Pottery & Ceramics: Kurinuki Workshop

Discover the raw beauty of hand-carved clay in this immersive kurinuki workshop, part of our short course pottery program in Sydney.

Experience the meditative and expressive art of kurinuki in this hands-on ceramic workshop. Over two engaging hours, you’ll learn the traditional Japanese technique of carving and hollowing clay to create both functional and sculptural forms.

With step-by-step guidance from an experienced ceramics tutor, you’ll use simple hand tools to shape and refine your own one-of-a-kind piece. Kurinuki encourages a spontaneous, intuitive approach to clay work, offering space for creative expression while fostering mindfulness and tactile awareness.

Perfect for beginners or those looking to build on their handbuilding skills, this workshop provides a relaxed and supportive setting to explore and create.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop, you should be able to:

• Understand the basic principles and history of the kurinuki technique
• Use carving and hollowing methods to shape clay into a vessel or sculptural object
• Explore expressive design approaches in ceramic hand-building
• Gain insight into the mindful and meditative qualities of the kurinuki process

Course content

Our Kurinuki workshop covers the following:

• You will begin with an introduction to ceramic tea light house making, learning essential techniques to build and structure your house.
• You will move on to design and planning, where you can refine your design, considering size, shape, and features.
• In the shaping and assembling stage, you will construct walls, roofs, and openings to allow the light to shine through.
• You will explore decorative techniques, adding carved patterns, textures, and personalised details to your piece.

Intended audience

Who is this pottery course for?

This pottery course is open to everyone, from complete beginners to those with some experience. Suitable for all ages 10 and above. 

Venue

Silky Shapes Studio

6 Prentice Lane, Willoughby

Parking

Please note: Parking is not permitted on Prentice Lane. Free all-day parking is available on surrounding streets near the studio.

Please bring to class

• An apron or a towel

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Please don’t wear your best clothing! Clay will wash out, but it’s better to wear some older clothes
• If you have long hair, please tie it back
• Wear closed-in shoes
• Nails need to be trimmed