Throwing and turning for beginners with Tanya Gomez

Pottery and ceramics

Ref: SWE29694

Location: West Dean
£343
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About this course

Work on your own potter's wheel as you develop your designs inspired by the ceramic collection at West Dean College. You are shown key techniques, including how to prepare and work with clay.

Course Description

This course provides an excellent opportunity for beginners to experience working (throwing) on the potter's wheel. The focus will be on the fundamental preparation of working with clay ready to throw. A basic knowledge on how to throw will be taught. The first evening will start with an introductory talk, a brief overview of the throwing technique and a discussion on forms and shapes within our everyday ware.

On the first full day we start with clay preparation (kneading and wedging) and a throwing demonstration. You will be shown a number of techniques throughout the day and given one to one tuition for your own abilities and encouragement to build confidence.

The second day we cover the finishing processes of turning, but allowing time for further throwing practice for those who wish it. The session will end with a group discussion and review of the work.

Everyone will have the use of a wheel for the whole course. You are likely to finish the course with six to eight pieces.

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, glazing and firing costs (large work in size and quantity may be charged extra).
  • Basic tool kits are provided in the pottery for use during the course.

What students need to bring

  • Overall/Apron (preferably cotton or laminated fabric)
  • Old towel
  • 10 clean plastic bags to wrap clay
  • Books of interest for inspiration (optional)

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Pottery tools, pottery knife
  • Rough paper or sketch pad and pencil
  • Natural sponge

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. 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 i.e. no open-toes or sandals. Safety boots, if specified. For those interested in reading any books before the course this is a list of suggestions: Advanced Pottery by Linda Bloomfield (Robert Hale Ltd) Ceramics: Tools and Techniques for the Contemporary Maker by Louisa Taylor (Jacqui Small publishing) Ceramics for Beginners: Wheel Throwing by Emily Reason (Lark Books) The Complete Potters Companion by Tony Birks (Conran Octopus) The Techniques of Throwing by John Colbeck (Batsford Watson-Guptill) Throwing by Richard Phethean (Blandford) Throwing pots by Phil Rogers (A&C Black) 10,000 Years of Pottery by Emmanuel Cooper (British Museum Press)

Tutors

Tanya Gomez - ceramics tutor at West Dean College

Tanya Gomez

Course Tutor - Foundation Diploma in Ceramics
Short Course Tutor

Tanya Gomez graduated from the Royal College of Art and is renowned for her vibrant large decorative vessels. She teaches from her studio in Lewes, East Sussex and exhibits throughout the UK and Internationally. Associated with the Craft Potters and Contemporary Applied Arts.

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.