Join us for an intensive 2-day masterclass where Teacher Kwak will share and teach the traditional techniques of Korean wheel throwing in a focused and engaging format. Classes will be taught by Teacher Kwak with his two apprentices, providing an excellent teacher to student ratio. Experience a unique and immersive opportunity designed for pottery enthusiasts.

An Exclusive Masterclass Led by Teacher Kwak

This masterclass welcomes participants of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced potters. While the core curriculum is accessible to everyone, we provide personalized 1:1 guidance to cater to each individual’s level and aspirations throughout the class.

This course distills the essence of Korean throwing philosophy and deconstructs each step in the making process to provide a clear, direct, and repeatable framework for participants to follow. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and will be given the opportunity to see the master demonstrate a form they are interested in outside of our curriculum.

Topics covered:

• History and context of the Korean approach to clay sourcing, storage and preparation
• Spiral wedging (Gomak-milgi) and closing the spiral into a cylindrical form for more efficient centering
• Fundamentals of centering a large mass of clay for throwing off the hump, with emphasis on relaxing the clay for better clay response
• Exploration of sabal (teabowl) making, with a breakdown of steps to better understand each phase of the making process and finger placements
• Korean style trimming demo using handmade tools and understanding the harmonic relationship between throwing and trimming in relation to the final form
• Developing a more discerning “eye” for line and form by separating the structural and shaping phases of throwing
• Demo of cylinders, plates, and teapots off the hump with advanced techniques
• Large sabal (bowl), hangari (Jars), dalhangari (Moon Jar, 2 piece joining technique)
• Buncheong decorating techniques: Dipping Buncheong and Brushing Buncheong
• Discussion on developing a ‘practice’ on your own and progression outline for self-study.

Daily Schedule: 
10:00am-1:00pm
Lunch Break
2:30pm-5:30PM

Masterclass Includes:

• High-quality stoneware clay
• A comprehensive tool set valued at $50 for each student, including 4 wooden tools, 2 metal ribs, and 1 shammy tool
• Translation by Teacher Kwak’s apprentice
• Basic communal tools (feel free to bring your own)
• Snacks, coffee, and tea available throughout the day

Please Note: Firing service is not included; if you wish to fire your pieces an additional fee will apply based on the size of the items.

This class takes place at Groundworks East (3063 E. Sterling Cir.)

Ages: 16+

This book combines the soft opening of a leather spine with the sturdy firmness of board covers. The completed book opens nearly perfectly flat making it an ideal book for your journal writing or drawing. Creating your book involves sewing folded signatures through a leather spine with the long stitch. We will begin by getting acquainted with paper grain and its importance for the finished book. We will cover the boards of the book with decorative paper and once dry we'll drill holes in the covers to prepare for sewing. The leather spine will also need holes for sewing which we will pierce with an awl or drill. Paper signatures will be folded and pierced and then we'll take a short break for lunch. After lunch we will learn to sew the long stitch to bind the book. Covers will then be sewn onto the leather spine piece. By the end of the workshop, you will have completed your book, and have the skill to make more on your own. Class fee includes all materials we use to make a book: leather for the spine, a sheet of decorative paper to cover boards, paper for your signatures, a pair of pre-cut cover boards, glue, and waxed-linen thread. Please bring your own basic bookbinder's toolkit: bonefolder, pencil, awl, Xacto knife, scissors, ruler, and a bookbinder's needle. If you don't have any of these, the BAL will have student tools to share.

If you are a BAL member please reach out to registration@groundworksartlab.org for a $10 off discount. 

Ages: 16+

This class takes place at Groundworks East (3063 E. Sterling Cir)

Class will be available for registration December 8th at 8:00am.