Endless Possibilities with Wheelthrowing and Altered Forms - a Workshop with Frank Zhu

10-5 pm, February 21st

Artist Statement: 

“This demo-centric workshop distills my refined approach to clay, developed over years of practice, and showcases key techniques and insights through a range of forms demonstrated throughout.”

Materials and clay are provided, we welcome you to bring any of your favorite tools as well. 

In this workshop you will learn: 

• A practical approach to altering wheel-thrown forms for expanded formal expression
• How to create bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry, or asymmetry intentionally
• Timing: altering at soft leatherhard vs. firmer stages
• Thickness planning, compression, and structural choices that prevent cracking/collapse
• Functional considerations for altered forms (rims, handles, spouts, balance, pouring)
• A repeatable “throw → alter → refine” workflow students can apply in their own studio practice

10:00–10:15 | Welcome + framework

• Overview of “throw + alter” philosophy
• Symmetry types and how they change reading/function
• Key variables: thickness, moisture, and support

10:15–1:00 | Morning demonstrations (3 hours)

Demo set 1: Functional foundations + alteration pathways

• Mug: cylinder planning, altering strategies, rim refinement, handle considerations
• Bowl: radial/bilateral rim moves, volume shifts, stability + foot relationship
• Pitcher: form directionality, spout logic, handle + counterbalance
• Lidded forms:Flange and lid configuration, measurements, sculptural elements.

1:00–2:00 | Lunch break

2:00–5:00 | Afternoon demonstrations (3 hours)

Demo set 2: Scale, edge language, and sculptural vocabulary

• Platter: compression, altered edges, rim profiles, drying/warping management
• Vase: shifting silhouette, neck/rim decisions, intentional asymmetry
• Sculptural vessel: pushing beyond function, planes/edges, controlled deformation
• Extended Q&A throughout + wrap-up discussion: trimming plans, drying strategy, next-step prompts