workshop topic and focus
Workshop topic and focus will be decided upon by agreement between Conner and the workshop facility. A variety of topics are possible. Specific topics include: glazing (with emphasis on spraying glazes), composite forms (combined wheel thrown and altered and slab components), single firing, tableware, experimentation and creative development, making sets (aesthetics, design and technical), and kiln firing are a sample of the topics that could be employed. Any topic that fits within the context of Conner's current work is possible.

length of time
Workshops and teaching can be as short as an hour and as long as a few weeks. The most common are one or two-day demonstration workshops and weeklong participation workshops. The specific time frame would be agreed upon at the time the content is decided.

overview
Specific topics, time frame and facilities available will influence the details of the event. Conner can provide a simple presentation on the process and show samples throughout the discussion or he can perform a more complete program moving through the entire process from wedging to firing. He can show slides of his artwork, the work that has influenced him and other non-clay influences. In most cases (if facilities are available), Conner will spend the majority of his time demonstrating the manner in which he makes his work (and assisting participants if it is a participation workshop). During that time he will engage the participants in discussion about various technical, aesthetic, design and philosophical issues related to the forms. Throughout the workshop the manner of teaching will be extremely interactive. Conner will move through certain material and information that he feels is appropriate, but will also answer questions and discuss particular aspects with the participants. Although a participant is not required to engage verbally, most will enjoy the opportunity to interact and discuss items of interest with Conner.

conner burns background
Conner's career in clay started later in life. After completing his bachelor and master degrees, he spent seven years managing the Health Services Department for a fortune 100 corporation. During this time period, he worked with clay in his basement studio at night and on weekends. Eventually, he left that job and spent two years as the artist-in-residence with Steven Hill at Red Star Studios. He then returned to his hometown of Natchez, Mississippi to establish his personal studio and soon after also established a gallery and teaching studio known as Natchez Clay. Conner operated Natchez Clay (a teaching studio teaching classes, hosting workshops and renting studio space to clay artists) from July 2003 through May 2008 at which point he sold Natchez Clay but continues to teach classes and workshops at Natchez Clay. Conner spent 2001 through 2007 traveling to art festivals throughout the United States. In 2008 Conner stopped traveling to art festivals and chose to focus on gallery and museum work. His work can be seen in his gallery, in fine galleries and museums across the United States and in private collections throughout the world. Conner teaches workshops nationally and internationally. His work has been featured in recently released books titled 500 Teapots, 500 Bowls, 500 Cups, 500 Pitchers and The complete Guide to High-Fire Glazes as well as in Ceramics Monthly and Clay Times.


Conner teaches a limited number of workshops each year and would enjoy talking with you about teaching at your facility. Would you like to view additional information?

comments from past workshop participants

sample workshop formats and topics

past workshop images and topics

locations where conner has taught

pricing and scheduling

contact conner to schedule a workshop