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- Course Code: VR728
- 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: VR728
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 course gives an excellent opportunity for students with previous knowledge of ceramics, to work
independently on ideas and self planned projects. Working alongside the City Lit Ceramic course students,
learners are able to use the equipment and materials within the department. Although the majority of the teaching
is given to the City Lit Ceramics course, the ceramic workshop students also receive advice throughout
the course.
What will we cover?
As this course is for students who want to work independently on ideas and techniques, the programme is decided by each student. If unsure, help is given to choose which area of work to pursue. You may also want to join in on some of the projects given to the City Lit Ceramic students. These projects are - throwing on the wheel, hand-building (slab building and coiling), design and sampling. Decoration and glazing is brought into each project.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Research ideas, design and make ceramic forms, confidently and creatively
- Develop self planned projects and gain confidence in working independently
- Experience working with a broad range of decorating materials and techniques, including glazing.
- Have a knowledge and experience of working with different ceramic processes, using hand-built and thrown techniques.
- Have knowledge of the work of contemporary ceramicists.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is open to all students with prior knowledge of Ceramics, and for those who are able to work largely on their own.
You will need to be able to follow verbal and written instructions in English.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught throughoccasional individual tuition, as well as ongoing class demonstrations. Feedback is given, with an encouragement to develop personal ideas.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Most materials are covered by the course fee.There is a charge of £2.50 per 500g for clay before firing, the porcelain charge is £20.00 per bag/ £10.00 per half bag.
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.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Ceramics: surface printing on clay - VR786.
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 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.
