Ref: S3D36396
Coiling has been used as a method for building pots small and large for thousands of years, and is used by some of the best known contemporary makers in the UK such as Grayson Perry, Kate Malone and Dame Magdalene Odundo. It is a method which can be adapted to make sculpture, both abstract or representational. This course is ideal for mixed abilities, for complete beginners or for improvers wishing to enhance their skills, or find an opportunity to increase scale using the clay working facilities available at West Dean.
Jo is an experienced tutor who will demonstrate techniques and discuss your individual aims so that you can choose an approach that suits you best and work to your own personal goals. The making process will cover design decisions and construction with focus on form, functionality, scale and decoration. You will complete several pieces as works are made in tandem, which allows one to dry a little whilst another is being worked on.
You will be able to experiment with a number of decorative techniques using sprigs and coloured slips, and your work will be fired and clear glazed for you by the technician (if required).
The learning aim is to progress your skills and complete a small group of functional or decorative works with expert guidance. The other aim is to enjoy the process, atmosphere and learning.
During the first evening, the group will meet and the tutor will introduce the course and inspire you with a presentation; the first day will focus on design and construction; the second on further construction and decorative techniques; the third on completing decoration before finishing at 3pm.
The cost of clay/glazing materials and firing costs of work made – large work in size and quantity may be charged extra.
Available from shop: Pottery tools, pottery knife Rough paper or sketchbook and pencil Natural sponge
Wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toes or sandals. Safety boots, if specified.
Firing and glazing options:
Leave your most successful raw, finished pieces for biscuit firing, basic glazing and re-firing by the College, for collection within six months.
Take away your unfired pots for firing and glazing elsewhere.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential
Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required
Jo studied at Bath Spa University gaining Ceramics BA, MA & teacher training qualifications. An experienced tutor, Jo regularly teaches from beginners to MA students. A member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, her work is exhibited internationally in shows such as COLLECT at the Saatchi gallery.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
