Mastering Big Pots — Levels I and II
Five-day workshops in Brattleboro, Vermont
“My throwing skills improved by leaps and bounds after this workshop. I ended up throwing by far the biggest vessel I have ever thrown, both height- and width-wise, and I was able to do it on my own. Great workshop!”
Mastering Big Pots, Level I
January 14-18, 2026 $1,500
March 11-15, 2026 $1.500
Spend a week in beautiful Vermont and take a deep dive into big pot-making. Stephen Procter will share foundational strategies and techniques that will enable you to make wheel-thrown vessels of practically any size. Exploration of materials, tool-making, and design considerations will prepare you to make work that is compelling and true to your vision.
This workshop is suitable for potters with intermediate or more advanced level wheel skills. Participants should be able to comfortably center and throw at least 5 pounds of clay. Here are some of the key topics we will cover:
Selecting and conditioning a suitable clay body for large forms.
Ergonomic strategies to minimize strain and protect your body from injury.
Tools and equipment to facilitate working with more clay.
Stacking sections and making strong joins.
Moisture control and use of torches.
Design considerations, both aesthetic and logistical.
Troubleshooting and saves.
Surface treatment (ornaments, carving, glazes, slips, etc.).
Our corner of southeastern Vermont has long been a magnet for creative people. We will punctuate teaching and practice sessions with inspiring outings to meet other artists and take advantage of our region's culinary and recreational riches.
Enrollment is limited to 8 to ensure lots of individual attention. Contact us if a payment plan is needed. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation, lodging, and meals. Hartford, CT is the most convenient airport, and there are many good and affordable Air BNB options in and around Brattleboro.
MATERIALS & TOOLS:
Tuition covers unlimited clay used in the workshop that the studio retains. A dedicated wheel and storage space will be provided for each student. An assortment of standard and large throwing tools will be available for shared use during the workshop.
Students should plan to bring their own well-marked tools, aprons, etc., in addition.
The focus of the workshop is to give you the skills and confidence to make large pots in your home studio, not necessary to produce work to keep (first big pots are rarely masterpieces!). Should a student wish to take green work home, the cost is $2/lb. at leather hard or dry.
Mastering Big Pots, Level II
June 10-14, 2026 $1,500
The Level II workshop is designed for students and professionals who already have experience throwing larger forms. In addition to fine-tuning techniques and strategies for scaling up, we will focus on intention, design, surface treatment, tool-making, complementary techniques, and refining our ability to perceive and respond to form.
Enrollment is limited to ensure lots of individual attention. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation, lodging, and meals. Hartford, CT is the most convenient airport, and there are many good and affordable Air BNB options in and around Brattleboro. Contact us if a tuition payment plan is needed.
MATERIALS & TOOLS:
Tuition covers unlimited clay used in the workshop session that the studio retains. A dedicated wheel and storage space will be provided for each student. An assortment of standard and large throwing tools will be available for shared use during the workshop.
Students should plan to bring their own well-marked tools, aprons, etc. in addition.
Should a student wish to take green work home, the cost is $2/lb. at leather hard or dry. Finished work can be fired for an additional cost of $5/lb., and pick-up or shipping is required within 30 days of firing.
LEARN ONLINE!
Can’t make it to an in-person workshop? Check out my online video tutorial!
Learn all of my essential strategies and techniques in the comfort of your own studio!