This program is a well-paced relational learning experience, where I meet you wherever you are in the creative process and we work—together—to find meaning and method in your studio practice. It’s an opportunity for those of you who want a fresh perspective, it’s an opportunity for those of you who crave more meaningful feedback, it’s an opportunity for those of you who want to learn and grow into your own voice through ceramic materials and processes. I believe in creative empowerment: knowledge is power. The more I know, the further my imagination goes. Familiarity with the materials and processes we use brings power to our creative practice by guiding our decisions effectively toward objects that best express us and fulfill our aims. As a mentor, I offer a perceptive eye, encouragement, and technical support. My experience includes creative problem-solving skills, a broad understanding of  construction methods, glaze chemistry/ceramic materials fluency, and a method of improvement based upon reflection and revision.

Each year, BB cohorts learn about ceramic materials and modes of making, about glazing and glaze chemistry, and about firing kilns; they develop critical methods for technical and aesthetic decision making and become fully engaged makers. This includes exposure to ceramic aesthetic and philosophical traditions, contemporary ceramic practices, exposure to excellence in the ceramics field, as well as useful, practical knowledge for here and now.

The in-person workshop component serves both as an opportunity for cohorts to come together in person and get to know one another off-line, as well as a time for materials exploration and creative problem solving and a celebration of and appreciation for pottery.  Each year, this workshop is tailored specifically for the current cohort and takes place at my home and studio in Meadowview, Virginia. Specific workshop dates depend on everyone’s availability, including my own.

As a cohort, you can expect to meet with me for 1 to 1 ½ hours, twice a month (usually, the first and third weeks of the month). I encourage meeting preparation with images of your work that will help me understand what you present for discussion (collectively, these images become an incredible record of your work and prove useful in many ways). Options for our one-on-one meetings will be on Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday evenings, and Thursday afternoons. Group meetings generally last 2 to 3 hours and are held on the last Sunday of each month. These sessions are for topic-based presentations and discussions, as well as a space for group-oriented technical and aesthetic feedback. Occasionally, I invite guest artists who can speak to the cohorts’ interests and provide practical perspectives.

Birdie Boone is a studio potter and ceramics educator. Her work is subtle, sense full, and expressive, made for daily use and contemplation. Born in West Virginia, Birdie grew up in rural southwestern Virginia and in the city of San Francisco, CA. She currently lives and maintains a full-time studio practice in Meadowview, VA. Birdie holds an AB in art from the College of William & Mary in Virginia (1993) and an MFA in ceramics from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (2005). Other teaching experience includes intro to advanced level college courses, community courses and workshops at craft venues.