Finding Your Voice Mentorship Monthly Payment Plan [250]
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Time Commitment: Participants are expected to attend all group sessions, and dedicate a minimum of 5 additional hours per week to their own studio practice and creativity.
Type of Work: This program welcomes ceramic artists who make any type of work across the full spectrum, from functional, to sculptural.
Program Fee: $1250 USD* Upon acceptance to the program, participants will be required to pay a deposit of $250 USD. Remainder of the course fee will be due prior to the first session. Additionally, there is a monthly payment option of $250/month.
Includes:
- 5 virtual guided group sessions of approximately 3.5 hrs each, centred around specific topics and themes, with corresponding assignments and readings.
- 5 virtual group "check-in" sessions, of approximately 1 hour each (these will be scheduled once the program starts and are not mandatory).
- 4 personal sessions with Naomi of approximately 45 min each.
- Access to a private Facebook group discussion forum to share work and respond to prompts and feedback.
This virtual mentorship program is for ceramic artists who are looking to develop and push their work in new directions. This mentorship program aims to provide artists with critical discussion and observation skills, as well as concrete ways to develop their artistic voice. Focus will be on idea and content development, rather than technical skills. The group will be kept small (a maximum of 10 participants) so that members feel comfortable sharing their work and their ideas. One of the goals with this group is to create a sense of community and open dialogue with participants. Participating artists will be given regular assignments (written and creative) to suit their individual needs and goals.
Participants must be prepared to come with an open mind, a wish to be part of a group of like-minded makers, a willingness to learn and share, and above all, a desire to make better work. Trust and vulnerability are an inherent and integral part of all art-making, and will be a big part of the success of this program.
WHO THIS IS FOR
- Artists who have been working in clay for several years (a minimum of 2-3), who have competent skills with the material, and who have ready access to a ceramic studio and kiln.
- Artists who are actively looking to explore a new direction with their work, and/or delve deeper into their work conceptually.
- Artists who are eager for critical feedback on their current work, and who want to discuss their ideas and methods with a community of like-minded makers.
- Artists who are willing and eager to participate in open group critiques and dialogue about contemporary ceramics.
- Artists who are willing to put in the work. My job is to coach and guide, but as with all things in life: "you get out what you put in".
- Artists who are willing to commit dedicated time to pursuing their studio work and class exercises for the duration of the program, and who will agree to work a minimum of 5 hours per week in their studio.
Note This program is not for people who are looking for technical advice and skill building, as sessions are not demonstration based.
This program is also not intended for people who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution, or who have graduated in the last 12 months.
WHAT THE PROGRAM INCLUDES
- 5 virtual guided group sessions of approximately 3.5 hrs each, centred around specific topics and themes, with corresponding assignments and readings. These sessions will include critiques and breakout room discussions.
- 5 virtual group "check-in" sessions, of approximately 1 hour each (these will be scheduled once the program starts and are not mandatory).
- 4 personal sessions with Naomi of approximately 45 min each to discuss personal goals and work.
- Access to a private group discussion forum to share work and respond to prompts and feedback.
Topics Covered Include (but are not limited to)
- Establishing goals for your work and for yourself
- Different ways to help you hone in on your artistic voice and vision
- Strategies for critiquing your own work
- Writing artist statements
- What are your influences as an artist and how do you feed your artistic “well”
2023 Dates
Selected participants must be able to commit to attending all group sessions, which will be held virtually over zoom on the following dates:
Jan. 21, 1:00-4:30 pm EST
Feb. 25, 1:00-4:30 pm EST
Mar. 25, 1:00-4:30 pm EST
Apr. 22, 1:00-4:30 pm EST
May 13, 1:00-4:30 pm EST
Note that no make-up classes for group sessions will be possible.
CLASS POLICY
This program aims to be a safe and welcoming space to artists of all backgrounds, persuasions, and creative interests. As such, there will be a zero-tolerance policy towards any participant who displays bullying, non-inclusive, or racist language or behaviour, or who in any way disrespects or threatens the work of this program, its participants, and/or its instructor. Any participant deemed by the instructor to be in violation of this policy will be asked to leave the program immediately. No refunds will be given.
About The Instructor
Hi, I’m Naomi Clement, I’m a ceramic artist, teacher, and creative entrepreneur. I’ve been working in clay for over 22 years, and I’ve taught workshops and exhibited my work all across Canada and the US. I have my BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, and my MFA in Ceramics from Louisiana State University.
Today I am well known for my elegant hand-built forms and the rich and layered surfaces on my pots. I was a thrower for many years, but switched to hand-building a few years ago now and have never looked back! At first I was intimidated by hand-building functional work—I thought it meant I wouldn’t be able to get consistent forms or that it would take forever to get a single pot. But I loved the new world of form and texture that opened up to me when I started hand-building my pots. Sure, it did take a bit longer, but ultimately I was way happier with the end results. Plus, slab-building my pots means I get to add lots of yummy texture to them which contributes to my signature layered surfaces. Hand-building opened up a whole new way of thinking about and decorating my work, and I’ve never looked back.
I created this workshop to share some of the basic strategies that have worked for me, and help you learn how to create your own unique pots!
" Naomi has such a relaxed and down-to-earth approach to teaching and is VERY generous with all she share. Love her workshops! I have attended two so far and look forward to more. Naomi is an EXCELLENT teacher! I've learned so much from her! "
" Naomi is clear, concise, and very willing to answer all questions during the demo. I've asked Naomi questions post-workshop and she is incredibly responsive and kind. I really hope one day to take an in-person workshop from Naomi, but for now I will settle for online and look forward to more..."
“ I have taken two workshops with Naomi and I learned so much at both! She is so patient and open with information and tips, which makes her so approachable for students and people learning. After those two workshops I would definitely take another workshop with Naomi! ”
“ I took your surface decoration workshop awhile back and just wanted to thank you!! I’ve been stuck on a project for too long—your workshop was very inspiring and really helped me focus on simplifying my idea. ”
" I've taken 3 virtual workshops so far from Naomi Clement, and each one gives me such inspiration! I find myself watching more than once, taking copious notes, and so totally engaged that I'm amazed 2 hours can go by so quickly! "
“ Great workshop again today. It was just what I needed. I'm motivated to get in the studio and dive in again – thank you! ”
