You will be taken through a step-by-step process to create a set shape, as well as developing your own forms. The tutor will demonstrate how she works with wheel-thrown porcelain components and hollow forms to create large or unusual shaped vessels. This will involve throwing smaller pieces that can then be constructed into a larger form. It will encourage you to start to evolve your creativity, using the wheel as a tool to make either functional or sculptural shapes in porcelain.

The beauty of working in this way is in giving you a method for making pieces that are larger than the maximum weight of clay you can throw in one go for both functional and sculptural forms.

By the end of the course, you will have a grounding of skills to continue to make large vessels or sculpture, and have at least one item finished and ready for firing. The tutor will offer a format based on a vessel shape for you to follow. If there is a specific shape you would like to consider, in the context of this course, please get in touch with the tutor ahead of the class to discuss it.

You must have spent some time throwing prior to the course, but you do not need to be at an advanced level. It will help to be able to centre the clay and have some confidence pulling up the clay, but anything you make can be adapted to take into account your skill level.

Everyone will have the use of their own wheel throughout the course.

Included

All clay, glazing and firing costs are provided (large work in size and quantity may be charged extra). Basic tool kits are provided in the pottery for use during the course.

What students need to bring

• You may wish to look at ceramics exhibitions and events as research, as well as reading Ceramic Review, Ceramics Monthly or Craft Magazine in preparation.
• Please email the tutor at: [email protected] at least two weeks before the start date of your course with your name, details of the course you are attending (i.e. course ref, title and dates) and your telephone number, so that the tutor can contact you to discuss the course.
• Please dress appropriately for a ‘messy’ class and bring an apron if you would like to wear one. If you have your own tools, you are welcome to bring them.

Available to buy

Available from shop: Pottery tools

Additional information

Firing and glazing options:

1. Leave a selection of raw, finished pieces, which you wish to keep, for biscuit firing, basic glazing and re-firing by the College for collection within six months.

2. Leave a selection of raw, finished pieces for biscuit firing at the College. You can then book a place on a Glazing Day and glaze your own work (allowing four weeks for your work to be biscuit fired). This work will be re-fired after glazing and available for collection within six months.

3. Take away your unfired pots for firing and glazing elsewhere.

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

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

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