The medieval “trencher” was a piece of stale bread that eventually evolved into the familiar ceramic dinner plates we know today. Artist Brett Thomas will demonstrate different methods for making his contemporary trenchers – rustic tableware hand-built from thick slabs of clay. This workshop will focus on the overall form of the trencher including the foot, body, lip, and edge. Learn to create textures through tearing, carving, and shaping techniques. Each student will receive a thick slab of creek clay that the instructor has prepped beforehand, so we can use our two days more efficiently. All together as a class, we will learn how to prepare a thick chunky slab for our second trencher. We will dry your slab to start the tearing process on day two of the workshop.

Each student will leave the workshop with two completed trenchers in the green ware state. The instructor will provide directions regarding glaze application and decoration, as well as firing processes. Please bring a piece of your own work to share and discuss! Brett will bring a few of his own pieces as well.