ClayWorx Studios

From smooth to rough, clay is a miraculously versatile material with the ability to contrast many textures within the same piece. In this hands-on 2 day workshop students will explore a myriad of ways to influence and create surface textures on wheel-thrown or hand built forms. Multiple techniques will be demonstrated and then practiced by attendees.

Upon completion, students will have tried:

• unique Chinese wheel throwing techniques applicable to all pots

• various methods for creating both spontaneous and planned patterns in clay

• different methods for heating clay prior to stretching

• using slip, impressions, carving and other surface enhancement methods

• a wide variety of miscellaneous techniques as a result of in-class discussions

Eric Serritella is recognized internationally as one of the top ceramic trompe l’oeil artists in the world. He specializes in hand-carved sculptures transforming clay into birch, charred and weathered logs. His one-of-a-kind pieces are known for their hyper-realism, and have been shown, awarded and collected on five continents for their exquisite organic design and incredibly lifelike textures. Works have been contributed to over 160 exhibitions with nearly 30 pieces in museum collections including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Fine Arts Museum, Houston, among others.

Eric was honored by the James Renwick Alliance as the 2016 Distinguished Artist in Ceramics at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. His 2018 solo show at Jason Jacques Gallery was recommended in the NY Times and he has received positive acclaim by Architectural Digest and renowned art critic/historian Daniella Ohad. Serritella is also an accomplished potter, having studied with production potters in the USA and with Ah Leon and four other masters in Taiwan.

Eric began working in glass during the pandemic and has since had pieces included in many gallery exhibitions and in solo shows at the Gregg Museum of Art and Design and the Blowing Rock of Art and History Museum.

Throughout all his workshops, Eric emphasizes visual elements, ways of seeing as an artist, and anecdotally

shares his decades of experience making, marketing and selling wheel-thrown and hand-built works in clay and glass. He is a fun, engaging and mindful presenter who is sure to help bring new techniques, ideas and life to your creations.