The Ceramic Surface- two day course

This special two part workshop will run over two consecutive Saturdays: 

Feb 6th from 11-4.30

Feb 13th from 11-2 

Building on our popular one day surface workshop, this will focus on experimenting with the surface at two stages, with a firing in-between. 

Both Fiona and Chris will run the workshop, so students will be able to benefit from both of their expertise in the surface. In their own ceramic work they often create rich layered surfaces, and use various different techniques such as monoprinting, lino printing, stencilling and scraffito, and experiment with slip and glaze combinations. It is ideal for those who have worked with clay a little before and who want to learn more about the possibilities for decoration, but it is also suitable for complete beginners. The focus will be on giving you a deeper understanding of how to combine different types of decoration at different stages, learning how to create exciting and vibrant surfaces that will enhance your forms. Its a chance to think more about composition, mark making and creating pieces with a little more personal identity. 

DAY ONE  11-4.30 (with lunch break)

The clay surface before firing is the perfect stage at which to create a whole range of exciting textures, patterns and marks, building up your own individual compositions. The clay will be rolled out for you in advance so it will be at the right consistency- two different types of stoneware. All of the techniques are 'low-tech' and achievable without specialist print equipment.

Throughout the day we will work with coloured slips, applying layers of colour by brush, monoprinting, stencilling, as well as scraffito and other experimental techniques. We will be using ceramic inks to create printed marks, lines and text; and experimenting with creating texture. For any students that have previously worked with lino printing on paper, feel free to bring your small (max size A5) lino with you to print with. 

Most of the finished pieces will be flat/tile based, and you will also be able to use press moulds to create simple dish forms from your decorated surfaces.

We will also make some 'plainer' pieces with more minimal surfaces so you'll be able to experiment with these next week and see how the coloured glazes react over coloured slips.  

DAY TWO  11-2 (optional coffee break) 

Your pieces will be bisc fired and ready for the second stage of creating another layer of decoration and colour. Over the fired surface we will look at applying glaze (we have a selection of coloured and clear glazes for you to use) and how it might react with the slips underneath. You will be able to learn about using underglaze pencils and wax crayons, painting with oxides, and monoprinting onto the bisc fired surface. We can talk a little about the health and safety aspects of using oxides and glazes. 

Everything will have its second (glaze) firing, and be ready to collect a couple of weeks later. 

We would recommend bringing images, photos, sketches etc for reference; you can of course simply see what takes your imagination! We will have various fired examples to show you, and are happy to share glaze and slip recipes with you as relevant. There are various books in the studio you can look at for inspiration, including those specializing on the surface. 

Total cost inclusive of materials, firings, preparation etc is £165. 

On day one we'll take a short lunch break, and on day two there will be an optional coffee break.