Mugs, jugs and slip decoration – a throwers’ course with Jo Taylor

Ref: S3D29697

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About this course

Explore different ways to create mugs and jugs, either extending your throwing skills or building by hand with slabbing and coiling methods. Consider form, handles, functionality and decoration using a range of slip techniques.

Course Description

This course is ideal for mixed abilities; for beginners, as a follow-on to the basic throwing and turning course or for improvers wishing to enhance their skills. The tutor will demonstrate various techniques both on the potter’s wheel and building by hand: you can choose to work with which method suits you best and work to your own personal goals.

The making process will cover design decisions and construction focusing on areas such as form, handles, functionality and scale. You will be able to experiment with a number of techniques using coloured slips to decorate your work and it will be fired and clear glazed for you by the pottery technician at the College, to collect after the course if you wish.

The learning aim is to progress your skills and complete a group of functional or decorative works for domestic use, with expert guidance. The other aim is to enjoy the process, atmosphere and learning.

During the first evening the group will meet and the tutor will introduce the course and inspire you with a presentation; the first day will focus on design and construction; the second on handles and finishing techniques, moving on to decorative techniques; the third on completing decoration before finishing at 3pm.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • The cost of clay, decorating slip and clear glaze, and firing costs of work made – large work in size and quantity may be charged extra

What students need to bring

  • An apron (or several)
  • Plastic card - an out of date credit card/loyalty card/gift card
  • Optional: sketchbook, ideas/ reference material, old towel

Additional information

Firing and glazing options: 1. Leave any raw, finished pieces that you wish to keep, for biscuit firing, basic glazing and re-firing by the College, for collection within six months. 2. This work will be re-fired after glazing and available for collection within six months. Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Tutors

Jo Taylor portrait

Jo Taylor

Jo studied at Bath Spa University gaining Ceramics BA, MA & teacher training qualifications. An experienced tutor, Jo regularly teaches from beginners to MA students. A member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, her work is exhibited internationally in shows such as COLLECT at the Saatchi gallery.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.