Ref: SLW42419
This course will gently guide you through the throwing process, creating basic cylinder and bowl forms, and turning a foot to complete a bowl form. Everyone will have the use of their own wheel throughout the course.
On the first evening, the tutor will give a talk on her practice and outline the course, looking at examples of inspiring forms.
The first morning will start with fully explained demonstrations of clay preparation, centring and creating cylinders. You will then spend the rest of the morning practising these techniques.
The tutor will spend one-to-one time with everyone to help build confidence and a solid technique throughout the day. After lunch, the bowl form will be demonstrated, and the rest of the afternoon will be spent working with this technique.
The second morning will start with the demonstration of the turning technique on leather hard work, with an additional demonstration of making handles to add to cylinders if desired. The remaining time will be used to continue perfecting the throwing technique, with a group review at the end.
All clay, glazing and firing costs are included - large work in size and quantity may be charged extra. Basic tool kits are provided in the pottery for use during the course.
A good 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 for biscuit firing, basic glazing and re-firing by the College 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 (no open toes or sandals).
Course reading list: For those interested in reading any books before the course, the following may be in your public library: Advanced Pottery by Linda Bloomfield (Robert Hale Ltd) Ceramics: Tools and Techniques for the Contemporary Maker by Louisa Taylor (Jacqui Small publishing) Ceramics for Beginners: Wheel Throwing by Emily Reason (Lark Books) The Complete Potters Companion by Tony Birks (Conran Octopus) The Techniques of Throwing by John Colbeck (Batsford Watson-Guptill) Throwing by Richard Phethean (Blandford) Throwing pots by Phil Rogers (A&C Black) 10,000 Years of Pottery by Emmanuel Cooper (British Museum Press)
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
Jo studied at Bath Spa University gaining Ceramics BA, MA & teacher training qualifications. An experienced tutor, Jo regularly teaches from beginners to MA students. A member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, her work is exhibited internationally in shows such as COLLECT at the Saatchi gallery.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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