Mastering Larger Thrown Forms and Multi-Part Thrown Vessels with René Petitjean

Dates: 
Saturday November 14, 2026: Mastering Larger Thrown Forms
Sunday November 15, 2026: Mastering Multi-Part Thrown Vessels
 
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Age: 16+
Location: Feldspar Ceramics, 1390 Gerrard St East
 
Price: $290 for 1 day or $550 for two days. 
 
About the workshop
Take your throwing to the next level and learn how to confidently create larger forms using the potter’s wheel. This workshop focuses on developing a strong foundation of efficient and ergonomic throwing techniques to help you design and build larger pots with greater control and intention. Instruction and demonstrations will explore throwing large forms in one piece as well as building larger vessels from multiple thrown parts. 
 
This workshop is catered to intermediate and advanced potters with prior wheel-throwing experience.
 
Saturday: Throwing Large Forms
Learn how to plan and execute a large pot thrown in one piece, with a focus on efficient throwing techniques and maintaining control as the form grows.
 
Learning outcomes:
Learn how to draw and plan a large form before throwing
Understand how shape, weight, and proportions affect the success of a large pot
Perfect an efficient power pull
Raise walls efficiently using as few pulls as possible
Reduce unnecessary contact with the clay to avoid overworking and saturating the walls
Shape and refine the pot to achieve the desired form
Learn techniques for trimming larger forms
 
Sunday : Multi-Part Thrown Forms
Explore how to plan, throw, and assemble larger pots made from multiple parts. You’ll learn how to accurately throw complementary pieces and join them to create a cohesive final form.
 
Learning outcomes:
Draw and plan multi-part forms before throwing
Use callipers to accurately measure complementary parts
Throw the top and bottom sections with precision
Learn techniques for attaching multiple thrown pieces
Shape and refine the combined components into the desired final form
Learn how to trim larger multi-part pots using a chuck
 
About René
René Petitjean is a ceramic artist and blacksmith whose practice spans ceramics, steel, and teaching. After studying at Sheridan College and establishing Petitjean Pottery in Dunedin, Ontario, René developed a distinctive practice in contemporary and traditional ceramics, later expanding into blacksmithing. His approach to both materials is rooted in a shared fascination with heat, fire and transformation.
 
Currently, he takes ceramics and steel commissions from selected architects, builders and interior designers. In 1998 he assisted with the design of the Haliburton School of Art + Design's Artist Blacksmith Certificate Program, of which he is a faculty member. Rene also teaches in the Ceramics Certificate Program and at Loyalist College where he began teaching ceramics in 2024.