Platters and Place: an introduction to painting and mark-making with slips

Learn how to develop designs for simple slab built ceramic platters and tiles. You will discover ways to build complex and layered surfaces with tonal and coloured slips, using combinations of surface pattern techniques.

We will start with the rolling of slabs for plates and test pieces. We will then spend time around Coombe Farm, drawing and gathering ideas for the workshop. 

The first afternoon will be spent making plates and finishing their rims and feet. 

We will practice techniques: painting with multiple layers of slips, making hand cut stencils, simple lino cutting, use of texture.

Finally, we will bring these techniques together to produce some fabulous plates and platters.

There will be practical demonstrations for each technique and group discussions to encourage the generation of ideas and problem solving.

Individual practical instruction and support will be tailored to each student’s needs as the project develops.

The course is suitable for all abilities.

MATERIALS LIST FOR THIS COURSE

If you have them, bring pottery tools, an apron, drawing materials, a sketchbook, scissors and lino cutting tools if you have them.

There will be a charge of £5 per kilo of clay to include materials and firing to stoneware temperature in an electric kiln. Finished work can be sent on for a small charge.