Pottery and Ceramics Saturday Workshop
Course overview
In a small group of 6 people, you will learn how to wedge, knead, centre and throw cylinder forms with step-by-step instruction and demonstration from our experienced potter.
If you’re a more experienced potter, you’ll have the chance to refine your technique and learn to throw bowls and plates through tips and guidance from your tutor.
Please enrol in one of our glazing workshops if you would like to bisque fire and decorate your produced pottery.
Please note: this course runs term-time only.
Techniques covered include:
- clay preparation (kneading and wedging)
- centering the clay
- throwing a range of forms
- throwing using Earthstone clay
- preparation and application of decorating slip
- how to apply Health and Safety guidelines in a ceramics studio
Teaching methods include:
- formal instruction
- discussion
- individual tuition
- practical demonstration
- practical experience
You will also get the opportunity to develop your skills according to your own specific needs and pace.
Some experience in ceramics/pottery would be beneficial but not essential; you work at your own pace and level. All learners are supported by the tutor throughout each step of the wheel-throwing process.
Please bring:
- a sketchbook and something to write with
- a towel
- an apron/wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting messy
- enthusiasm for the subject and a willingness to learn!
You?must?wear flat shoes as this is a safety requirement. Working with clay can get very messy!
You may wish to bring hand cream and a dust mask. If you have sensitive skin, you may also wish to bring a pair of washing-up gloves.
Tutor Profile: Rafa Borja
Born in Colombia, Rafa now lives and works in Oxford, UK.
Fascinated from an early age by the behaviour of different materials, he studied at the School of Fine Art & Music in Cartagena, Colombia (La Escuela Superior de Bellas Artes Cartegena de Indias).
Originally a sculptor in plaster, then wood, and then stone, he works now entirely in ceramics, sculpting and experimenting.
Rafa is Artist in Residence and tutor at ActivateLearning. He also volunteers to run firings at the Anagama Kilns in Oxford.
https://www.rafaborjaceramics.org
Meet the tutors
We want our learners to feel welcome, safe and at ease when attending our classes, especially if this is your first time attending an adult education class or if you're coming back to education after a break.
If you're interested in one of courses, meet our tutors first! You'll see they have similar passions and interests and, most importantly, the right qualifications to help you make the most of your time and money.
