Ceramic Focus: Altering, Manipulating, Deconstructing

When & Where

6 June 2025 - 4 July 2025 ( 15 hours, 5 weeks )
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Course Code W24CRSA01F
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

This 6- session short course is ideal for both beginner and intermediate level students who are curious to experiment with an emphasis on spontaneity and gestural freedom. Students will be introduced to innovative techniques of altering, manipulating and deconstructing wheel thrown and hand-built work and create dynamic and personal pieces. Students work alongside each other in a mutually supportive environment in which they will learn both from their tutor and each other.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

See the potential of how clay can be altered, manipulated, and deconstructed using different techniques with an emphasis on spontaneity and gestural freedom
Appreciate the variety of forms, textures and surfaces that can be achieved
Further develop individual, creative potential and skills
Demonstrate awareness of Health and Safety issues in ceramics through safe studio practice, with consideration towards others

Cost

Full fee

£300

Concession fee

£225

Click here for information on Fees, Funding and Concessions (including financial support)

Class format and activities

You will be introduced to the work of contemporary makers and the techniques they use to create dynamic and innovative work. You will experiment with and explore some of the basic, throwing and hand-building construction methods and alter, manipulate, and deconstruct them. Each session your tutor will demonstrate new techniques and give guidance on project work, as well as encouraging you to develop your own ideas. You will have group and individual discussions and a wide range of resources are provided. In order to ensure that you make the best possible progress on your course, you will have regular and detailed feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive environment in order to meet both course and personal learning goals.

Entry requirements

No, this class is open to complete beginners and those at intermediate levels

What you need to know before you enrol

There is some physical activity in ceramics, for example wedging or rolling out clay, which requires a moderate level of physical fitness - if you have any concerns (back problems, for example) please talk to your tutor who will be happy to give guidance, or assistance if required. The ceramics studio is on the 3rd floor and there is lift access.

What you need

A notebook and pen are useful. You will also need an apron or old shirt. Your tutor will advise you about which tools to purchase. We make a per kilo charge for clay, which includes the bisque and glaze firing. Further requirements will be discussed at the first and subsequent classes.

What you can do next

Other short courses include Introduction to Raku: Making, Glazing, Firing, Intermediate Raku: Making, Glazing, Firing, Saggar Firing In an Electric Kiln . Morley College offers a wide range of courses at all levels of ability, including a certified HND Ceramics course. Students can also look to progress onto other part or full time Ceramics or 3D courses such as BETC, BA degree or MA postgraduate courses Your tutor is also happy to advise you in setting up your own studio. After several years of study many students progress to setting up their own ceramic practice and exhibiting in open studio weekends, local and national craft fairs.