Every potter has a list of WHAT they want to make. HOW to make it, is often the question.
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." ~ SCB
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. KL
"I love them and their format! I precisely purchased them because they are prerecorded so that I could get to them whenever I have the time. Which sadly isn’t too often. Staying busy making! But I love knowing they are there whenever I have a free moment or day and can dive right in. Thanks so much for creating them and sharing your wealth of knowledge and expertise!"~ JO
Bill van Gilder
A professional potter for more than 50 years, Bill van Gilder began his clay work at age 15, as a studio apprentice to the late Byron Temple. During the following years he apprenticed in Ireland and England, and received a degree from Harrow School of Art, London, U.K.. He then established and managed two large training pottery centers in Southern Africa (Lesotho & Swaziland) under the auspices of The World Bank. Bill returned to the U.S. in 1979 and in 1985 established a studio and craft gallery atop South Mountain in Central Maryland, which he continues to operate today.
van Gilder has served on the faculty of The Art League, Alexandria, VA, and was founder/director of The Frederick Pottery School, Frederick, MD. He currently leads workshops nationally and internationally on pottery forming, decorating, and firing techniques, as well as workshops on kiln building. Bill has designed a line of professional potter’s tools (van Gilder ClayTools) available on this website and through retailers nationwide.
Bill also wrote a regular ‘Teaching Techniques’ column for Clay Times magazine (USA), and was the creator, writer and host of Throwing Clay, an internationally televised DIY Network Television 30-part series about making pottery.
His clay work is exhibited and held in collections worldwide. It has been featured in ceramic periodicals including Clay Times, Ceramics Monthly, Ceramic Review (UK), Ceramic Arts (China), Sgraffito (S. Africa), and books including 500 Teapots and High Fire Glazes (Lark Books), Salt Glazing (A&C Black, London), and The Art of American Ceramics (Krause Books) and more. van Gilder authored Wheel-Thrown Pottery, a cooperative book venture by Lark Books and the DIY Television Network.