APPRENTICESHIP SUMMARY
This clay-focused apprenticeship will advance apprentice Molly Ludlam’s skills in hand building, wheel-throwing, and wood firing under the guidance of mentor Shana Brautigam. Molly will expand her functional forms to bowls, platters, and teapots, explore surface decoration techniques like stamping, sgraffito, and underglaze painting, and participate fully in bisque and wood-firing processes, including kiln preparation, firing, and stoking. This apprenticeship offers hands-on training in both technical skill and creative experimentation in pottery.
MENTOR
Shana Brautigam (Rindge, New Hampshire)
Shana has been working as a studio potter and teaching artist since 2003. She is a juried member of the League of NH Craftsmen, and on the NHSCA, Arts in Education roster.
Her journey with clay began at 9 years old when she first learned how to use a pottery wheel. Thus began a lifetime of learning and creating with clay. In 2003 she started her business, Rooted in Clay, and moved to Rindge NH to open a studio. She built her wood-kiln out of old electric kilns to achieve atmospheric surface effects.
“Molly is a great fit for this program. She has a solid foundation in pottery making, as well as several other art forms. Molly is ready to take her work to a professional level, and has shown consistent commitment and growth in the past year that I’ve known her. She is always excited to explore new forms, techniques, and learn about the process.” – Shana Brautigam
APPRENTICE
Molly Ludlam (Rindge, New Hampshire)
Molly has always loved making art. She has done a lot of photography, printmaking and painting, but the medium she is most passionate about is clay. When she brought her son to Shana’s class this past March, she couldn’t resist signing up as well. She has been working in her studio ever since! This past September, she officially began working as a studio potter, launching her new business “Delightful Clayworks.” She began selling her work at local businesses and craft fairs a month later.
“Shana has professional experience as a studio potter, teacher and business owner for 22 years. I admire her beautiful hand built and wheel thrown work that is made with great skill and artistry. Whenever I have questions or need help problem solving, Shana shares her wealth of knowledge and expertise in a way that allows me to explore and experiment, developing my own style of work. I am inspired by her work practice as she balances family and home life. She’s very kind and easy to get along with!” – Molly Ludlam