Ref: S4D35893
Challenge and transform your hand building and throwing skills by exploring dynamic and playful approaches to ceramic forms that can be both functional and sculptural. Taking inspiration from both the observed and imagined landscape, you will use a variety of materials and techniques that encourage expressive, intuitive and spontaneous form making that will inform new approaches to your making practice.
The course includes the following projects:
With playful investigations into making techniques, we will explore a new form each day: vase, bottle, cup, bowl, plate, although these are only serving suggestions.
Informed by West Deans association with Surrealism, we will look at chimera forms and disruptive function.
On completing the course, you will have experienced a playful and alternative approach to form making, gained confidence in working intuitively and an introduction to incorporating new techniques and approaches into your practice.
On this course the College will supply most of the materials.
The cost of some glazing materials and firing of work may be charged extra.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.
Firing and glazing options:
1. Leave a selection of your most successful raw finished pieces for biscuit firing, basic glazing and re-firing by the College, for collection within six months.
2. Leave a selection of your most successful 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.
Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above
Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)
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.