“clay practice” is a body of research exploring the cacophony of sensations, histories, and imaginary dimensions fossilized in our bodies and in clay. Part-workshop part-performance, in this iteration of clay practice participants have the option to witness and engage with the workshop however they feel most comfortable.
We start with a pile of clay and sink into our senses through guided movement and sound improvisations, deep (time) listening, and terrestrial embodiments. Participants will be invited to touch the clay, mold shapes, build worlds, and decorate and transform each other into bizarre earth-creatures. We move slowly, clay bits fall and thud to the floor, and structures crumble. We will experiment with rest, mistakes, and the unfinished. Oscillating between a facilitated practice and moments of “performance”, our senses are opened to a textural soundscape of self-audio description, haptic feedback from the clay, and movement to feel into the present and cavort with our freaky-uncertainties.
Shannon will use an abstracted self-audio description when possible. There will be supplies available (wipes, gloves, boards, etc) to support you to touch/play with the clay if you choose. clay practice is influenced by Shannon’s personal experiences with low-vision/blindness, chronic illness, mental health and queerness. clay practice evolves over time, coming in many forms including a performance, a workshop, a ritual for the senses, an intervention on production/product, and an evolving sculpture.
Content Warnings:
Practice/performance may engage in themes of disability, c-ptsd, neurodivergence, and ableism, as well as contain content visitors find sensitive, such as coarse language and brief nudity. The workshop/performance space may contain loud sound/music and ear plugs will be available at the front desk.
Saturday, April 5 at 11 AM
FringeArts
140 N. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
TICKETS
GA $25
PWYC options from $10+ available.
FringeACCESS $2
No one turned away for lack of funds.
Miniball returns to FringeArts April 3–7, bringing together a dynamic lineup of performances, workshops, and events—all under one roof. Featuring a mix of brand-new works, colliding Split Bills, and exclusive work-in-progress performances, Miniball offers a space for artists and audiences to connect, experiment, and celebrate bold ideas.
The festival provides a platform for emerging and established artists to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and showcase their boldest and most imaginative creations. Don’t miss it!