3-Day Teapot Masterclass w/ Kwak Kyung

• High-quality stoneware clay
  
• A Korean wheel + teapot tool set valued at $50 for each student
  
• Translation by Teacher Kwak’s apprentice
  
• Basic communal tools (feel free to bring your own)
  
• Snacks, coffee, and tea available throughout the day

• History and context of the Korean approach to clay sourcing, storage and preparation
• Spiral wedging (Gomak-milgi) and closing the spiral into a cylindrical form for more efficient centering
• Fundamentals of centering a large mass of clay for throwing off the hump, with emphasis on relaxing the clay for better clay response
• Exploration of teapot (da-gwan), teabowl (sabal), and lidded teabowl (gyewan) making, with a breakdown of steps to better understand each phase of the making process and finger placements
• Korean style trimming demo using handmade tools and understanding the harmonic relationship between throwing and trimming in relation to the final form
• Techniques on attaching of spouts, handles, and lids
• Comprehensive demonstration of making all pieces of a traditional tea set: teapot (da-gwan), teacup (dagi-jan), teabowl (sabal), saucer (janbadjim), toesuki, gye-wan, and sugu.

Complete Beginners: No prior ceramic experience required.

Detail-Oriented Artisans: Perfect for potters who wish to acquire new skills, streamline their workflow, or diversify their techniques.

Teens & Adults (13+): Open to anyone aged 13 and over (note: participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult who is also enrolled).

Price: $2499 per student (Includes a $50 set of tools for each student to keep)

*** Kindly note; 50% of the tuition ($1250) will be required to secure your spot in this Masterclass, and will be refundable up to 1st February 2027. Remaining 50% tuition fees will be required by 1st Febuary 2027, and is not refundable after this date.

Time & Date: 31st - 2nd April 2027 / 10am - 5:30pm (1 Hour lunch break each day)

Skill Level: Beginner - Advanced (No prior experience needed)

Location: ClayGround Brookvale (11 Mitchell Rd)

To Bring: Students to supply their own lunch/snack (we have a kitchen with a fridge and microwave)

Finished Output: Each student will finish with at least one of each: teapot (da-gwan), teabowl (sabal), and lidded teabowl (gyewan)

Firing Note: Bisque firing service is included; if you wish to return to the studio to use our glazes and glaze fire your set, this can be arranged separately as an additional fee with the studio.

A fascination with large Onggi vessels and the rough simplicity of Korean slipware led Kwak Kyung-tae to develop his own voice in clay. He works exclusively in 옹기 (Onggi) and 분청 (Buncheong), taking his inspiration from the traditions of the Korean peninsula of his birth, particularly during the Joseon dynasty, and applying them in a modern context. His work is resonant of nature’s forms and structures through wheel-thrown and altered work, often including spontaneous marks and gestural brushwork on large pots. His works evoke a balance of the crude and the sublime power of nature’s imperfection, in large and small scale work. The austerity of his style is born from an honest, tacit relationship with clay developed and mastered over a lifetime. He has held solo and group exhibitions throughout East Asia and Europe. His pieces are sold in galleries and shops in Europe, Asia, and the USA.

Find out more about Kwak Kyung-tae and his achievements here.