Ceramics - Handbuilt Forms (ceramics, sculpture or functional forms)

Ceramics - Handbuilt Forms (ceramics, sculpture or functional forms)

Who is this course for?
All levels of experience are welcome. This hands on course is ideal for the beginner or advanced learners who wish to pursue their individual interests with tutorial guidance. You can follow a set class project or work on self initiated personal project. The emphasis is on developing each student's creative potential. All students are encouraged to participate in the End of the year college exhibition. It consists of selected work from the entire year and an installation project designed for the exhibition based on the theme of the class project.

What previous knowledge/experience are required?
Your enthusiasm and curiosity to explore joys of working with clay is all that is required.

What is the level of the course?
This course is structured to introduce beginners to handbuilding and decorative techniques and an opportunity for advanced learners to develop, practice and refine skills and techniques in greater depth while pursuing individual ideas.

What will the course cover and what can I expect to do by the end of it?
This is a hands on practical course helping you to develop individual and imaginative use of materials and techniques to support your ideas. You will explore and develop a variety of handbuiilding methods of construction, learn how to use glazes, oxides, underglazes and stains. There is a set class project, but you may initiate and develop your own personal project with tutorial guidance. Learning outcomes (including what the student will be able to do by the end of the course) : - Practical understanding of handbuilding methods - Acquire skills in using decorative techniques - Correct glaze application to obtain suitable surface finish - All students participate in the End of Year show

What teaching and learning methods will be used on the course?
The programme is taught through tutor demonstration and caters for individual interests and potentials. Through one to one sessions, group discussions and sharing skills and knowledge within the group.

How will we assess your progress on the course?
Continuous feedback from your tutor, appraisal of finished pieces.

What type of qualification will passing this course give me?
No qualification as such but hopefully lots of pleasure and satisfaction gained from the creative process.

What extra study/practice do we expect you to do outside the class?
You will be encouraged to visit British Museum, Victioria & Albert Museum and to see current exhibitions/ art fairs and events. Participation in outside exhibitions and competitions also will be promoted.

What can I do after completing this course?
You could continue to develop your skills on this course, consider enrolling for another ceramic or art course at WMC, study for degree, set up your own studio.

Are there any other costs? (e.g. materials, equipment or books I need to buy before or during the course)
Basic tools will be offered, but you may wish to buy additional tools for your personal use. List of tools will be provided, there is a charge of £16 per student per term and a £1,50 per pound for clay before firing. This covers cost of clay, glazing and firing.