An introduction to ceramics

Gain a basic understanding of handbuilding, glazing and decoration techniques. Explore the exciting possibilities of pottery. Charge for clay of £1.50 per 500g before the first firing.

(average based on 3 reviews) » Write a review of this course

» View full course outline

Key course information

Dates
16/04/12 - 28/05/12

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
6 weeks

Time
18:00 - 21:00

Fees
Full fee: £137
Senior fee: £137
Concession: £77

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

» View location

Course code
VR716

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol. Please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some of the course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover this with you.

Course outline

What is the course about?

This 6 evening ceramics course introduces the basic hand-building techniques of working with clay and in its final week gives opportunity to try your hand at throwing pots on the potter's wheel, learning how to centre clay on the wheel. You will have hands on experience of making your own finished pieces of pottery to take home. You will build an understanding of the unending possibilities that clay offers as a material and the process required to achieve finished work. This course gives you time and the expertise to be creative using clay and its related decorating materials.

What topics will we cover?

Everyone will be involved in hands on step by step practical project work to create finished fired pieces that explore different methods of working the clay. Projects cover a range of making and surface decorating techniques to build an understanding of how to plan, make and decorate clay work creatively and successfully.

You will decorate clay surfaces using texturing, resist, drawing, painting and simple printing techniques with ceramic colour and glaze.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

• Creatively explore texture, colour and glaze application on and into the clay surface.
• Make a piece of clay work using rolled sheets of textured clay.
• Produce a finished piece of pinched and coiled clay work decorated with ceramic colour.
And/or
• Combine the coiling process with a press moulded base made by pushing clay into a ready made plaster mould.
• Experience how to centre clay (the start of the throwing process on a potters wheel).

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No prior knowledge of pottery is required to attend this course. The course is ideal for beginners to pottery or those who have some basic understanding of ceramic processes.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to understand demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to do simple cost calculations for materials used and be able to do simple visual measurements.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Talks, practical demonstrations, examples of work, discussions, handouts and hands on work. Design research work outside the course is optional.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There will be a cost of £1.50 per 500g for clay used. You may want to bring a note pad and pencil for notes and sketching out ideas. You will need a pen in weeks 1 and 6 and money for materials used in week 6.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Within the City Lit there are a number of classes for you to progress onto. The 2010/11 programme includes a range of day and weekend pottery classes, including the City & Guilds 7822 Structured Ceramics Course that is for one day a week.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
16/04/12 to 28/05/12	Mon	18:00 - 21:00	6 weeks	£137	£137	£77	VR716	Started	» Select
03/11/11 to 08/12/11	Thu	18:00 - 21:00	6 weeks	£137	£137	N/A	VR715	Finished	» Select

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Featured course

VX120 - Textiles: recycle, reuse, retell Sunday; 06/05/12 - 13/05/12; 10:30 - 16:30 Recycle your old favourite fabrics into a small experimental quilt; exploring the idea that textile carries many memories and secrets

Visual arts

Work from printmaking art classes at City Lit

City Lit offers the most diverse range of part-time, weekend and evening art courses in London, with many courses taught by successful artists and practitioners