Clay Basics: handbuilding and surface decoration for beginners (7 week class)

Veronique Sellies will introduce you to all aspects of creating with clay and you will learn how to develop your own skills and style.

The class is for all levels from beginners to intermediates. You will learn how to develop your own skills and style. We will cover all aspects of creating with clay. From recycling your clay to learning about glazes and different type of firings. Like raku, sawdust, horsehair and saggar firing. You will be able to learn to make functional ware, hand building, sculpting and jewellery.

Tickets: Members $385, non-members $415

Material fees: Clay for sale at an extra cost. Firing at an extra cost calculated by weight.

Class size: 7 students

Class starts: Tuesday 21 May

Class ends: Tuesday 2 July

Class structure: 7 weeks, every Tuesday 2pm-5pm

Level: designed for beginner to intermediate levels

Wear: comfortable work clothes and enclosed shoes

Please bring: A basic pottery tool kit

Syllabus for 7 weeks term:

Week 1

- Introduction to clay, clay types and stages of making.

- Starting tool pack will be available and choice of 2 different earthen clays, a white or a terracotta red. 

- Making a pinch pot and a small sculpture.

- Using Kurinuki techniques to make organic bowls.

Week 2

- Introduction to joining clay and adding attachments.

- Making a coiled pot with handles or springs and bigger sculptures with coils. 

Week 3 & 4

- Introduction to slab making with texturing & slips with carving.

- Exploring sgraffito techniques.

- Making plates & vases. 

Week 6 & 7

- Introduction to glazes and underglaze colours. We are firing to Earthenware temperature (cone 06 1150deg).

- Understanding glazing overlays to create flowing decoration.

- Finishing work with colours  and glazes.