Mold-Making and Casting for Ceramicists

Service Description

When chasing consistent, refined, and repeated forms, plaster has long been an incomparable tool in the potter’s toolkit. In this class, students will approach casting as a means to expand their existing practice, investing time and attention into producing plaster molds to allow for easier production of repeat forms. From sprig and tile molds for hand building and surface ornamentation to multi-part casting for unique and precise production, we will explore tailored ways of making and designing molds for a range of uses. This 8-week course introduces the foundational techniques of plaster mold-making for ceramic applications. Kept intentionally small, this class allows for more individual attention and studio time throughout the course. Students will learn to design and construct sprig and press molds, followed by 1-part and 2-part molds, exploring object suitability and gaining practical experience with press molding and slip-casting. The course also provides an introduction to more complex multi-part molds while supporting individual projects and ideas. By the end of the workshop, beginner students will have the skillset and confidence to continue their mold-making and slip-casting practice independently. Some ceramic experience is required; no prior mold-making or casting experience necessary. About the Instructor: Livia Miller is a Brooklyn-based potter and designer with over a decade of experience working with clay and an eclectic background spanning sculpture, animation, and digital fabrication. Studying and drawing from the delicate forms of flora and the nuanced curves of the body, her work seeks to speak on the quiet ways in which daily ritual objects exist in relation to the lives they inhabit. Her practice is deeply rooted in an appreciation for the traditions of the craft and a constant curiosity for the transmutative nature of ceramics.