LA TARDE clay club
ABOUT
La Tarde is an exploration of that question.
Working with clay naturally invites us to slow down and pay attention—to texture, weight, form, movement, and subtle details. Through clay, food, conversation, and the natural environment, we'll explore how our sensory experience can become a tool for creativity and expression.
At its core, La Tarde is an exploration of the creative process itself.
Unlike most pottery workshops, there is no specific project to complete and no expectation that everyone makes the same thing. Instead, I offer technical guidance that supports a more open-ended approach to working with clay, allowing each participant to follow their own curiosity and discoveries.
This experience is for everyone curious about making something with their hands and exploring a different way of creating, including experienced artists and potters looking for a space to play outside of production mode.
No previous hand-building experience is necessary.
WHAT TO BRING
- Your own clay (I recommend around 2-5 lbs.) You could buy a standard bag of clay (25lbs) and bring a portion of it, and use the remaining clay for another project at home or continue building on the project you have started in session. The other option is to buy reclaim clay (this is recycled clay that is sold by the pound), which allows you to buy the exact amount of clay you want. Reclaim clay combines different clay bodies and typically fires a light brown with some speckling in it.
You can purchase clay at Touci (they sell small sample bags of clay and whole bags), Hands On Ceramics (reclaim and whole bags of clay - Cormorant St. location), or Victoria Clay Art (only whole bags of clay).
Note that you will have to carry your clay from the parking area to the site location (a 5-10 minute walk), so bring what you feel comfortable carrying.
- An apron or clothes you don't mind getting dirty
- A sketchbook and pen or pencil
- Outdoor stuff (e.g., sunscreen, bug spray etc.)
WHAT TO EXPECT
We'll begin by sharing food and introductions before moving into a moment of observation and discovery, followed by a few demonstrations of hand-building techniques. From there, we'll spend the afternoon exploring, creating, and discussing our work together.
One request: please try not to arrive with a predetermined project in mind.
La Tarde is designed as a collective exploration. Part of the experience is discovering what wants to emerge through the process itself—through the environment around us, the objects we bring, the material in our hands, and the conversations we share. The more open you can remain to surprise and discovery, the richer the experience tends to be.
Firing is not included in the cost. If you would like to have your work fired afterwards, several studios will fire your work at a low cost, including Victorian Art Glass, Victoria Clay Art or Eccentric Artist Studio & Gallery
PAYMENT
If you'd like to join us, please reach out and confirm there is space in the upcoming session before making your payment. Once confirmed, you can reserve your spot by sending the cost of the event via e-transfer to lancastermoore@gmail.com. Because space is limited, spots are only confirmed once payment has been received.
FOOD + DRINK
We'll be serving a selection of thoughtfully chosen snacks, specialty foods, and beverages designed to complement the sensory nature of the gathering. Expect a variety of flavours, textures, aromas, and seasonal ingredients that invite the same kind of curiosity and attention that we bring to working with clay.
The menu is primarily vegetarian, though offerings may vary from gathering to gathering. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options will be available.
Participants are also welcome to bring something to share, though there is absolutely no expectation to do so.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions, allergies, or food sensitivities when registering so we can plan accordingly.
LOCATION
Each gathering takes place in a different outdoor location. A dropped pin and meeting details will be sent the day before the event.
Most locations involve a short walk from the parking area (typically 5–15 minutes). We make every effort to choose locations that are comfortable and accessible for a wide range of participants.
If you have any accessibility needs or concerns, please reach out before the event and we'll do our best to accommodate them.
Events run rain or shine, but location or date adjustments may be made in the case of severe weather.
PHOTO + VIDEO
Part of growing La Tarde is sharing the experience with others. Photos and video will be taken throughout the event and may be used in future promotional materials, including social media, websites, newsletters, and other communications related to La Tarde.
By attending, you acknowledge and consent to being photographed and recorded as part of the event.
We strive to document the gathering in a way that feels natural, respectful, and true to the experience.
THE INSTRUCTOR
Miranda (De Travail) is a multidisciplinary artist who has been working with clay since 2013. She has worked out of studios across Colorado, New York, Santiago, and now Victoria, BC.
Her work explores the process of creating itself. She is interested in the simplicity of clay as a medium and the intersection of living (playing, eating, rituals, history) and ceramics and how they effortlessly intertwine.
Through La Tarde, Miranda creates spaces where people can reconnect with their own creativity through making alongside others. She is passionate about public gatherings in unexpected places—moments that invite us to slow down, notice the beauty around us, and linger.