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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).
To see pictures of Connor and his work, click here
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..
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