Throwing And Assembling Lamps with Nathan Stanfield

In this 3-day workshop, participants will be working with ceramic artist, Nathan Stanfield, on creating carefully thrown lamp bases that we will later assemble into working light fixtures once glaze fired. Participants will learn how to throw lamp bases with shrinkage and assembly in mind. We will be our lamp bases with your favorite lamp shade in mind and focusing on both functionality and design. We will reunite after the glaze firing to learn how to assemble our various lighting parts (lampshades and hardware purchased separately by participants - Nathan will provide a list). We ask that participants are comfortable throwing basic forms, as the subject matter for this workshop requires precise throwing capabilities. Participants should be able to center 3 to 4 pounds of clay.

Day 1 - Throwing Lamp Body: (Saturday, May 24th, 10am - 2pm)

Day 1 will focus on throwing our lamp bases while taking measurements and planning for shrinkage. Nathan will demonstrate how to throw different lamp and pendant forms while explaining the nuances of each form. After sharing a few examples via slides and printouts, Nathan will give a few brief demonstrations, then participants will spend the rest of the day making their lamp bases and begin thinking about assembly and glaze. 

Day 2 - Trimming and Finishing for Bisque: (Sunday, May 26th, 10am - 2pm) 

Day 2 will focus on expanding what was covered in Day 1, including trimming and finishing our lamp bases. Nathan will cover the technical aspects of what makes a successful lamp, and we will begin thinking about glaze and hardware assembly.

Day 3 - Assembling Our Lighting Projects: (Saturday, June 7th, 10am - 2pm)

Day 3 will be all about assembling our lamps into art that illuminates! We will pick and choose the best parts for the assembly, go over very important safety protocols, and then finish up our projects and plug them in.

A 25-pound bag of cone 10 clay will be provided for participants to use. Bisque and glaze firing will be included in the workshop price. Participants will purchase the wiring needed.

588 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

• Saturday, May 24th  //  10 am - 2 pm
• Sunday, May 25th  //   10 am - 2 pm
• Saturday, June 7th   //    10 am - 2 pm 

Artist Statement:

My work is an exercise in brevity that reflects the energy, density and permanence of working in clay. Within the processes I employ in my practice there are aesthetic references being drawn from post-war era artists in a celebration of material. My interest in the abstract and unknown is reflected with the forms I explore and choice to distinctly refrain from providing much information or narration with my work.

The work is characterized by its visual weight and heavy impasto application of colored engobes and accents. I am constructing the work using clay made with soft brick and coarse sand in a subtractive technique that captures every instance. By working in a modest scale I am able to minimize the form down to its most essential details.

Artist Information:

Nathan Stanfield (b. 1989, California) is a Los Angeles-based artist exploring form with clay. He earned an AA in Printmaking while at Mira Costa College and BFA in Sculpture from San Diego State University in 2014. Upon relocating to Los Angeles, he provided production for other ceramic artists around the Los Angeles area, commission work of his own and exhibition design. Nathan is currently the Studio Manager and Residency Coordinator at the American Museum of Ceramic Art in Pomona, CA.

Website: nathanstanfield.com

Instagram: @nonathanyes

Email: nonathanyes@gmail.com

• By enrolling in a class or workshop, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the safety instructions and liability waiver.
• Please plan to arrive early so we can start class promptly at the scheduled time.

• There is a cancellation fee of $20 for all workshops. Cancellations made 4 or more days before the date of class will be refunded minus this fee. For cancellations made fewer than 4 full days, but more than 24 hours before the start time, a 50% refund or 50% credit toward another class or workshop will be issued. We cannot provide refunds or credits for cancellations or rescheduling requests made fewer than 24 hours before the start time of class, if you miss your class, or arrive too late to participate.

• Our classes are intended for adults. If you have a child under 18 who is interested in taking a class, please email us before enrolling.