For thousands of years, people shaped clay from the earth into vessels for cooking, storing food, and carrying water. Learning how to find and work with natural clay provides a fascinating glimpse into traditional craftsmanship while connecting us more closely to the materials of the landscape.

In this hands-on workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of primitive pottery—from locating and identifying natural clay to shaping and firing simple ceramic vessels. Participants will begin by learning how clay forms in the landscape and how to recognize deposits that can be gathered and used for pottery.

From there, students will process the clay by removing impurities and preparing it for use. Using traditional hand-building techniques, participants will then shape their own small pottery pieces while learning how clay behaves as it is formed and dried.

Finally, students will explore the basics of primitive firing methods and observe how heat transforms raw clay into durable ceramic. Throughout the workshop, instructors will discuss the traditional techniques used by cultures around the world to create pottery using simple tools and natural materials.

By the end of the workshop, students will have a deeper understanding of how clay can be gathered, shaped, and fired, along with practical experience in one of humanity’s oldest crafts.