Join us in learning the process of building micaceous clay cookware in the style of the late Felipe Ortega. We work with our own hand dug micaceous clay from the generous mountains of the Rio Las Tusas Valley and we seek to preserve the respect and integrity of whats left of an iconic tradition.
What to Expect
In these workshops you will learn various forms of hand-building and coiling techniques, build cookware to take home for your kitchen and understand the history, life ways and cultural context of this craft as it was practiced here in La Madera, as well as receiving some of legacy of our late teacher whose home and hearth you will be visiting. Our various teachers bring apprenticeship to our late master, years of experience and technical expertise, diverse backgrounds and knowledge of pottery but mostly a deep respect for the Mother Earth and a commitment to continuing this craft..
~the Standard Workshop is 51/2 days of intensive craftsmanship: 2 days of building, 1 day of drying , 2 more days of the refining and polishing processes and a morning of firing
~We provide classes to a minimum of three students and no more than eight to accommodate our studio size
~Typically three pieces of cookware are made by each student
~Meals (Breakfast and Dinner) and accommodation are provided
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. .
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You can reach us anytime via our email. owlpeakstudio@gmail.com
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workshops vary in price
The class is $1150 and there is a $250 non refundable deposit. $150 per person of the class is for lodging and goes to our Non Profit Owl Peak Studios run by Felipe's Nephew Jimmy Ortega Jr.
no one will be turned away for lack of funds, so please reach out if you have questions about financial assistance or work trade possibilities
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Apprenticeship is a lot of work but a rich experience of learning about the production of the clay, deeper aspects of pottery, maintenance of Adobe structures etc etc. We don't have a formal program for this yet. expect it to be a lot of manual labor, apprentice should come from a deep curiosity and dedication to this craft. We don't typically need an apprentice but we love to mentor those who are passionate and committed to our community, mother earth and this art form. Get in touch with us if you are called to this. We usually ask folks to take a workshop first or as a part of the apprenticeship.