Ref: SSS11648
You will develop your understanding of the potential of clay to express ideas through form, surface, technique, skill and knowledge. Suitable for anyone who has developed throwing skills and wants to be able to make work that is individual and expressive.
Making work that is more individual and expressive sounds easy but as many of you will know, actually developing thrown forms that have their own personality is more difficult than it seems. There are so many options, so many materials and techniques that you like, how do you decide what to do?
The key is in developing a visual language through which you learn to identify your own criteria. This can take the form of a sketchbook where you make notes and diagrams, collect images, and draw, or it can be in an electronic format such as pinterest or instagram.
You will begin to ask yourself what is it that makes your ceramic work belong to you? What does the touch of a hand or the imprint of a tool say about the person who created the object?
This course will help you develop a range of wheel thrown ceramic pieces that are individual by increasing your understanding of the potential of clay to express ideas through form, surface, technique, skill and knowledge. Learning to appreciate the many properties that clay can have, the many personalities it can embody, from refined forms to bold aggressive vessels, from beautiful bowls to constructed abstract pieces, the choice is yours.
• You will be able to use a range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional processes and techniques to help you identify the personal characteristics you want to articulate in your ceramic work.
• You will develop confidence in making a wide range of decisions when throwing and turning clay on a wheel which enable you to create forms that have meaning to you.
• You will gain an understanding of surface in relation to form by experimenting and developing your throwing techniques and by exploring a range of appropriate ceramic finishes.
• You will develop a critical approach to the analysis of ceramic form, surface and style by examining examples of work made by a range of potters.
By the end of the week you will have a selection of fired samples, a group of ceramic pieces which can be taken home or fired at the College and a visual resource from which you can develop future work.
Summer School highlights:
The Summer School week is an immersive learning experience with more time to develop your creativity and embrace opportunities for creative development beyond your chosen course. A detailed timetable for your Summer School week will be given to you on arrival. This will include:
• Short inspirational talks by tutors and displays of their work
• A short creative experience session in another discipline/media or course
• An optional evening at the Chichester Festival Theatre (if pre-booked)
• An optional lunchtime tour of West Dean Gardens, the historic rooms at West Dean College, or West Dean Tapestry Studio
• A celebration dinner on the last evening, with a surrealist theme inspired by Salvador Dalí, who was one of West Dean founder, Edward James’ friends and collaborators. (Feel free to respond to the theme if you wish.)
• Informal end-of-course group reviews and displays of students' work in studios
As evening events are planned as part of the Summer School week, dinner is included in the course fee to enable all students, including non-residents, to participate fully. A detailed timetable will be given to all students on arrival.
(Please note that plans may be subject to change depending on GOV.UK guidance at the time.)
Timetable for Summer Schools
Several evening events are planned throughout the week, a detailed timetable for the summer schools will be given to you on arrival.
Arrival Day
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).
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 should vacate their rooms by 10am please.
Kyra Cane studied Ceramics at Camberwell College of Arts, she has taught and examined on numerous courses, notably Harrow Ceramics, University of Westminster. Her work is exhibited in national and international galleries. She has written a book about Making and Drawing and is currently Chair of the Craft Potters Charitable Trust.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
1 place available - Book now
Places available - Book now
Places available - Book now
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.