Bowls come in so many shapes and sizes, and although simple structures, they are deceptively complex to make. The subtle relationships between rims and feet, edges and form determine the nature of each piece, breathing personality into every bowl.

This course is suitable for anyone who already has existing throwing skills and wants to be able to make work that is more personal, refined and resolved. Making progress relies on the capacity to explore the unknown to increase potential, critically and thoughtfully. You will be able to do this in a supported environment where issues involved with the creation of bowls are examined in depth. You will also study and explore the interaction between all the processes involved in the throwing, trimming and turning of bowls, discovering the interdependent nature of these techniques.

This course aims to help you develop a range of individually thrown ceramic bowls, exploring different forms and finishes, and to increase your understanding and appreciation of this iconic ceramic form.

You will be able to develop your range of throwing skills, with particular reference to bowl forms, and to develop your range of turning, trimming and finishing skills, with special attention to exploring feet and bases.

You will develop processes and techniques to help you identify the personal characteristics you want to articulate in your ceramic work.

You will develop a critical approach to the analysis of ceramic form, surface and style through the in-depth study of bowls.

By the end of the five days, you will have developed confidence in the making of a wide range of decisions that enable you to create a range of experimental bowl forms, a selection of fired samples and a group of finished pieces, which can be taken home or fired at the College.

This course will encourage you to refresh your creative output and inspire new work over the coming winter months. It is suitable for intermediate and advanced artists and makers.

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)

Included

• On this course, the College will supply all of the basic ceramic materials, including a choice of earthenware and stoneware clay, and the cost of firing and glazing a small selection of work made – large work in size and quantity may be charged extra.
• Basic tools are provided for use in the studio.

What students need to bring

• An apron, old towel and plastic box with lid for keeping work
• Personal pottery toolkit
• Small sketchbook notebook with 2B pencil, rubber and pen
• A favourite bowl that you have made
• If you collect ceramics, please also bring a bowl made by a potter that you care about.
• Begin to make a visual collection of bowl related imagery; this can be in the form of a sketchbook, Pinterest, portfolio of images, etc.

Available to buy

• Available from shop:
• Pottery tools, sponges, ribs, turning tools
• A good selection of all art materials

Additional information

Firing and glazing options: 1. Leave your most successful 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. Leave your most successful raw, finished pieces for biscuit firing at the College. You can then book a place on a Glazing Day and glaze your own work (allowing 4 weeks for your work to be biscuit fired). This work will be re-fired after glazing and available for collection within six months. 3. Please take away your unfired pots for firing and glazing elsewhere. 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.