Salt Cellars: The Figure and Vessel as Allegory
A two Day Hands-on Workshop with Contemporary Ceramics ’17 artist Richard Nickel, Professor of Art at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

In this workshop, students will use multiple ceramic techniques to create salt cellars using figurative clay sculptures combined with vessel forms. Salt cellars are traditional forms made to hold and dispense salt. Long used by man as a symbol, salt is a natural mineral used to preserve and season, as well, at one time, as a form of currency. These salt cellars will explore physical nature by describing the human form as a vessel itself containing, like salt, symbolic value and practical function – the salt of the earth.

Clay as Canvas
Surface and form cannot be separated. Students will explore a variety of surface treatments on their salt cellars. Techniques may include image transfer, slip trailing, sgraffito, mishima, wax inlay, stenciling, in addition to layering techniques.

Clay with a Message, Tying It All Together
By combining surface, form and content in the salt cellars, students will discover and explore an allegorical approach to combining vessels and figures.

This workshop is designed for ages 16 and older. Previous clay experience is useful, but not necessary. If you need additional information, contact kelly@dairybarn.org.