Ref: S3D41826
This course is designed to give you the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to throw larger ceramic forms. Through a series of demonstrations and guided making sessions, you will develop techniques for constructing ambitious, large-scale work while building on your existing throwing skills.
You will explore a range of methods for extending thrown forms by combining wheel-thrown sections and how to combine additional coils and slabs. The course will also include discussions on designing, constructing, drying, firing, and glazing larger ceramic pieces, with particular attention given to the challenges of working at scale.
Demonstrations will take place throughout the course, allowing you to observe and apply each stage of the making process. You will begin by throwing several sections using 2- 3 kg of clay to construct a tall vessel or sculptural form. This will include learning how to prepare the clay and the rhythm and speed of slapping the clay into the centre. These forms will be joined together using a combination of thrown elements, with opportunities to incorporate coils and slabs to create more complex and individual designs. As your confidence develops, you will progress to throwing larger sections using 34 kg of clay. You will revisit the technique of slapping the clay onto the wheel before developing your skills further by learning how to hammer the clay evenly. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the correct amount of tension and pressure required to compact the clay effectively for throwing larger forms.
The glazing sessions will focus on techniques suitable for larger ceramic work. You will learn how to:
By the end of the course you will have completed several large ceramic pieces and gained the practical skills and confidence to continue developing your own large-scale throwing practice.
The course fee includes all clay and firing costs – 2 x pieces of large work have the opportunity to be glazed. Further work will need to be taken home with you.
A variety of art and craft materials are available to buy in the Gardens Gatehouse Shop.
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.
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