City Lit ceramics
NOTE: Applications will be reviewed in May 2024.
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- Course Code: VR710
- Dates: 16/09/24 - 07/04/25
- Time: 10:00 - 17:00
- Taught: Mon, Daytime
- Duration: 25 sessions (over 30 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Alex Simpson
Course Code: VR710
Duration: 25 sessions (over 30 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This practical and structured ceramics course gives an excellent opportunity for students to work with a broad variety of building and design techniques. You will develop an understanding of how to make clay pieces derived from 2D research. You will also be taught and encouraged to experiment with decoration and glazes, and learn to work with good workshop and health and safety practice.
What will we cover?
This course is divided into 4 main projects – throwing on the wheel, hand-building (slab building and coiling), design and sampling. Decoration and glazing is brought into each project. 3 dimensional clay ideas will be developed from 2D drawings, and decorated clay surfaces are explored through sampling. Sampling will be divided into two areas.
1. Clay sampling will enable you to experiment with ceramic and non ceramic materials, colours, decoration and glazing techniques.
2. Work on paper will give you an opportunity to develop surface patterns and 3D ideas, through surface manipulations using printed, drawn and collaged techniques. These can be then be interpreted into clay.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Demonstrate drawing skills using a variety of techniques
- Research, design and make ceramic forms, confidently and creatively
- Work to a specific brief
- Experience working with a broad range of decorating materials and techniques, including glazing
- Have knowledge and experience of working with different ceramic processes, using hand-built and thrown techniques
- Have knowledge of the work of contemporary ceramicist.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is open to beginners in Ceramics or those with some experience who require a structured course.
You will need to be able to follow verbal and written instructions in English, as well as communicate information clearly in writing. You will also need a basic mathematical understanding of adding and subtracting.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught through group and individual tuition, as well as ongoing demonstrations. Project introduction is introduced in advance with research and design guidance. Regular feedback is given, with an encouragement to develop personal ideas. Ongoing help is given through a variety of visual references, handouts, slide presentations and exhibition information.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Most ceramic materials are covered by the course fee.There is a charge of £20.00 per bag/ £10.00 per half bag for Porcelain. Tools are available within the department for use but you may want to purchase your own. Ensure that you bring with you a suitable pair of closed shoes, e.g. not open toed sandals. You will be expected to show good workshop practice and follow health and safety guidelines.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Within City Lit you could progress onto the Diploma Course in Ceramics - VR712 a structured course that can lead to higher education or independent studio practice.
Alex Simpson is a practising artist, teacher and technician. Her area of specialism is hand building sculptural forms, but she teaches a wide range of ceramic techniques to children and adults. As well as City Lit she teaches ceramics at The London Sculpture workshop, Westminster Under School and from her studio. She has also worked as a technician at the Royal College of Art. She has exhibited work across the UK. In 2016 she was selected by the Barbican Arts Group Trust to undertake a solo exhibition Through Viscera at Black Horse Lane. In 2017 she was selected for the Award exhibition at the British Ceramics Biennial Stoke-on-Trent where she created a site-specific installation. Recent exhibitions include, We Sit Together For a Minute, Thames Side Studio Gallery London, Undertow, Sluice Gallery, London and The Bodies That Remain, Horse Hospital, London. In 2015 She graduated from the Royal College of Art with a Masters in Ceramics and Glass. She has a background in drawing and printmaking holding a BA in Illustration from the University of Brighton.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
