Throw & Carve – Finding Form Through Movement
Clay comes alive when form and surface begin speaking to each other. In this two-day masterclass, you’ll explore how carving can transform your thrown pieces – adding rhythm, depth and a sense of movement that can’t be achieved through form alone.
EARLY-BIRD OFFER: Sign up before January 1st and receive a toolset that includes a bow harp, a knife, and a mudtool sponge — all suitable for the carving masterclass.
Dates: 25.-26. of April, 2026
Location: LerKalaset, Ry, Denmark
Duration: 2 days
Teaching hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM both days (including 1-hour lunch break)
Format: Wheelthrowing and carving, suitable for intermediate throwers
Includes: Clay, coffee/tea/snacks
Firing: Participants will have the option to have their pieces fired by paying a kiln and glazing service fee (DKK 155 per piece). Unfired pieces can be collected at no additional cost.
Number of masterclass enrollments: 10
Masterclass enrollment fee: DKK 4485 (600 €)
This two-day master class is designed for those who are comfortable on the wheel and would like to explore how carved surfaces can bring character, rhythm and movement to their work.
Guided by Mizuyo Yamashita, you’ll step into a focused, yet playful, environment where technique and creativity meet. Mizuyo believes in the balance between discipline and artistic exploration: the calm concentration of centring clay, the satisfaction of a well-thrown vessel, and the joy of discovering new possibilities through mark-making and surface work. Carving invites you to slow down, observe the material closely, and let your hand movements leave intentional traces on the form.
Whether you’re creating bold facets, subtle grooves or dynamic textures, this masterclass will help you understand how timing, moisture and tool choice shape the final outcome. By the end, you’ll not only have a small collection of carved pieces – you’ll have a stronger sense of how surface and form can work together to express your personal style.
During this masterclass we will cover:
· Throwing forms suited to carving, such as cylinders, bowls, vases or bottles, and understanding how shape influences the carving process.
· Learning the ideal clay hardness for different tools and techniques, so you can time your carving for the cleanest, most expressive cuts.
Day 1: Throwing
After a demonstration, you will throw several pieces to work on during the workshop. We’ll look at how to create even walls, controlled curves and enough clay to carve into.
Day 2: Carving and Finishing
We will explore a range of carving, faceting and trimming techniques using different tools. You’ll learn how each method behaves at various stages of dryness, from soft leather-hard to firm, and how to refine the surfaces while keeping the strength of the piece.
Mizuyo Yamashita is aiming to create a space where passion, knowledge and fun experiences can be shared through working with clay.
Pottery as an art form offers a calm, therapeutic, and enjoyable activity filled with tactile sensations. The disciplined approach integral to pottery as a craft brings us a profound sense of achievement. There is immense joy in making a simple piece of pottery or object or just centring a chunk of clay on the wheel. Mizuyo values both the creative and disciplined approaches.
By the end of the master class, you will have a small collection of carved forms and a deeper understanding of how to combine throwing and surface work in a thoughtful, intentional way.
About Mizuyo Yamashita
Mizuyo has a background in interior design in Japan. Her approach is grounded in the ergonomic approach and aesthetics she cultivated during that time and in the craftsmanship she learned from working alongside Japanese artisans.
The inspirations for her work come from a wide range of archaeological artefacts, everyday designed objects and the forms in nature. She also generates ideas from the materials, processes and history in ceramics and other crafts. In her work she tries to express elegance and beauty in the functional forms that match to our modern aesthetics while exploring the materials and the traditions of pottery making: combining the Egyptian form and Japanese decorating technique, the Roman form and Korean glaze and the style of English studio pottery and Chinese glaze etc.
Apart from doing her own ceramic pieces, Mizuyo also founded a ceramic studio called Tokobo based in London, in which she runs ceramic courses and workshops.
Practical information regarding transport and accommodation:
If you arrive by car, there is free parking in connection with the studio. If you travel by public transport, there are trains and buses from Aarhus to Ry. From Billund and Aarhus airports, pickup can be arranged for €60 or a taxi for around €130. Alternative and cheaper options are bus and train from both airports.
Registration takes place upon payment.
Once you have received the order confirmation per email, you are registered for the masterclass. The invoice you receive per email shortly thereafter is valid as your ticket. (Note that both order confirmation and invoice will be issued in the Danish language). Your registration is binding. Refund or exchange will only take place in the event that LerKalaset reschedules or cancels the dates. You may sell your ticket if you are prevented from participating. If so, please inform LerKalaset of the name and email address of the new participant.
