*SPECIAL WORKSHOP* Human Torso Planters w/ Jai Sallay-Carrington - 1 Day Sculpting Workshop

Workshop Duration: One workshop, two dates (3 hours per date)

Workshop Description:

In this 1-day workshop, Jai will demonstrate how to create hand-built human torsos, which can be turned into functional planters. Participants will focus on body proportions, adding either clothing or a naked form, and crafting expressive hands to personalize their creations. Jai will guide attendees through shaping and assembling a torso using the coiling, pinching, and slab method, paying special attention to anatomical details that bring life and character to each piece. The class offers creative freedom in designing either realistic or stylized torsos, with options to explore different surface textures and treatments. Each participant will build a unique 6-inch planter, creating both a work of art and a functional piece.

About the Instructor: 

Jai Sallay-Carrington (They/Them) is a Canadian sculptural ceramic artist originally from Vancouver BC and spent ten years living in Montreal QC. Jai is a queer and trans-non-binary artist who’s work is heavily influenced by this aspect of their life. In 2014 they graduated from Concordia University with a BFA in ceramics. Jai has attended many artist residencies, travelling around Canada, USA and Europe. Residencies such as C.R.E.T.A Rome, Torpedo Factory Art Centre, and Tolne Gjæstgivergaard. They have been a part of many group exhibitions at galleries such as the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Henry Art Gallery, and the Clay Center of New Orleans. Jai has had several solo exhibitions in recent years, such as NuQueer Power at Fatale Art Gallery, Co(R)vid Calluses at Galerie ERGA, as well as Adapting at Maison de la Culture Côte-des-Neiges. They have been featured in publications such as CBC Exhibitionists, New York’s ArtTour International Magazine, and Ceramique: 90 Artistes Contemporarian. Jai has been awarded grants from Canada Council of the Arts, SODEC, CALQ and was a finalist for the Winifred Shantz Award for 2020 and 2021. Jai just earned master’s degree at the University of Washington in 2023, receiving the De Cillia Graduating with Excellence award. Now, they are beginning a one-year artist-in-residence program at Baltimore Clayworks, from 2023-2024, receiving the Lorima Salter Fellowship.

Post Workshop: Glazing

• Student pieces will be slowly dried, after which they will be bisque-fired.
• NOTE:  Glazing will not be a part of the workshop, although surface decorating techniques may be discussed throughout. All attendees will be provided with the option of additional self-guided Open Studio time at no cost if they choose to come back to glaze their piece after firing is completed. Special instructions will be provided following the workshop in booking a reservation in the studio.
• These pieces will not be ready in time for the holiday season. These pieces will be ready in early January 2025.

Workshop Details:

Location: The Clay Warehouse - #10-1770 McLean Ave. Port Coquitlam, BC, V4C 4 K8

Dates/Times: At this time two workshop times are being offered, each class is independent from each other. Instructions to make follow-up Open Studio reservations to glaze pieces at no cost will be provided to attendees following the workshop. Students are encouraged to arrive early so the workshop time can be used most efficiently.

Tuesday, December 3rd from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Materials: All necessary materials will be provided, including clay, tools, and firing services, as well as glazes if students choose to return to finish their pieces. Option to purchase metal armature* to use for mounting your sculpture. 

Who Should Attend/Skill Prerequisites: This workshop is open to those with basic clay experience and understanding, although it is not a prerequisite to have sculpting experience. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a hobbyist, or a professional artist, this workshop offers a dynamic and collaborative environment to learn and create.

 Limited Slots Available: to ensure Jai can give everyone plenty of hands-on guidance in these techniques, this workshop will be kept to a maximum of 10 attendees.

Basic Clay Experience Required:

This workshop is open to those with basic clay experience and understanding, although it is not a prerequisite to have sculpting experience. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a hobbyist, or a professional artist, this workshop offers a dynamic and collaborative environment to learn and create.

Ensure you can commit to all class dates:

We plan our class dates far in advance to provide adequate notice for you to plan your life around our 6-week course. We ask that future students registering for this class commit to all class dates. We understand that life happens, and we do allow for one free make-up session. Make-up sessions are intended for students to catch up on missed class time and are not supervised by the teacher.

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations are accepted up to 7 days before the first workshop date, and all cancellations are subject to a $50 administration fee. Cancellations made 6 days or less before the workshop will not be refunded. Once a workshop has begun, refunds will not be processed. We are a small business and must fill all spots in each class to pay our teachers and supply all materials and equipment. 

Students attending the workshop must be at least 16 years old:

Our studio is a mature space designed for adults looking to unwind from their daily lives.