Ceramics For Beginners Short Course
Course description
Course overview
This experimental course is designed for those that are interested in working with clay in a variety of methods and processes and have little previous experience of the material. The course will explore the potential of making in clay, its inherent properties and producing well-built forms that can be taken home once fired.You will be encouraged to bring materials and researchto improve your learning and practice.
Please be aware that only selected work will be fired and glazed so you are encouraged to keep standards high. Fewer pieces of higher quality will produce better end results. Quick experimental work is also encouraged but is not very suitable for firing. Please note: not all work will survive the 2 firings and glazing faults and breakages can occur with any ceramic work.
You will be expected to collect your work after the course is complete to ensure the pieces are given time to dry out before they are kiln-fired. This may be 3 - 4 weeks after the course has ended. Please bear this in mind if you are coming to the UK for a short visit to attend the course.
Who this course is for
The course will appeal to students and professionals looking to increase their knowledge of materials, processes and to widen their portfolio.
Key information
Topics covered
- How to construct forms using hand-building techniques and create colourful and decorative surface patterns using a wide range of surface decoration techniques
- The basics of using the wheel, how to throw to create cylinders and functional tableware
- Students can expect to make a collection of work using a variety of techniques. We will use earthenware clays, slips, stains and oxides
- How to handle clay with sensitivity to its material limits, to minimise distortion and breakage
- How to carefully control the drying of your clay work
Learning outcomes
- Identify how to successfully make tiles and vessels with a variety of techniques (e.g. slab-building, coiling, carving, pinching)
- Use a range of decorating techniques (e.g. inlay, sgraffito, slip trailing, nerikomi, marbling)
- Differentiate types of clay and decorating materials (e.g. earthenware / stoneware / porcelain, slip / oxide / underglaze / glaze)
- Identify the limitations of clay and how to prevent common faults (e.g. cracking, warping, joints coming apart) with careful joining, handling and controlled drying
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
- Pen
- Notepad
- Apron
Please note: you should be prepared to bring in various materials throughout the course for experimenting on the clay surface. Any specialised ceramic materials or tools, other than those supplied on the course, will need to be supplied by the student.
Tutor
Matilda Moreton
Matilda Moreton attended the Ceramic Design degree course at Central St Martins, graduating in 2004, specialising in surface design and hand built ceramics. As well as teaching, her practice includes site-specific installation projects and thrown tableware. You can find out more about Matilda by visiting her website.
Book a course
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