Groundworks Art Lab

“Totem” stems from the Algonquian meaning “kinship group”

Kinship between the earth (materials- clay and metal) and with one another. In this unique class you will be designing and creating your own totem.  These stacked forms will consist of clay and metal forms.  We suggest you bring in found wire such as copper, brass or steel if you would like to incorporate this kinetic movement into your totem.  

We will look at several examples and have demos on different construction methods (slab, pinch, coil, and ribbon) as well as the surface treatment of your individual beads for your totem.  There also will be an opportunity to make several pieces and exchange pieces with other students to create a different look to your totem, if you so desire.

This class will spend 8 weeks moving between the Metal and Clay Studios, first forming the base and then hand-building clay and blacksmithing metal beads of all shapes and sizes including spacers and totem toppers (birdhouse, birdbath, animal or other forms). This class is beginner-friendly for metal, but some clay hand-building experience is recommended.

Bring your ideas, sketches or images of what you would like to build.  

What to Wear in the Metals Studio?  

You must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing, long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Layers are encouraged, as the studio can be very cold or very hot. 

Welding students are recommended to wear long sleeve shirts to prevent arc-flash burns. Additional protective gear shall be provided as needed. 

Personal Property:  Personal materials will need to go home with you at the end of each class. We do not provide storage. 

All supplies and materials will be provided, but if you have extra elements you'd like to add, students are encouraged to bring them in. 

This class takes place in the hand building studio and metal shop at Groundworks Art Lab Main at 3750 Canfield Street Boulder 

Age 16+

The class moves fast so students must have some prior hand-building experience. No metal experience necessary. 

**Schedule may shift, but it will be 4 weeks in each studio.

This class will be co-taught by Molly Hoverstock (clay) and Sresht Rengesh (metal). 

Class meets weekly on Wednesdays. 

Will be available for registration Monday, March 30 at 8:00am