Course Overview

This course explores ways of combining wheel-thrown and handbuilt techniques to create more complex ceramic forms. Students will use thrown and handbuilt components as starting points for altering, assembling, and developing work that expands beyond traditional approaches to either process. Some prior wheel-throwing experience is recommended.

Classes meet once a week for 2.5 hours in the AMOCA Ceramics Studio for six weeks (15 hours of total instruction), and are limited in size to ten students. Access to open studio hours is included for the duration of the class and two weeks following.

Studio classes are for adults ages 18 and over (students 16+ may attend classes when accompanied by a paying adult).

Week 1: Studio and course introduction/logistics; the 5-cup project; demo: throwing off the hump
Week 2: Introduction to throwing larger forms; demo: throwing a large bowl
Week 3: The lidded vessel: jars, lids, and containers; demo: throwing and measuring lidded vessels
Week 4: Throwing bottle forms; demo: throwing bottle forms with neck
Week 5: Throwing large platters; demo: throw a large platter
Week 6: Glazing techniques, including layering and spraying glazes; demo: layering and spraying glazes

Course Policies

Refunds are not allowed after the course begins. Refunds requested during the week prior to the start of the class will be honored at 50%. Refunds requested prior to this will be honored minus Humanitix fees. If you would like to request a refund, email studio@amoca.org.

Studio classes are for adults ages 18 and over (students 16+ may attend classes when accompanied by a paying adult).

AMOCA follows current Los Angeles County COVID guidelines. We encourage you to keep up to date on vaccines, wear a mask if you'd like to, and stay healthy!

Please familiarize yourself with our Studio Etiquette and Conduct policies. Creativity thrives in a positive and respectful environment.

Your Instructor

Pictured: Isabella Hackerman throwing on the wheel

Isabella Rose Hackerman is an artist living in Pomona, California. She received her Masters of Fine Art in 2022 from Claremont Graduate University. Isabella works with clay and mixed media to create conceptual sculptures and installations. Her work is influenced by questioning gender norms, studying the history of erotic art, and empowerment of the human body. Her most recent series of sculptures are influenced by her interest in Neuroplasticity and understanding the most complex part of the human body. Additionally, she creates home decor in the form of pottery while using a palette inspired by her sculptures and installations. Isabella is a ceramics professor at Santa Monica College and Chaffey College.

Studio etiquette

Open studio:

Students are encouraged to come in on their own time to work on their projects during Open Studio hours (posted online and in the classroom). Entry to studio outside of Open Studio hours will be disabled via entry system.

Studio Artists:

Our Studio Artists and Artists in Residence occupy private spaces. Please be respectful of their personal space and please do not interrupt them while they are working.

Cleaning:

Please be sure to clean up the area you are working in, including:

Handbuilding tables - wipe down after use

Slab roller - always use canvas

Glaze area - wipe down any spills, countertops, and buckets

Studio tools - clean before putting back in drawer

Noise:

All cell phone conversations are to be taken outside. When listening to music or podcasts please only use headphones! It is important to not assume others want to listen to your tunes.

Storage:

There is shelving provided for each class in the classroom. This can be used for the duration of the class; however, once class is over these shelves must be cleared. Anything left behind after the two week grace period concludes will be assumed abandoned and then discarded.

Clay:

All clay must be purchased through our studio; no outside clay will be fired. If there is a cone 10 clay body you like from Laguna Clay that we don’t have in stock please let us know and we can order some for you.

Conduct:

Creativity thrives in a respectful environment. Treat others with kindness and courtesy so our experiences in the Studio will be creative and productive. Be mindful of our shared space and keep conversation topics light. AMOCA adheres to all applicable federal, state and local anti-discrimination and harassment laws and regulations. Harassment, discrimination, or other behavior that creates a hostile atmosphere will not be tolerated.

If you have concerns about someone’s behavior, please bring them to our attention, and we will handle it according to our guidelines.

Those who violate our Conduct policy may be asked to leave class or studio spaces; tickets, rent, or other fees may not be refunded.

Map of AMOCA Parking Lot

Map of AMOCA Parking Lot

AMOCA Ceramics Studio entrance

AMOCA Ceramics Studio entrance

Hybrid Forms - All Levels (Weds w/Isabella, Fall 2026)

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