nerikomi workshop

Join us for a hands-on exploration of Nerikomi, the Japanese hand-building technique that layers and slices colored clays to create intricate, naturally marbled patterns within the clay body. Led by acclaimed ceramic artist Maria Economides, this workshop offers an intimate look into her distinctive process — where rhythm, patience, and material intuition converge to form vessels that celebrate the poetry of imperfection.

Participants will begin with a live demonstration by Maria, followed by guided individual practice. Through her process-based approach, students will discover how color, texture, and composition emerge through the thoughtful interaction of clays and pigments. By the end of the workshop, each participant will complete two hand-built vessels, each reflecting a different Nerikomi technique and finished using Maria’s unique trimming and surface refinement methods.

key learning objectives

Understand the principles of the Nerikomi technique and its applications in contemporary ceramics
Learn to work with two contrasting clay bodies — white and brown — to explore natural variation and pattern formation
Experiment with coloring clay using pigments and stains to achieve distinct marbling effects
Hand-build and refine two vessels (up to 30 cm) using two different Nerikomi approaches
Apply Maria’s trimming and finishing techniques to enhance the final form and texture of each piece

What to Expect

Hands-on instruction and live demonstrations by Maria Economides
Guidance through the entire process — from coloring clay to constructing and finishing vessels
All tools and materials provided by the studio
Bisque firing of both vessels included in the workshop price