Ref: SSS39923
Suitable for beginners or those wishing to build on existing skills, this course uses the beautiful house and gardens surrounding the College to provide inspiration in the full bloom of summer. During the week you will make a group of works and decorate them using the architecture, interiors, flora and fauna or landscape to inspire you.
With options for throwing, coiling and press moulding, you will be able to experiment and choose the making technique which suits you best for your main project. The aim is to create forms with a large, clear surface to act as a canvas for the decorating stage; examples would be pots, plates or dishes, which will be suitable for use on the table or in the garden, or as a decorative piece in the home.
During time set aside for exploring the house and grounds, you will record what inspires you through photographs and sketches to use as a start point when considering decoration for your pieces. Sketching in this instance is for gathering information and working through ideas rather than a finished drawing no previous skills are required.
Using coloured slips and sprigs there will be plenty of time to create delicious surfaces on the work made, which will be clear glazed and fired to a high temperature making it suitable for use in the dishwasher, microwave or garden.
The course timetable consists of over three days of making, time for sketching and a day and a half for decorating, with plenty of flexibility to suit the individual. There is full tutor support throughout the making and design process, with demonstrations and friendly advice whenever needed.
Summer School Highlights
The Summer School week is an immersive learning experience with more time to develop your creativity and embrace opportunities for creative development beyond your chosen course. A detailed timetable for your Summer School week will be given to you on arrival. This will include:
All lunches and evening meals are provided for residential and non-residential students during summer school due to planned activities/events in the early evenings.
On this course the College will supply all of the materials including clay and slip The cost of clay/glazing materials and firing costs of work made – large work in size and quantity may be charged extra.
An apron, or several for the course of the week A sketchbook or notebook of any size plus pen or pencil or any material you prefer – alternatively all can be bought from the College Craft Shop
Available from shop: Sketchbooks and sketching materials
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 selected raw, finished pieces, which you wish to keep, for biscuit firing, basic clear 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 - 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
All lunches and evening meals are provided for residential and non-residential students during Summer School due to planned activities/events in the early evenings.
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.
Several evening events are planned throughout the week, a detailed timetable for your Summer School will be given to you on arrival.
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.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
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