“Sympoiesis is a simple word; it means “making-with.” Nothing makes itself; nothing is really autopoietic or self-organizing. In the words of the Inupiat computer “world game,” earthlings are never alone. That is the radical implication of sympoiesis. Sympoiesis is a word proper to complex, dynamic, responsive, situated, historical systems. It is a word for “worlding-with, in company” (p. 58).

Join Amanda Bury as she shares how she creates her dynamic surface compositions. We start with a morning walk and time in playful observation at the Sonoma Garden Park where we will collect inspiration and images from the burgeoning plant life using our phone cameras. These will become the basis for us to create newsprint image transfers. Back in the studio after a picnic lunch in the garden, Amanda will demonstrate how she throws her mug, small bowl and plate form, sharing more about her practice. Using these forms she will show how the use of colored slip, image transfer and sgraffito come together to create unique and engaging designs. Students will leave with multiple surfaced pieces of their own creations.

Student Prep:

• This workshop requires that students prepare and bring 2-4 leather-hard pieces ready for decoration on which to practice their learned surface techniques using their freshly made transfers. 

• Mugs, bowls, plates, and/or tile-type forms with smooth surfaces and not too much of a belly are ideal for this type of decoration 
• Type of Clay;
  • Students should use Cone 5 clay as the workshop will be utilizing Amanda’s personal slip recipes for Cone 5 oxidation. 
  • Red clay will create a more earthy undertone beneath the colored slip, and white or buff clay will produce brighter/pastel hues.
• The group will be eating lunch in Sonoma Garden Park; please bring along a lunch for yourself or something to share with the group – Sonoma Ceramics will provide a variety of beverages, please bring along your reusable water bottle!