The course will begin with an introduction to some of the contemporary Nerikomi artists practising this fascinating process today. This will give you inspiration for what can be achieved, and an insight into the many and varied approaches to creating individual and unique ceramic works with Nerikomi.

We will move on to the basics of the process with the colouring of clay with ceramic stains and progress to the technique of creating gradations between two colours. Once the clay has been coloured and the gradients made, the more intricate and interesting creation of making the patterned elements that comprise a Nerikomi piece can be explored. This is where your imagination can really come into play, as the possibilities for pattern are seemingly endless.

This is a very time-consuming process. The majority of all Nerikomi work is comprised of colouring the clay and the making of the patterns. A great deal of patience will be required, but once you have all your patterns ready to go, the building of your unique piece can begin.

We will be exploring hand building with a slab of patterned clay. The technique of Tebineri, making a bowl by forming a disc in your hand and draping a slab over a mould. If time allows, building a box, once the patterned slab is of a suitable consistency.

The objective of this course is to give you an understanding of the basic techniques of Nerikomi. It is an individual process, no two artists approach it in the same way, and you will complete the course with the confidence to create your own unique Nerikomi work.

Materials week: Pigments 

This course is part of our Materials week collection of courses focusing on pigments led by talented artist-tutors. Each course explores a different aspect of using pigments and how they are used in a variety of traditional and contemporary practices. Each tutor will be invited to give a short talk (10 minutes) about an aspect of their work relating to the theme of the week on Tuesday evening at 5.15pm. You will also be encouraged to visit other courses to see work produced across the varied approaches offered in the week.

View all courses in Pigment week 

• Sophie Bowen - Slow marks - natural dyes, drawing and stitch
• Lucy Mayes - Pigment making - the craft of colour for artists
• Judy McKenzie - An introduction to Nerikomi ceramics 
• Christine Graf - Enamel - exploring colours and textures
• Caroline Ross - Make a set of artist quality watercolour paints and pastels
• Peter Ward - Painting with earth

Included

Included is the cost of porcelain and some stoneware clay, and ceramic stains (black, yellow, red) and black slip supplied for the course and firing costs for work left at the College to collect later.

Most tools and equipment are supplied at the College for use during the course, but see below for any additional items that are useful to bring.

What students need to bring

• 2-4 Cotton cloths, 30cm square approx.
• Small rolling pins, if you have any (large rolling pins are available for use in the studio)
• Paintbrush/hake brush
• Small extruder, available to borrow from the tutor if you don’t have your own
• A potter’s bevel or mitre tool – available to borrow if you don’t have your own
• A small set of scales – available to borrow from tutor and West Dean if you don’t have your own
• Wire bow harp for cutting patterns in clay – if possible
• Knife and spoon
• Kitchen roll
• Cling film
• Ruler
• An apron
• A notebook and pens

Available to buy

Available from tutor:

• An additional small quantity of ceramic stain for purchase to supplement what is supplied, if required.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

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

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 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*
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
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
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.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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