Description

We're sorry, but this class is over. The last meeting was Sunday, October 26, 2025.

Pop-Culture & PotteryTaking Surface Decoration to the Next Levelw/Summer WhitesideA three (3) day workshopOctober 24-26
* Pleases note - this workshop uses latex!



Looking to increase your confidence with underglazes, experiment with new application techniques and add some modern flair to an ancient artform? This intermediate-level surface decoration workshop offers the chance to expand your knowledge and push the boundaries of what can be achieved using underglaze and a handful of other basic supplies.Each day will consist of hands-on demonstrations and in-depth explanations of Summer's techniques; followed by free time to work on your individual designs during which everyone will receive one on one instruction, feedback and guidance.This workshop focuses on helping you become bold & brave with your underglaze application while also aiming to challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone and stretch the limits of what was previously consideredpossible with surface decoration.
Summer's techniques can be applicable for a wide range of art styles, so even if you've never worked with pop-culture imagery like she does, this workshop can still expand your skill set!
This is technically an intermediate course but don't let that intimidate you. You must be able to bring 3 leatherhard pieces with you to work on, but your underglaze knowledge can be at a beginner level! Prior painting and/or drawing experience and a basic understanding of color theory would be helpful but not required.
Topics that will be covered• A precise and simple image transfer method• Clean brushstrokes and the power of linework• Liquid Latex and its many uses• Heavily layering of underglazes• Creating both subtle and dramatic textures using sgraffito• Negative space/ utilizing exposed clay as part of your design• Using your underglaze in new ways (ex. Cross-hatching, stippling, dry-brushing, splatter)• Breaking down and overwhelming design until it is manageable in a step-by-step process• General tips and tricks for getting the best results with your underglaze• Glazing; you will not have time to glaze during this workshop, Summer will dedicate some time at the end of class on Sunday to discuss how she glazes her work and what options you have for your pieces.Materials that you will be using and able to keep after the workshop• 7 sample jars (20g) each of underglaze – of your choosing• A Paint Brush Set – NicPro 10 piece, fine detail brush set• A Paint Palette – 1 basic palette with 10 wells• A Basic round sponge – yellow pottery sponge• Water Saucer – shallow plastic saucer to clean brushed while painting• A cotton tote bag to hold all of your goodiesOther Materials that will be provided but will be returned• Various Amaco underglazes• Diamondcore L1 Stylus Tools to sgraffito• Natural Sea Sponges, 20 + various shapes to be shared• Extra Paint Brushes to share• Ball Tip Stylus double sided for tracing designs• Mudtools White Finishing Sponges to share• Small Cups to hold latex and to mix colors• Liquid Latex to share• Damp Boxes to keep work through weekend (you can bring your own as well) STUDENTS WILL NEED TO BRING THE FOLLOWING
? 3 leather hard mugs or cupso They need to be trimmed/cleaned and ready for decoratingo Various sizes are fine, please stick to vertical surface areas for easy image transferso Summer suggests using 2 forms for designs, the 3rd is in case one gets damaged or experimentingo Light colored clay body preferred for underglaze vibrancyo Techniques work best on leather hard clay? Please try and maintain that moisture level? If you want to give them to Eva to babysit. You must have them finished and brought to the studio by Wednesday October 22nd.? Printed Referenceso 2 – 3 images printed out on standard paper that will be transferred onto your pieces? These images need to be measured to fit your surfaces on your piece• (Ex. 4inches of vertical space, having an appropriate size image to fit space)? Steer clear of realism, we are going more illustration or graphic 2D images• (Ex. Characters from a show, movie, storybook, manga/comics, stylized images of flowers, food, words)? If you want to send your sizes and images to Eva to format and print, I can also do that but the deadline for that is Monday, October 20th.
If you are overwhelmed or technology is not your thing. Please contact Eva@wayneart.org with your questions.
Please follow @summers_ceramicarts and @wayne_art_center on Instagram!

Artist Bio-Summer Whiteside is a full-time potter working out of her home studio in rural Eastern North Carolina. She has been working with clay for approximately 7 years, but she was "discovered" in 2021 through a handful of popular videos on social media. She is most well known for her porcelain (mugs featuring carved bottoms, tripedal feet, hand painted pop culture designs, high contrast backgrounds and intentionally exposed raw porcelain. She has an Associate's degree in Fine Arts, and began her career with watercolor painting before she made the transition to clay. She almost exclusively sells & displays her work online but also occasionally participates in an exhibition or brand collaboration when invited. She has always had a passion for fantasy, emotionally charged compositions, and character design - all of which she is determined to incorporate into her ceramic work."I strive for my designs to be captivating enough that even if you have never engaged with this type of media, the image grabs your attention and evokes an emotional connection." -Summer
(Lunch- we will have a 45-minute lunch break on Saturday and Sunday from 1pm-1:45pm, so bring something to eat if you need/want to!

Instructor

Summer Whiteside