Week one
8 January
Drawing with clay
Presentation: Dynamic forms in contemporary ceramics
An introduction to key artists from 1900 to the present day
Practical: Making shapes
Use a pre-prepared collection of studio thrown, extruded & slab elements to create pieces that play with form, balance and scale
Week four
29 January
States of clay
Presentation: Too soft, too hard
Clay can be morphed into almost any form, understand when to push ahead and when to hold back
Practical: Turn, refine & assemble
Learn how to refine your thrown work on the wheel and experiment with multi-part pieces
>>>>>>
19 February
Half-term break
Optional self-directed practical day at the studio
Week two
15 January
Taking notice
Presentation: Moving from 3d to 2d and back again
We look at a variety of methods artists use to record their ideas, inspiration, and plan the work they want to make
Practical: Design development
Working from the forms made on day one, experiment with photography, drawing and collage to develop design ideas
Week five
5 February
The earth beneath our feet
Presentation: Shaping civilisation
The history of making with coils and how to use locally dug clay
Practical: Coiling day one
Building with coils, thick, thin or flat, considering structure and the inherent surface texture
Week three
22 January
Twists & turns
Presentation: Throwing in contemporary practice
The evolution of this fundamental technique and the artists working with thrown forms today
Practical: Throwing
Depending on your level of experience, learn the fundamental principles of throwing on our electric wheels, or develop your technique to create a variety of vessel shapes
Week six
12 February
Review & planning
Practical: Coiling day two
Altering and refining the surface, adapting the shape, creating sprigs and additions
Review of the term: group discussion and introduction to term two