Improving wheel-throwing technique with Jo Davies

Pottery and ceramics

Ref: SLW29708

Location: West Dean
£504
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About this course

This course is for those who have experience of wheel-throwing but need some extra support to improve recurring issues with technique and help to build your confidence. It will start by re-visiting the basics.

Course Description

This course will help you to troubleshoot issues recurring in your wheel-throwing through set projects.

The aim is to give you intensive time to develop your throwing by giving you challenging projects but mainly by re-visiting the basics as a vehicle to deeper understanding. For the tutor, this is a tried and tested way to help throwers who are struggling with recurring issues. For instance, this can be around centring, pulling up and general control of shape in their throwing.

Throughout the course, you will be supported to improve your results by being given simple adjustments of technique which are designed to lead to improved outcomes on the throwers’ wheel.

You may select items to be glazed by the technician after the course has finished using a choice of three glazes or you can sign up to a Glazing Day at the College. Alternatively, items can be taken away at the end of the course or left for bisque-firing at West Dean and collected for glazing elsewhere.

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

  • All clay and firing costs are included (large work in size and quantity may be charged extra).
  • Basic tool kits are provided in the pottery for use during the course. However, if you have your own tools, you are welcome to bring them.

What students need to bring

  • An apron
  • Old towel
  • Some plastic for covering clay
  • Your own hand tools if you prefer to use them (please mark with your name)

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Pottery tools

Additional information

Firing and glazing options: 1. Leave any raw, finished pieces, which you wish to keep, for biscuit firing, basic glazing and re-firing by the College for collection within six months. 2. Leave 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 four weeks for your work to be biscuit fired). This work will be re-fired after glazing and available for collection within six months. 3. 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 (no sandals or open toes).

Tutors

Jo Davies

Jo is a ceramicist specialising in wheel-thrown, functional and non-functional objects in porcelain. She has taught at all levels, including undergraduates, for 15 years and is a respected practitioner, a member of the Craft Potters' Association and regular contributor to Ceramic Review Magazine.

Accommodation

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

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