instrumental in the installations of gallery shows in Chicago, Denver, and Kansas City. At the Reitz Ranch, Ben furthered his knowledge in atmospheric firing with wood and salt types as well as a soda kiln in St. Petersburg, FL. He also was a part of constructing and repairing kilns. Since leaving the Reitz Ranch, Ben has returned to creating functional works using low-fire earthenware clay and has begun to develop a new body of work. Using reductive techniques, through sandblasting, Ben is able to build variations and create layers, which are inspired by the results that are commonly seen in atmospheric firing.

Ben currently resides in Camp Verde, Arizona, with his two sons.

First bag of clay included.  Additional bags of clay may be purchased during class for $45 per bag which includes glazing & firing fees.  Enrolled students may also participate in one open studio practice session per week.

Pottery Tools – There are 9-piece tool kits available for purchase in the Ceramics Studio for $15 per kit. Purchase of the tool kit is not required to take the class.

Cancellation Policy

Registration

  • Each student must enroll individually.
  • Classes must be paid in full upon registration.
  • Students may register online or by calling the Sedona Arts Center’s Office at 928-282-3809, ext 1.
  • Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express are accepted or student may pay with cash or check by registering in person during office hours, 9 am – 5 pm, Mon – Fri.

In-Person and Online Classes Cancellation

  • Students must cancel or transfer at least 7 days prior to the first day of class.
  • If a student cancels or transfers before the 7-day cut-off, a 15% fee will be applied.
  • If a student cancels within 7 days prior to class, there are no refunds.
  • If Sedona Arts Center cancels the class for any reason, all payments made will be refunded in full.

Important Message

The Sedona Arts Center is not responsible for providing make-up sessions or issuing refunds, credits, or transfers for courses missed as a result of illness, emergencies, or other events beyond our control. There are absolutely no refunds after the cut-off date for any reason, unless the Sedona Arts Center has to cancel the workshop, then all fees paid will be refunded in full.

~SB

Ben is brilliant. He is sincere, knowledgeable, and helpful

~PK

Ben is very knowledgeable and provides through instructions. I appreciate his attention to detail and effort to help each student. Looking forward to taking another class with him.

~MH

Very knowledgeable about processes

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