Ref: S6D40168
Michels way of teaching is to empower you to immersively experience how to grow the clay on the wheel. As you are using larger pieces of clay, there is more body involvement. Although you will not automatically use body strength, but core strength and you will learn methods to lean into the clay, in order for the clay to open up to you.
On your arrival day there will be a short introduction the making of a Moon Jar.
The first full day of the course will cover clay preparation. You will be taught spiral wedging and how to centre large pieces of clay on the wheel. Following on from this, the tutor will show you how to build your confidence with centring two to three times the weights of clay that you were used to throwing before the course, and to practice these skills by throwing large bowls, as students will work at their own pace.
The tutor will encourage you to adapt to his way of working through a series of steps to gain the techniques needed to enable you to throw the sections of a Moon Jar. Once the group has acquired this skill at a half way point in the course, you will learn to throw a large vessel in sections and learn working in a more dynamic way using less compression in order to gain height, which will in turn prepare you for the making of the Moon Jar in the next part of the course.
The tutor will also discuss aesthetics and how to turn your work. Learning to throw large can use large quantities of clay. Reclaiming and recycling of clay for throwing, will be an integral part of this course.
When you are ready you will begin to throw the sections of your Moon Jar and prepare the slip for joining. You will join your sections and throw the lip of your Moon Jar on the penultimate day, then on the final day you will be ready to cover the Korean way of turning the Moon Jar, with time for questions and review. Students should be prepared for working into the evenings.
By the end of the course you will be able to endeavour to make most forms in sections. You will have learnt to prepare, throw, turn and finish large pots to a high standard. Time for a review of work made and final questions will also be possible on the last day.
This course is for intermediate potters with good throwing experience, as well as more advanced students.
Please note you need to be able to cope with the physical demands of throwing on a large scale, over the six days.
On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials including tools e.g. throwing ribs for Moon Jars. Clay and other any materials will also be provided at the College, along with use of basic throwing tools.
Firing and glazing options:
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
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.
Michel Francois is an artist potter working in porcelain and large-scale stoneware statement pieces. He regularly exhibits both nationally and internationally and was invited in 2019 to exhibit at the Korean Craft Museum. He has shown at the Leach Pottery, Crafts Council’s Collect and more recently at the Hand Collection. He is represented by Studio Pottery London.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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