Each class begins with a digital image presentation of significant ceramic objects, followed by a demonstration focused on throwing techniques inspired by the week's examples. Students will use these references as a springboard for developing their own work, building a deeper understanding of proportion, form, surface treatment, and glazing while strengthening their personal creative voice.

Designed for participants with throwing experience, this class encourages curiosity, experimentation, and thoughtful observation. By studying great pottery and translating those lessons into your own practice, you'll gain tools for making stronger, more intentional work both on and off the wheel.

Recommended for those who can throw a 7” tall cylinder or similar form. You must be 15+ years of age to participate. This class is a great fit for those wanting to grow their skills with an instructor present to ask questions. There is a 15” maximum size, in any direction, when creating with clay at RCC.

Materials: Clay is $40 for new clay or at times we have recycled clay for sale for $20. This is a separate purchase from your class fee. Purchase clay ahead of time HERE.

Bring an apron, comfy clothes, a quart-sized container (like a yogurt container), and a beginner's set of tools to the first class.

Tool kits are available for purchase online or at Seattle Pottery Supply or Clay Art Center. Or here is another option on Amazon. The class fee includes all glazing materials, firings, and generous open-studio access for practice time.

About James Lobb (he/him):
I am a storyteller. And I enjoy working with clay. What fascinates me most about pottery is how it stretches back through human history as an art form, telling us about the cultures of our past. It’s also our companion through our day-to-day processes of eating and drinking. While experimenting with form, surface, color, and pottery, I evoke feelings, set a scene, or tap into memories. The best pots elicit memories of friendships and time well spent. Most of the pots I make are coil-built, which is my favorite way of working in clay.

After working in the ceramics field for 20 years, I took a detour to be a bicycle adventurer.  For over two years, my wife and I rode our bikes over 14,000 miles through 29 countries around the globe. Before all that, I worked as the executive director of Potter Northwest, as a ceramics professor at South Seattle College, and as a studio potter. In 2003 received a BFA in Ceramics and Ceramic Sculpture from the Rochester Institute of Technology School for American Crafts. These days, I spend most of my time as a tour guide, leading walking tours through the city of Seattle. 

I deeply enjoy teaching pottery classes as it allows me the opportunity to learn more about people and what excites them about clay.

Prepare for Class

• Full information on how to prepare for classes is available on our Clay Q&A Platform (Links below).

• Tools: Suggested tools are in the image on this class page.

• Clay: Purchase clay separately through our communication platform (Links below)

• Studio Access: Weekly Classes come with access to studio practice hours.

• FAQ’s about classes: https://raincityclay.com/education-faq

RCC Communication Platform

• Join Clay Q&A Here.

• Our studio communication platform, The Clay Q&A “Space”, is hosted on the Mighty Networks App.

• Participation is required to take classes at RCC or have a membership at RCS.

• Clay Q&A is essential to participants. It is where participants may:

  • Buy Clay

  • Schedule practice time

  • Learn about kiln deadlines/ kiln unloadings

  • Hear studio news & events

• Learn more/ download the More about the Mighty Networks App, or text the Mighty Network App to your Phone.
  
  This app can be used on a desktop or mobile device. This app is essential for purchasing clay during the session, scheduling practice hours, and keeping up to date with studio deadlines for kilns and finishing your art projects at RCC.

Studio Policies and Information

Registration Policies: Information on being prepared for class, refunds, and more.

Hold Harmless Agreement: View what you agree to when registering for a class.

Code of Conduct: Expectations of studio conduct for students, staff, and instructors, as well as ways to give feedback anonymously.