Why Study This Course?
Want to create beautiful objects from clay using simple techniques? On this course, you’ll learn the historic methods of coiling and pinching to hand-build a wide range of ceramic pieces. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist, you’ll develop your skills and sensitivity in working with clay. This course will help you create stunning bowls, cups, vases, and more.
You will:
Learn simple hand-building techniques like coiling and pinching.
Create beautiful ceramic objects such as bowls, cups, and vases.
Develop your skills and explore historic methods.
Foster your creativity and sensitivity in working with clay.
Work with different clays and glazing techniques.
This course covers:
Introduction to Handbuilding: Learn the fundamentals of hand-building techniques.
Coiling Techniques: Explore the art of creating forms using coils of clay.
Pinching Techniques: Discover how to shape clay using the pinching method.
Surface Decoration: Apply underglazes, oxides, and slips to add colour and texture.
Glazing: Learn about earthenware and stoneware glazes and their application.
Ceramic History: Consider examples of ceramic objects and artworks from ancient times to the present day.
You will:
Learn simple hand-building techniques like coiling and pinching.
Create beautiful ceramic objects such as bowls, cups, and vases.
Develop your skills and explore historic methods.
Foster your creativity and sensitivity in working with clay.
Work with different clays and glazing techniques.
You must be 19 or over on 31st August prior to the course start date.
This course is suitable for beginners and experienced ceramicists.
Your progress will be assessed through Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) and regular discussions with your tutor. You'll track your practice through written notes and receive written feedback from your tutor, gauging your progression and personal development throughout 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.
