Ref: S4D29556
Functional pots including the handmade and industrially-produced, which do their job well and look good, are always a pleasure to use. The starting point for this porcelain throwing course is an examination of the formal relationships between pieces in a maker's work. How the consideration of scale, shape, function and decoration can bring a sense of coherence to a body of work and make the impact of the group greater than the sum of its individual parts. All of these elements are integral to the development of a maker's voice. You need to be able to confidently centre and throw a porcelain cylinder to enable you join this course.
During the course, with the support and guidance of the tutor, you will devise and work on individual projects making groups of pots that contain a visual narrative utilising the processes of throwing and turning. As you will be working on primarily functional forms there will also be the opportunity to work on handles, lids and spouts. The tutor will be on hand to demonstrate the techniques used in his own practice. In addition to the making there will be the opportunity to discuss various decorative and glazing techniques.
The tutor will provide source material as inspiration and there will be plenty of time for discussion of ideas between the tutor and individual students. At the end of the course all participants will present a selection of work for an informal group review.
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)
Chris has taught at West Dean since 2011 and has been a visiting lecturer at several London colleges and in Freiburg. He trained as Edmund de Waal's first apprentice. Chris' work is thrown porcelain and is held in several museum collections, including the V&A. Chris is a Fellow of the CPA.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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