Below are three sample workshop formats. Remember that these are just samples; any topic or technique used by conner is a realistic topic for a workshop. The specific workshop topic is one that you will decide with conner. Please visit the past page to see images from past workshops as well as topics of those workshops. Below are three samples of past workshops, one demonstration, and two participation (one with firing and one without).

conner burns demonstration workshop

vessels of clay: design, process and function



workshop topic and focus:
Form, function, aesthetics and processes of making well designed vessels of clay.

day one

morning
Conner will throw and alter a variety of forms. He will discuss related topics; which will include aesthetics, philosophy, design, technical issues and business practices.

afternoon
Conner will continue to alter forms and add components (such as slab components, handles and spouts) to forms that he made earlier. He will continue to discuss the topics started in the morning and apply the discussion to the developing forms.

late afternoon
Conner will step away from the making process and show slides of his work (past and present) and the work that has influenced him (both historical and contemporary). During the slide show Conner will discuss the progression of certain ideas and forms over time concomitant with slides of these forms. He will discuss color and form and the manner in which they work to enhance or distract from the final appearance of a vessel. Conner will pay particular attention to components like rims, feet, lids, spouts, and handles and their relationship to each other and to other components in sets. Non-pottery influences will also be highlighted in his work.

day two

morning
Conner will make the final components and assemble multi-component pieces. This will include throwing, pulling, altering and trimming. He will then discuss the relationships between the forms that he made and how they do (or do not) function as a cohesive unit or set.

afternoon
During the entire workshop Conner will discuss his method of firing (single-firing) as it fits; but this afternoon he will focus more attention on the subject. He will focus on the technical aspects, but will also discuss the manner in which it impacts his method of working. He will also discuss the manner in which he glazes and will give a glazing demonstration (if desired).

conner burns participation workshop

making sets and composite forms



workshop topic and focus:
Vessel form, function, process and aesthetics - with an emphasis on sets and composite forms - and the manner in which components relate to one another and form a cohesive whole.
In this workshop, participants will move through all phases of forming clay vessels including wedging, throwing, altering, and additions. The movement through these processes in a consolidated time period will bring cohesiveness to each stage and allow participants to experience the joys of the process in an accelerated learning atmosphere.

day one through day four
Introduction to studio and workshop. Conner will give an overview of the week. He will demonstrate throwing particular forms on the wheel, altering, slab work, joining components and pulling handles each day. Throughout the demonstrations, Conner will draw attention to the different phases of assembling a variety of components in a single form as well as a variety of forms into a cohesive set. The daily progression brings the vessel closer to it final form and provides a discussion of the difficulties associated with specific parts of the process which enables the students to experience a systematic approach to working through a form with a variety of issues. Participants will work on their own sets and Conner will assist participants with specific interests and needs. Throughout the workshop he will continue this demonstration, personal assistance and group discussion format. He will also privately critique participant's work as requested. At some point during these four days, Conner will show slides (if desired). The slide show is of his work (past and present) and the work that has influenced him (both historical and contemporary). During the slide show Conner will discuss the progression of certain ideas and forms over time concomitant with slides of these forms. He will discuss color and form and the manner in which they work to enhance or distract from the final appearance of a vessel. Conner will pay particular attention to components like rims, feet, lids, spouts, and handles and their relationship to each other - particularly related to sets. Non-pottery influences will also be discussed.

day five
Today will consist of bringing forms and sets to closure. In the afternoon Conner will do a final grouping of the demonstration work he made during the week and will review the process and analyze the results. Conner will engage the class in a critique of his work. Discussing components and solutions that were effective and other options as solutions. Conner will engage in private critiques as requested.

conner burns participation workshop


making sets:

process, design, function and firing



workshop topic and focus
Vessel form, function, process and aesthetics - with an emphasis on sets - and the manner in which components relate to one another and form a cohesive whole. In this six-day workshop, participants will move through all phases of forming clay vessels including wedging, throwing, altering, additions, glazing and firing. The movement through these processes in a consolidated time period will bring cohesiveness to each stage and allow participants to experience the joys of the process in an accelerated learning atmosphere.

day one, two and three
Introduction to studio and workshop. Conner will give an overview of the week. He will demonstrate throwing particular forms on the wheel, altering, slab work, joining components and pulling handles each day. Throughout the demonstrations, Conner will draw attention to the different phases of assembling a variety of components in a single form as well as a variety of forms into a cohesive set. The daily progression brings the vessel closer to it final form and provides a discussion of the difficulties associated with specific parts of the process which enables the students to experience a systematic approach to working through a form with a variety of issues. Participants will work on their own sets and Conner will assist participants with specific interests and needs. Throughout the workshop he will continue this demonstration, personal assistance and group discussion format. He will also privately critique student's work as requested.

day four
Conner will demonstrate glazing (waxing, dipping, pouring and spraying) and will work with participants individually on glazing techniques. Glazing often begins late afternoon on day three and continues through day four. The kiln loading will be completed on day four and firing begins that evening.

day five
Participants will be present as Conner makes adjustments to the kiln. They will then discuss specifics of the process. At this time Conner will discuss the firing process from beginning to end and the technical and philosophical reasons. Conner will also demonstrate forms which he did not demonstrate earlier in the week. Participants are encouraged to continue to work on projects, watch the demonstrations or focus on the firing process. In the afternoon Conner will show slides. The slide show will be of his work (past and present) and the work that has influenced him (both historical and contemporary). During the slide show Conner will discuss the progression of certain ideas and forms over time concomitant with slides of these forms. He will discuss color and form and the manner in which they work to enhance or distract from the final appearance of a vessel and of a set. Conner will pay particular attention to components like rims, feet, lids, spouts, and handles and their relationship to each other - particularly related to sets. Non-pottery influences will also be discussed.

day six
Conner will discuss the kiln and the final processes before unloading the kiln with the participants. Participants will collect their wares and Conner will discuss the firing. The pieces that Conner made during the workshop will now have reached their final stage - at this time the class will review the process and analyze the results. Conner will then engage the participants in a critique of the work that he made during the workshop; discussing form both successful and components that might be less successful. Conner will engage in private critiques with participant's as requested.