Handbuilding Forms – Weekend Workshop

Over this two day weekend workshop – Handbuilding Forms – you’ll focus on making one sculptural form or vessel following the process from start to finish. We’ll start with playful drawing and collage exercises inspired by local coastline objects (or objects you have brought in) focusing on texture and creating shapes/forms.

By lunch break on day 1 we’ll start to make maquettes (small clay ‘sketches’) from your drawings of the piece you would like to develop.

Over the rest of the day and on day 2 you’ll be building your piece. There will be multiple handbuilding demos across the weekend including surface texture/decoration.

There will be a final follow up morning (date to be arranged with the group) where your piece will have had its first firing and be ready to be glazed.

Who is the workshop for?
This workshop is ideal for anyone with some previous experience working with clay – though that experience can be minimal (if you’re unsure whether it’s the right fit, feel free to get in touch). You do not need any previous drawing experience (!), these exercises will be a tool to help create your forms rather than creating polished drawings. These sessions are aimed at adults but if you have a mature young potter you’d like to bring then please send me a message in advance.

What will I learn?
The main aim of this workshop is to focus on making one piece following the process through from early inspiration to a finished glazed piece – helping you to develop your own ideas in clay. See below for the full breakdown.

Course Schedule
Day 1
10:00-10:30 – Introductions & welcome
10:30-11:30 – Observation (drawing/collages)
11:30-11:45 – Tea break (others will be when needed!)
11:45-13:00 – Clay maquettes & prep for building
13:00-14:00 – Lunch break
14:00-17:00 – Handbuilding – from clay maquettes to forms
Day 2
10:00-13:00 – Handbuilding – continue focus on forms
13:00-14:00 – Lunch break
14:00-17:00 – Handbuilding – surface texture & decoration
Follow up morning
(2.5 hours) – Glazing fired work

What is included?
– All materials and firings are included in this workshop to a reasonable limit (eg if you’re making very large pieces then there will be an additional charge to cover costs).
– Herbal tea & biscuits included on a tea breaks during the session.
– Small group class of 3-5 participants in a working artist’s studio.
– Please bring your own lunch, there will be a one hour lunch break from 1-2pm each day.

Cancellation Policy
A full refund will be given with two weeks notice. Within two weeks of the course you will not be eligible for a refund unless someone can fill your spot. Please make sure you’re able to attend both days as there won’t be any exchanges for missed days after the workshop has started, the final glazing session will be arranged with the whole group and if you are not able to make this date you will be able to attend a Casual Clay Friday to make up the session.

Studio Policy
Classes will finish 20 minutes before the class time stated to allow everyone time to clean up.
I aim to create a safe, inclusive and joyful space for all levels/backgrounds/experiences to enjoy working with clay. Please send me a message if you have any access needs or additional questions about the studio.