Ceramics as a canvas: traditional slip decoration and surface treatments in clay
- Course Code: VR788
- Dates: 06/07/24 - 10/08/24
- Time: 10:00 - 17:00
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Amy Hughes
Course Code: VR788
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 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?
Gain knowledge of a broad range of traditional ceramic decorating techniques and how to use them confidently. The course combines guided tutor-demonstration and individual project work; you will begin by making and decorating clay tiles and slabs, before learning how to develop these from 2D test-pieces into 3D hand-built forms.
What will we cover?
- Decoration techniques including: slip-trailing, drawing, feathering and marbling, intaglio, scraffito, inlay, mono-printing, stencilling, texture and agate-making.
- How to make tiles and clay slabs (to practise on)
- A range of 3D hand-building techniques to support individual project development.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Differentiate between different types of surface decoration techniques
- Demonstrate new skills and confident use of 3-5 traditional decorating techniques
- Develop ideas from 2D exploration into 3D hand-built ceramic forms
- Improve your individual making-skills and feel encouraged to pursue your ceramic practice further.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for those new to Ceramics and those with some previous experience. An enjoyable Saturday class for anyone keen to develop new and existing decorating skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through practical demonstrations both to the group and to individuals. You will be encouraged to pursue self-directed projects and personal aims made for the course. No work will be set outside the class but you are welcomed to research any artists/techniques/inspiration sources for the next session. There will be a group discussion at the end of the course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Sensible/old clothing is advised. 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.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit Ceramics offers a range of part-time, full-time courses and workshops at different levels. Students will be encouraged to progress onto more challenging projects at their individual level. There will also be a glazing session mid- September if you would like to glaze work from your summer school (course codes VR767, VR766).
Depending on your experience you may also be interested in:
VR710 City Lit Ceramics
VR724 Pottery on Saturdays
VR737 Pottery: evening course
VR718 Pottery: introduction to throwing and decoration
Please check the Website for the full range of ceramics courses.
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencil to printing services, at 15% off.
To get an LGC discount card, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a student at City Lit. You can apply for our card in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. The student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/.
Amy Hughes is a graduate of the Royal College of Art, 2010 and founding member of East London multi-disciplinary art and design studio, Manifold. She has been successfully running her own practice for 10 years now and holds part-time teaching and specialist technician posts at City Lit and University of the Arts Chelsea. Amy has worked and exhibited internationally, most recently ‘Collect’ with Vessel Gallery and the Crafts Council, at the V&A as part of London Design Festival whilst also presenting her first solo show at Croome Court, funded by Arts Council England. Amy was selected as one of eleven artists for AWARD as part of the British Ceramics Biennial 2015. Amy has been nominated for several major awards, in 2016, selected for the prestigious Perrier-Jouet Arts Salon Prize by Barney Hare Duke. In 2015, she was chosen for the inaugural Young Masters Maylis Grand Ceramics Prize for artists. Amy specialises in hand building: from coiling to slab building, press moulding and sprigging. With a passion for surface decoration, exploring both new and traditional surface treatments using decorating slips and underglazes, oxides, glazes, enamels, lustres and digital decals.
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.
