Pit Firing: Earth, Flame, and Form Sep 12-Oct 17

Description

Pit Firing: Earth, Flame, and Form with Ben Roti
Experience one of the oldest ceramic firing traditions

Fridays | 9:30AM-12:30PM | 6 Instructor-Led Class Sessions + 6 Open Studio Practice Sessions

Experience one of the oldest ceramic firing traditions in this exploratory class focused on pit firing techniques. Designed for adventurous ceramic artists of all levels, this course will guide students through the process of creating work specifically for atmospheric firing and culminate in a collaborative outdoor pit fire. Students will learn how to prepare their surfaces, apply natural materials, and harness the unpredictable beauty of flame, smoke, and minerals.

What You’ll Learn:

Form Building for Pit Fire: Create simple, elegant forms with burnishing and terra sigillata to emphasize surface effects.
Surface Preparation: Explore polishing, fuming, and masking techniques to prepare pieces for the firing process.
Natural Materials & Loading: Learn how to use organic materials, oxides, and combustible substances to create patterns and color.
Firing & Unloading: Participate in a group pit firing, observing how placement and material choices affect the final results

Class Details:

Limited Enrollment: To ensure individualized instruction and firing space, class size is limited.
Materials Provided: Clay, terra sigillata, and pit fire materials included. Students may bring bisqueware or make new work during class.
Open Studio Time: Students will have access to additional open studio hours for building and burnishing.

Materials & Safety:

Students should wear appropriate outdoor clothing for the firing and bring a sketchbook for planning. Masks and gloves will be provided for handling certain materials.

Age Requirement:

Ceramic classes are designed for persons aged 16 and over, or with instructor approval.

25 0912c BR

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 and Cancellation Policies

Registration

Each student must enroll individually.
Classes must be paid in full upon registration.
Students may register online or call Sedona Arts Center Office at 928-282-3809, Ext 1 or toll free at 866-282-3809 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 Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.

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

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 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

Testimonial Posted: October 2, 2024

~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.

Testimonial Posted: October 2, 2024