The Element of Chance.

The element of chance.

June 23-29, 2020 in Finlandia University’s School of Art and Design Ceramics Studio at The Jutila Center 

General Details:

What is it? This 7-day intensive workshop hosted by Visiting Artist, Kenyon Hansen, will be an in-depth focus on firing and making utilitarian forms for the soda/salt kiln. Through discussions, demonstrations and slide presentations students will gain a deeper understanding of the soda firing and making process. You will seek out personal forms and develop deep and complex surfaces to interact with the element of chance create by an atmospheric firing process.

Demonstrations will include a variety of throwing and altering techniques and slip and glaze resist application. In this class, we will fire the soda kiln twice! You will bring cone 10 bisque ware (7-12 pieces depending on size) to be glazed/slipped for the first firing, the second firing will be work produced during the workshop. Each participant will receive 50 pounds of clay and have access to slips and glazes for two soda firings.

When & Where?  June 23-29th Ceramics Studio at Finlandia University’s International School of Art and Design.

Who is it for? Anybody! Limited to 10 participants. This workshop is open to all levels, some wheel throwing experience would be helpful but is not required.

Overall workshop Costs (select one):

Workshop Fee, No Lodging or Meals – $860.00

Workshop & Lodging with Double Room, No Meals – $1,000.00

Workshop & Lodging with Double Room & Meals (Breakfast & Lunch) – $1,108.50

Workshop & Lodging with Single Room, No Meals – $1,140.00

Workshop & Lodging with Single Room & Meals (Breakfast & Lunch) – $1,250.00

Register

Kenyon Hansen is a full-time studio potter and educator in the Keweenaw Peninsula. He has been a resident artist at the Archie Bray Foundation and Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts.  In 2013 he was selected as an Emerging Artist by Ceramics Monthly. Kenyon has taught at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Arrowmont School of Crafts, Penland School of Crafts and Greenwich House Pottery in New York City.

He has led workshops at numerous universities and art centers throughout the country. His pottery has been exhibited nationally and internationally and can be found in homes all over the world. Solo shows include Jane Hartsook Gallery, Schaller Gallery, Morean Center for Clay, Red Lodge Clay Center & CLAY AKAR. Currently, Kenyon is a visiting artist at Finlandia University.

Artist Statement:

The insatiable need to work with my hands is the driving force of my craft. The pulse of my practice lies in the rhythm of making, and through repetition the work evolves, changing slowly in response to each firing cycle. Tactile and visual consideration and slowing down are key to this process. These elements carry equal weight and are central in my working process leading up to the finished pieces. I focus on utilitarian objects that enrich the quotidian experience.  My work is made of soda fired porcelain and stoneware clays.  Ideas are generated and inspired by the everyday experience, patchwork quilts, structure and patterns found in nature.  Currently, I am exploring the dichotomy of vessel structure and the fluidity of glaze. Producing textured surfaces and raised lines allows a place for glaze to pool and collect, and in return enriching the surface and building of depth. My hope is that the pots I make will contribute to the field of craft and elevate the everyday experience.

Kenyon's Portfolio

About Lodging & Meals

If you select on-campus lodging for this workshop, you will be staying in a dorm room at Finlandia Hall. Each room offers an en suite Jack-and-Jill style bathroom. Each floor of Finlandia Hall is furnished with a comfortable lounge. Laundry facilities are on site. Finlandia Hall is also home to the Cafe which is where the breakfasts and lunches included in certain plans will be provided. We also provide 24-7 campus security located within Finlandia Hall.

Video Tour:

About the Keweenaw Peninsula

The area features a rich immigrant and mining history and offers many outdoor recreational opportunities and cultural events. Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake, is never farther than a short drive. The lake has a large influence on the weather in the Keweenaw, especially in the winter! Known as “lake effect,” this influence means cooler summers and warmer winters than the Central U.P., and of course, a lot more snow.

Local Resources:

Explore the Keweenaw Peninsula

Keweenaw Visitor’s Bureau

Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce

Copper Country Community Arts Center