Two day intensive masterclass with Evgeny Pokidaev

2-DAY WHEEL THROWING INTENSIVE

Duration: 2 days
Schedule: 10:00–17:00, including a 1-hour lunch break (lunch is included)
Group size: Up to 9 participants
Level: Experienced potters
Location: Alike Pottery Studio, Jagiellońska 36
Previous experience: Required — participants should be able to confidently center and throw with 1 kg of clay or more.

ABOUT THE INTENSIVE

This two-day intensive is designed for experienced potters who already have a strong foundation in wheel throwing and want to develop their technique in a concentrated, fast-paced format.

Because we have only two days together, the workshop moves quickly and covers a substantial amount of material. Participants should already be comfortable working independently at the wheel and be able to confidently center and throw with at least 1 kg of clay.

The focus is on strengthening essential technique, developing greater control over form, learning advanced shaping and necking methods, and gradually increasing working weight.

The program is structured, but I work with each participant individually. Everyone can adapt the exercises to their own experience, goals, and working weight.

DAY 1 — FOUNDATIONS & ADVANCED FORM DEVELOPMENT

Morning — Cylinders and Technical Foundation

We begin with cylinders, using them as a way to refine the essential mechanics of throwing and identify technical limitations that may become more significant when working with larger amounts of clay.

We focus on:

• centering and clay control
• efficient opening
• pulling walls with consistency
• wall thickness and clay distribution
• body position and efficient movement
• precision and repeatability

The aim is not to return to beginner exercises, but to make the foundation stronger, cleaner, and more efficient before moving into more complex forms.

Afternoon — Form Development & Advanced Shaping

In the second half of the day, we move from the cylinder into form development and advanced shaping techniques.

We explore:

• creating and controlling volume
• understanding proportions and curves
• moving clay efficiently
• working with ribs
• developing intentional silhouettes
• advanced shaping techniques
• maintaining control while increasing complexity

The focus is on understanding how to deliberately build a form rather than simply responding to what happens on the wheel.

DAY 2 — NECKING, VASES, BOTTLES & INCREASING WEIGHT

Morning — Advanced Necking Techniques

The first half of Day 2 is dedicated to narrowing and controlling the neck — one of the most important skills for creating vases, bottles, and more complex closed forms.

We work on:

• controlled narrowing
• advanced necking techniques
• maintaining wall quality while reducing the opening
• controlling shoulders and transitions
• developing and refining neck proportions
• maintaining stability throughout the process

Afternoon — Bringing Everything Together

After lunch, we combine the techniques from both days and apply them to complete forms.

Participants work on different vases and bottles while gradually increasing their working weight according to their individual level.

The goal is to connect centering, wall development, volume, shaping, necking, proportion, and clay control into one continuous process.

INDIVIDUAL APPROACH

This is an intensive workshop, but progress remains individual.

Participants are not expected to make identical objects or work with the same amount of clay. I work with each person at their current level, helping them identify technical limitations and choose the next appropriate challenge.

For some participants, this may mean improving precision and consistency. For others, it may mean increasing working weight or developing more complex forms.

ADDITIONAL DEMONSTRATIONS

On the second day, I can also provide additional demonstrations based on the interests and requests of the group.

Participants are welcome to ask about particular forms, techniques, or technical problems. When useful for the group, I am happy to incorporate these demonstrations into the workshop.

The aim of the two-day format is to use our time as efficiently as possible: strengthen the foundation, introduce advanced techniques, and give experienced potters practical tools they can continue developing in their own studio practice.

Please note: the pieces made during this workshop are intended purely as practice pieces. There will be no glazing or firing, and works will not be kept. The emphasis is entirely on learning, experimentation, and refining technique rather than producing finished objects.

Cancellation Policy: Participants may cancel their booking and receive a full refund up to two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled start of the workshop. Cancellations made less than two weeks before the start date are not eligible for a refund.

Workshops will be conducted in English.