Ceramics Handbuilding and Throwing – Intermediate

Arange of making and decorating techniques will be demonstrated, along with glazing and firing methods. You will be encouraged to build up a body of work in your own individual style suitable for exhibiting and selling.

Projects will be set which might require you to do some visual research, and will allow you to interpret things in your own way.

You will probably find it beneficial to keep sketch books or work journals of inspirational material from the internet, magazines and books, and to make sketches and technical notes as you progress.

Course Outcomes

• You will learn how to select and prepare clay for hand building or throwing
• You will learn how to construct a form using hand building or throwing technique
• You will learn the skills to create at least one finished glazed piece of work
• You will Keep a sketchbook, notebook or digital notes to record your work and to collect inspiration.
• You will discuss your aims with your tutor and come up with some achievable personal targets for the course, making progress in independent projects and identifying skills to learn or improve.

CLAY AND GLAZING
The cost of slip, glazes and kiln firings are included with the cost of the clay, which learners buy as needed from the technicians’ office. Learners will need an FFP3 mask for glazing, also available to buy from the technicians’ office.

There are various types of clay available, and the tutor will explain which clay is appropriate for which project. Glazing will be done throughout the course, bearing in mind strict health and safety rules.

Pieces will normally take about two weeks to dry out and bisque fire (the first of two firings) and another one to two weeks to be returned after the glaze firing. Any work which is bigger than 28cm (H), 38 cm (W) and 28cm (D), or over 5kg in weight, will incur an extra charge.

All learners will be asked to keep detailed notes in their sketch books regarding each piece made, noting clay used, decoration applied, glaze(s) used, firing temperatures and approximate size. This could record could also be kept digitally and include photos of the work.

The assessment process is carried out using Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) and regular discussions with the tutor.

This includes tracking your own practice through written notes and tutors written responses, gauging your progression and personal development through the course.

Clay MUST be purchased from the College Shop. The cost of slip, glazes and kiln firings is included in the price of the clay, which learners can purchase as required from the technicians' office (Art Shop, RAS 5). A range of clay types is available, and the tutor will advise which is most suitable for each project.
Learners taking part in glazing activities will require an FFP3 mask, which is also available to purchase from the technicians' office. Glazing takes place throughout the course in accordance with strict health and safety procedures.
Ceramic tools are provided. Finished pieces typically take around two weeks to dry and complete the bisque firing (the first firing), followed by a further one to two weeks after glaze firing before they are ready for collection.
Work exceeding 28cm (H) × 38cm (W) × 28cm (D) or weighing more than 5kg will incur an additional firing charge.
Learners are encouraged to keep a record of their work, either in a sketchbook or digitally, including photographs where appropriate. Records should include details such as the clay used, decorative techniques, glazes applied, firing temperatures and approximate dimensions of each piece.
No food or drink is allowed in the studio; a nearby hub area is available.
Please allow 15 minutes at the end of each class to tidy up.
Please note there is an additional cost of approximately £50 - £100 for materials on this course.
Please note that tutors may occasionally be changed at short notice. While teaching styles may vary, we ensure consistent quality across all of our courses. For this reason, a change of tutor does not qualify for a refund.