John Toki In-Person Workshop

Saturday, August 8th, 2026

1 pm – 5 pm: John Toki In-Person Workshop

*Times are Pacific Standard Time

Workshop Goal:

The workshop is designed to teach artists a variety of techniques for building large scale sculpture. Demonstrations will include coloring clay with stains and oxides, how and where to reinforce interior wet clay forms to prevent them from collapsing, and where and how to make sectional cuts on (large) forms.

Information on interior structural armatures when building wet clay pieces will also covered along with drying information to prevent cracks and warping. Post firing clay interior wall reinforcement fiberglass epoxy and iron reinforcement techniques for stabilizing sculptures for display indoors and for outdoor public installations will also be explained.

Workshop project:

Each student will make a sculpture that matches their aesthetics. Students will make a sculpture approximately 16-24” tall or wide, utilizing some of the Toki techniques.

Material list:(clay quantity reflects the size of the piece that you plan to make)

• 75-100 lb. Laguna, LC4 Sculpture Clay (Toki sculpture clay)

• 25 lb. Laguna, Toki Porcelain (This is special clay designed for mixing with stains)

• 4-6 each x ¼-1/2 lb. glaze stains of your choice. (blue, red, black, yellow, orange, turquoise)

• 1 – plywood ware board, 20 x 24 x ¾”

Miscellaneous Tools: (Bring your own tools closest to the list below)

• Clay wire cutter

• Fettling knife

• Wood ribs

• Scoring tool: fork

• Sponge

• Loop tool/s: for hollowing

• 24” ruler

• Rolling pin

• Wood diagonal tool

• Rag for drying hands

• 1 gallon water bucket

• 1 – ½ gallon bucket for joining slip

• Assorted brushes

• 3x Thin plastic sheets (about 30 x 30”) or bring a small roll of plastic sheeting, for covering sculpture, and for a Toki technique to be presented during the demonstration.

• Scissors