Ref: S3D41826
This course gives you the confidence and skills to throw larger pieces of work in stoneware. Time will be spent throwing several pieces from 4kg of clay to construct a tall structure. This is then expanded, using larger balls of clay (approx. 8kg). Methods explored are: slapping the clay and pounding it out with the fist, throwing the clay up, making a slip and assembling the thrown pieces together.
A brief introduction about glazes will be discussed. A basic glaze will be made and a demonstration of how to make a line blend given. You will be able to choose two stains/oxides to blend and tests will be made. Further talks can be on how to mix a tri-axil blend and further a glaze with raw materials. You will learn about the preparation of glazing, the different consistency it needs to be, how to spray an even layer of glaze on a large piece and how to check thickness.
By the end of the course you will have:
The course fee includes all clay, glazing and firing costs – large work in size and quantity may be charged extra
A variety of art and craft materials are available to buy in the Gardens Gatehouse Shop.
Firing and glazing options:
Leave your most successful raw, finished pieces, which you wish to keep, for biscuit firing, basic glazing and re-firing by the College for collection within six months.
Leave 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.
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 - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
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 - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
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.
Course Tutor - Foundation Diploma in Ceramics
Short Course Tutor
Tanya Gomez graduated from the Royal College of Art and is renowned for her vibrant large decorative vessels. She teaches from her studio in Lewes, East Sussex and exhibits throughout the UK and Internationally. Associated with the Craft Potters and Contemporary Applied Arts.
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.
