Justin Paik Reese.
Composite Forms, Torching & Geometric Mapping
Two days building multi-part wheel-thrown vessels — throwing components, torching and joining them, then trimming and mapping geometric surface designs around the finished form.
Composite Forms & Geometric Mapping.
with Justin Paik Reese
Registration opens Wednesday, September 16th at 12pm
Join the waiting list ↓
Composite wheel-thrown forms, refined with torching, trimming, and structured surface mapping.
This two-day intensive guides intermediate ceramic artists through building composite wheel-thrown forms — throwing components with sound technique, then joining them into advanced multi-part vessels.
Day two turns to refinement: trimming for composite surfaces, then planning and carving geometric designs around curved forms. Students develop precision, control, and conceptual planning while producing vessels ready for later firing.
Who it's for Intermediate makers who can center larger amounts of clay and throw consistent forms independently. Both days are hands-on, with demonstrations and individual coaching throughout.
Two days, hour by hour.
Each day runs 11am to 5pm, with an optional 30-minute break at 2pm.
Day 1 · Building the Foundation
Welcome & orientation
- Introductions and workshop goals
- Overview of composite forms and geometric mapping
- Each student’s experience and objectives
Demo · Throwing components
- Sketching the overall design
- Centering larger amounts of clay efficiently
- Throwing the base of the pot
- Wall-thickness control for joining multiple parts
- Safe handling of torches
Work session · Throwing components
- Throw the base for at least one — preferably two — composite forms
- Instructor circulates for individual coaching
- Precision, consistency, and clay management
Break
- Optional 30 minutes
Demo · Finalizing the form
- Throwing the final section
- Shapes and proportions that work
- Avoiding micro-cracking and uneven moisture gradients
- Attaching the final part
Work session · Torching & assembling
- Torch components to a uniform leather-hard consistency
- Scoring, slip preparation, and clean joining
- Adjusting symmetry, compressing seams, refining transitions
Wrap-up & preview of day 2
- Review challenges encountered
- Prep pieces for overnight drying
- Overview of the trimming approach for composite surfaces
Day 2 · Refinement, Mapping & Surface
Demo · Trimming for mapping
- Trimming in preparation for mapping out designs
- Evaluating dryness and touch-points for trimming readiness
- Shaping refined silhouettes
- Working with asymmetry introduced during assembly
Work session · Trimming
- Continue refining pieces in preparation for drying and trimming
- Trim the composite pieces
Demo · Surface decoration & geometric mapping
- Planning geometric designs around curved forms
- Markers, soft rulers, portioning tools, and templates
- Dividing space through horizontals
- Carving a portion of the design, plus a piercing demo
Work session · Mapping & surface work
- Apply design mapping onto trimmed vessels
- Begin carving and piercing once pieces are ready
- Troubleshooting proportion and alignment
Final review & closing
- Group show-and-tell and constructive critique
- Drying, bisque firing, and glaze strategies to apply later
- Closing remarks and next steps
Justin Paik Reese.
Justin Reese is a studio potter out of Youngstown, Ohio, but is currently living and working for Mayco Colors out of Columbus, OH. Some of his influences include 90's pop culture, retro video games, and Korean pottery and patterning.
He fires to cone 10/11 in his soda kiln, often looking for rich carbon-trapping with bright, electric celadons. Currently, he is spending a lot of time traveling to help fire kilns, teach workshops, and welcome new friendships and opportunities.
Join the waiting list.
We'll let you know as soon as a spot opens.