Ceramics: surface decoration on clay

What is the course about?

This ceramics course explores different clay surface decoration techniques through the construction of rolled slabs
and tiles. Decoration will be used to enhance plates, dish forms and tiles, and you will find out how to do this using
slips, under glaze colours and oxides.

What will we cover?

You will make clay slabs and tiles on which to lay decorative surfaces using coloured slips, oxides and glazes. You
will also use simple moulds to form vessels.

You will use simple imagery and patterns with clay decorative processes: 'slip trailing', potato printing, paper stencil, graffito, free mark making, 'sprigs' and the use of glazes. You will create a set of decorated tiles and examples of using simple moulds to create decorated plates, dish forms or plates. You will be introduced to health and safety issues and good practice within the studio.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Roll out clay for tiles or for use in shallow moulds
- Use printing techniques shown at the different stages of making, before and after the glazing processs
- Create a personal colour palette
- Work with pattern and its repeat possibilities and understand the basics of designing tiles
- Create a series of repeat imagery tiles and dishes
- Be aware of, and work to, health and safety guidelines

Intermediate students will be able to:
- Develop their work using personal research.
- Further develop their skills.

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

Beginners and intermediate.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and
safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and
be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

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

Demonstrations, both group and individual.

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

No prior research is needed. Aprons will be provided.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.

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/.

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

Your tutor will advise you on which courses to progress .

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.