Introduction to ceramics

What is the course about?

This 5 day ceramics course introduces the basic hand-building techniques of working with clay and one day to try your hand at throwing pots on the potter's wheel. Firing will be discussed, and you can opt to select work to be fired for an additional glazing workshop in September.

What will we cover?

Everyone will be involved in hands on step by step practical project work to create finished fired pieces that
explore different methods of working the clay.
Projects cover a range of making and surface decorating techniques to build an understanding of how to plan, make and decorate clay work creatively and successfully.

You will decorate clay surfaces using texturing, resist, drawing, painting and simple printing techniques with
slips.
If you would like to glaze your work you can select pieces for biscuit firing and return for a separate glazing workshop in September (you will need to book a place on this ‘Glazing your work’ VR767,VR766).

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

- Creatively explore texture, colour and slip application on and into the clay surface
- Make a piece of clay work using rolled sheets of textured clay
- Produce a finished piece of pinched and coiled clay work decorated with ceramic colour
And/or
- Combine the coiling process with a press moulded base made by pushing clay into a ready made plaster
mould.

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

No prior knowledge of pottery is required to attend this course.
The course is ideal for beginners to pottery or those who have some basic understanding of ceramic processes.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to understand demonstrations, hand-outsand health and safety information. You will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to do simple cost calculations for materials used and be able to do simple visual measurements.

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

Practical demonstrations, examples of work, discussions, handouts and hands on work. Design research work.

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

There will be a cost of £2.50 per 500g of clay before the first firing. Porcelain has an additional cost of £20.00 per bag/ £10.00 per half bag.

A range of tools are available to use within the department, and Starter Tool Kits are available for purchase.
For health and safety reasons you should wear closed footwear (no sandals or flip flops) and be aware that clothes may get messy although aprons will be provided.

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/.

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

A more advanced course in pottery at the City Lit. At the end of the course you will be given information about further courses available for those who wish to continue.

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/.