Tile making – carving, stencilling, inlaying with Richard Miller

Pottery and ceramics

Ref: S2D12527

Suitable for all £306
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About this course

Learn the fascinating process of tile making as you make a carved set of tiles, using slip decoration techniques, stencilling and inlaying.

Course Description

There will be an initial discussion and demonstration, followed by a practical approach to learning. You will work directly into clay, using two-dimensional designs, and explore how these can be developed into three-dimensional carvings and multiple tile tessellations. You can either bring artwork along or inspiration can be obtained from resource material supplied by your tutor. This will all be underpinned by some helpful hints for making handmade tiles.

By the end of the course, you will have gained the knowledge and confidence to be able to create your own hand made tiles, which will be suitable for any domestic application. It will also provide a good starting point for you to explore the tile making process further.

During the course, you will complete at least one set of carved tiles, with either a single motif or tessellating pattern, as well as creating a mould in order to make multiples of the same design.

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 are included – large work in size and quantity may be charged extra.

What students need to bring

  • Work apron – preferably cotton or laminated fabric
  • A hair band (to tie long hair back)
  • Optional: any fine pottery tools or dentist tools you own (marked with your initials), a sketchbook, notebook and/or camera to record the session

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Pottery tools, pottery knife
  • Rough paper or sketchbook and pencil
  • Natural sponge
  • Available from tutor:
  • Sets of fine pottery tools for carving and dentist tools
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, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Tutors

Richard Miller

Richard Studied Ceramics at UCA, Farnham, graduating in 2003. Since 2006 he has been running Froyle Tiles a company specialising in hand made Stoneware tiles. Recent commissions include a collaboration with Kate Malone and Epr Architects to produce an external crystal glazed tile for a new building in Savile Row, London.

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 a Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts (10 three-day study blocks, over two years). 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.

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