Bill van Gilder Pottery
What folks are saying...
“When Kris and Bill asked me to preview this online course they were putting together, I was delighted. I had taught ceramics with Bill at his Frederick Pottery School and on the occasions that I substituted for him, I learned more skills and techniques from his students than I was able to offer them. He is clearly a great teacher. This workshop will confirm why. Bill communicates and demonstrates every project clearly and concisely. And each project, while complete in itself, carries over into the next project in such a way that the techniques and concepts are reinforced and accumulated. In every lesson from the most basic form to the most complex form, I learned new skills that have already improved my own work. You will too." ~ SC Burgess
"I took a workshop with Bill in 2018, and it completely transformed how I approach making pots. His teaching gave me the confidence to better design, throw, alter, decorate, and trim my work, and the techniques he shared led to much greater success in the studio. Not a day goes by that I don’t use something I learned from him.
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Bill is a one-of-a-kind teacher and master potter. He has a way of de-mystifying even the most intimidating projects, making his workshops accessible and impactful regardless of your skill level. Beyond the skills and techniques, Bill introduced me to a deeper, richer way of thinking about the craft of clay. His lifelong dedication to pottery and the influence of the many potters he’s worked with shine through in every lesson.
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Bill’s workshops are more than just technical instruction—they’re an invitation to join a long tradition of craftspeople motivated by a love of clay and the drive to create true pots. I couldn’t recommend his workshops more highly!" ~ CC
"You make these techniques look so simple. The results are beautiful & uniform. Can't wait to give it a try. Thanks for sharing!! A++++" ~ B.D.M.
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"An awesome, inspiring and educational workshop, Bill! Thanks, and hope to see you again. I intend to employ some of your techniques... 2 thumbs up!" ~ CJS
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"Thanks so much for a great course. I learned a lot and can't wait to apply it at the wheel. Well done in all facets." ~ JP
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"I love the workshop, and I am using it to be better at pottery. I have been taking pottery classes for a year and a half." ~ SM
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"I have been getting quite a lot out of the videos, and have indeed been practicing a number of the forms — baking dishes, vases, plates, etc. The videos are excellent as are the extra features." ~ GH
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"I highly recommend these workshops. Bill is an excellent teacher!" ~ MO
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I"'m really enjoying your workshop. I have not attended any in person so the online workshop is perfect for me. I really appreciate you making this available. Your ability to explain every detail of your process and discuss your tool uses while you demonstrate on the wheel is excellent. You are a great comunicator and teacher."
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"I've been enjoying the workshop! It's nice to be able to watch at my pace. I also am happy you put out this style of workshop! I was not able to record much during the workshop you hosted in Harper's Ferry, so it's nice to have this information when I need it. I've also been teaching so it's been a great guide on how to explain/teach parts of the process. I appreciate anything that has to do with production pottery/ can save me time as I make. Thank you!" ~ K
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"While many of the techniques you are demonstrating are not brand new to me, I have garnered new insights from the details, and been inspired to try new things. It is so important to learn from more than one expert in the field and the teacher's approach is a big part of the learning. I appreciate your common sense approach and also your streamlined approach to tool usage. "~ DL
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