Advanced ceramics
Time: 11:00 - 18:00
Location: Keeley Street
Through an experimental approach, students will be encouraged to extend their knowledge and experience with a variety of hand building techniques and to build an understanding of a range of clays and their properties. Also to explore fully the potential of colour and glazed surface.
This course has now started
Course Code: VR701
Please choose another course date
Duration: 12 sessions (over 12 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course is aimed at students who have previously completed an intermediate or advanced ceramics course. It will give you the chance to explore new ways of seeing and developing personal ideas. Students will be encouraged to keep a sketchbook, investigating ideas through drawing, mixed media and found image. Projects will be offered that will enable you to expand your ceramic vocabulary: hand building, surface treatment and glazing, and discussion and self-evaluation will be at the core of the course. The more independent advanced students will be encouraged to develop an individual project and deepen knowledge of appropriate approaches to making.
What will we cover?
We will cover various fundamental techniques for making ceramics: methods of hand building and surface
treatment, as well as firing temperatures and glazes, which lend added weight to the theme.
We will discuss ways of developing and expressing personal ideas throughout the classes, using visual research to explore and enlarge the content of work. Alongside this you with be sharing inspiration with fellow students.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Explore the potential of clay from wet soft to leather hard
- Make work using any of the following techniques: slab building – coiling – press/sprig moulding – uses of slip
- Understand more about glazes and methods of application
- Learn the value of constructive self-criticism, and speak confidently about your own work and that of fellow
students.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for students at an intermediate or advanced level. You should have some previous experience of ceramics, be keen to learn new skills and techniques and be open to learning new ways of thinking, making and
challenging yourself.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations and health and safety rules.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through practical demonstration, group and individual tuition, discussions, PowerPoint and handouts.
You will be expected to further your research in your own time.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There is a charge of £2.50 per 500g for clay before firing. The charge for porcelain is £20.00 per bag/ £10.00 per half bag.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You will get feedback from your tutor as to the best way forward
Within City Lit you could progress onto the City Lit Ceramics course - VR710, the Ceramics Portfolio Course -
VR711 or the Diploma Course in Ceramics - VR712, all of which are structured courses.
Upon leaving school, Annie gained a place on the foundation course at Suffolk College. Annie went on to study 3D Design Pottery-Ceramics at Bristol Polytechnic obtaining a BA Hons Degree. She also gained an MA in Ceramics at the Royal College of Art London In 1983, Annie set up her studio in London and began teaching in Adult education whilst making work for exhibitions. Annie acquired a wealth of experience teaching all levels and was recently asked why she liked teaching. Annie’s reply: 'It’s an enriching experience and a privilege. I meet students from all walks of life and from many different parts of the world'. Annie encourages students to create highly individual work. Annie has exhibited her work in the UK and internationally. Her work can be seen in the Victoria & Albert Museum and The Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge, amongst others. Annie was recently shortlisted for the Loewe crafts prize award the finalists’ exhibition taking place in Tokyo - Japan. Annie’s work can be seen online: Annie Turner Ceramics.
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.
