Hosted by West Michigan Clay and Pottworks Studio
Dates:
Unloading & Clean-up: Saturday, June 20 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Times: Full-day immersion; attendees will sign up for one 6-hour stoking shift.
Level: Advanced
Cost: $400
Workshop Description
Join us for an immersive three-day wood-firing workshop led by internationally acclaimed artist John Dix, supported by West Michigan Clay and Pottworks Studio.
Day 1, Friday: Preparation & Community
We begin by glazing, wadding, and loading our bisqued work into "Seraphina," our 90-sq-foot cross-draft catenary arch kiln. This day is about preparation and connection. At 6:00pm, we will share a potluck meal, followed by a public artist talk at 7:00pm, where John will discuss his creative process and his work with Fieldwork Japan.
Day 2, Saturday: The Fire & The Form
After bricking the door and lighting the kiln, the firing begins. While attendees rotate through stoking shifts, John will lead in-depth demonstrations focusing on wheel-throwing, form-altering, and slab techniques. Participants will also gain hands-on experience with Kurinuki, the traditional Japanese technique of carving functional forms from solid blocks of clay.
Day 3, Sunday: Firing to Finish
The final day focuses on the intensity of the firing. John will continue his demonstrations as we push Seraphina to temperature (projected for midnight Sunday). Once the kiln is shut down, participants depart for the week to allow for a slow cool.
The Reveal (June 20)
We reconvene the following Saturday at 10:00am to unload. We will celebrate the firing results with a final potluck, discuss the surface effects achieved, and work together to clean the kiln and kiln furniture.
About the Instructor
John Dix is a Michigan-born ceramic artist who has spent decades honing his craft in Kobe, Japan. Maintaining studios in both Kobe and Sasayama, John’s work is deeply rooted in regional Japanese traditions such as Tamba, Iga, and Bizen. He utilizes local clays and fires in his personal anagama kiln at Fieldwork Japan. His work is exhibited extensively across Japan and internationally.
Required Materials
Bisqueware: Up to 3 cubic feet of work made from Cone 10 clay (varied heights recommended).
Safety Gear: Mask/respirator (for shelf cleaning), leather work gloves, and safety glasses.
Attire: Closed-toed shoes, 100% cotton long-sleeve shirts, and long pants (synthetic fabrics are a fire hazard).
Personal: Notebook for glaze/firing notes, hat or bandana, and earplugs (if camping).
Logistics & Notes
Camping: On-site camping is available June 11–15 and June 19–21.
Studio Access: The studio will be open Thursday for early glazing and preparation. A full kitchen is available for use.
Meals: Includes continental breakfast (Fri–Sun) and lunch/dinner (Fri–Sun). Note: Friday night is a traditional potluck; please bring a dish to share.
Workshop Fee Includes:
3 cubic feet of kiln space (additional space may be available for a fee).
All wadding, glazes, and flashing slips.
Instruction on loading, stoking, and firing a catenary arch kiln.
All demonstrations and John’s Friday evening slide presentation.
Cancellation Terms
At Booking: 75% Refund
95–41 Days Before: 65% Refund
40–31 Days Before: 50% Refund
30–21 Days Before: 35% Refund
20–8 Days Before: 20% Refund
7 Days or Less: Non-refundable
Please note: These fees allow us to cover non-refundable supply purchases and studio prep.
Hosted by West Michigan Clay and Pottworks Studio
Dates:
Unloading & Clean-up: Saturday, June 20 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Times: Full-day immersion; attendees will sign up for one 6-hour stoking shift.
Level: Advanced
Cost: $400
Workshop Description
Join us for an immersive three-day wood-firing workshop led by internationally acclaimed artist John Dix, supported by West Michigan Clay and Pottworks Studio.
Day 1, Friday: Preparation & Community
We begin by glazing, wadding, and loading our bisqued work into "Seraphina," our 90-sq-foot cross-draft catenary arch kiln. This day is about preparation and connection. At 6:00pm, we will share a potluck meal, followed by a public artist talk at 7:00pm, where John will discuss his creative process and his work with Fieldwork Japan.
Day 2, Saturday: The Fire & The Form
After bricking the door and lighting the kiln, the firing begins. While attendees rotate through stoking shifts, John will lead in-depth demonstrations focusing on wheel-throwing, form-altering, and slab techniques. Participants will also gain hands-on experience with Kurinuki, the traditional Japanese technique of carving functional forms from solid blocks of clay.
Day 3, Sunday: Firing to Finish
The final day focuses on the intensity of the firing. John will continue his demonstrations as we push Seraphina to temperature (projected for midnight Sunday). Once the kiln is shut down, participants depart for the week to allow for a slow cool.
The Reveal (June 20)
We reconvene the following Saturday at 10:00am to unload. We will celebrate the firing results with a final potluck, discuss the surface effects achieved, and work together to clean the kiln and kiln furniture.
About the Instructor
John Dix is a Michigan-born ceramic artist who has spent decades honing his craft in Kobe, Japan. Maintaining studios in both Kobe and Sasayama, John’s work is deeply rooted in regional Japanese traditions such as Tamba, Iga, and Bizen. He utilizes local clays and fires in his personal anagama kiln at Fieldwork Japan. His work is exhibited extensively across Japan and internationally.
Required Materials
Bisqueware: Up to 3 cubic feet of work made from Cone 10 clay (varied heights recommended).
Safety Gear: Mask/respirator (for shelf cleaning), leather work gloves, and safety glasses.
Attire: Closed-toed shoes, 100% cotton long-sleeve shirts, and long pants (synthetic fabrics are a fire hazard).
Personal: Notebook for glaze/firing notes, hat or bandana, and earplugs (if camping).
Logistics & Notes
Camping: On-site camping is available June 11–15 and June 19–21.
Studio Access: The studio will be open Thursday for early glazing and preparation. A full kitchen is available for use.
Meals: Includes continental breakfast (Fri–Sun) and lunch/dinner (Fri–Sun). Note: Friday night is a traditional potluck; please bring a dish to share.
Workshop Fee Includes:
3 cubic feet of kiln space (additional space may be available for a fee).
All wadding, glazes, and flashing slips.
Instruction on loading, stoking, and firing a catenary arch kiln.
All demonstrations and John’s Friday evening slide presentation.
Cancellation Terms
At Booking: 75% Refund
95–41 Days Before: 65% Refund
40–31 Days Before: 50% Refund
30–21 Days Before: 35% Refund
20–8 Days Before: 20% Refund
7 Days or Less: Non-refundable
Please note: These fees allow us to cover non-refundable supply purchases and studio prep.
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