T2 Ceramics - Creative Wheel Work - PM

Course Description

Learn the fundamentals of clay, wheelwork and basic handbuilding principles to establish a strong foundation for steady wheel skills progression, and to expand your throwing repertoire. Follow the tutor’s projects or work independently with guidance as needed. About your Tutor: Namibian-born ceramic artist Ronél Koen specialises in Nerikomi-inspired, functional art using clay as her medium of choice. Her work is influenced and driven by her love of landscape and the delicate balance between texture and form. She finds the intricate layering of clay into patterns used in the ancient Japanese art of Nerikomi the perfect way to explore these narratives. By using the layering of Nerikomi techniques, she’s able the draw awareness to the surface beneath the clay by drawing the eye into the surface. These processes become an abstract exploration into ‘painting’ with clay. Her work also questions the fine line between utilitarianism and objects of art, and she creates work that draws on our sense of nostalgia, loss, memory and longing. Apart from having a degree in Fine Arts and Applied Arts, Ronél has also had a long creative career in the design and advertising industry. About the course Learn how to create beautiful functional and decorative ceramics with wheel-work skills. We will explore alternative decorative techniques tailored to individual projects and group dynamics. These techniques will include innovative surface decorations and methods, as well as the incorporation of templates and forms to enhance your wheelwork. This class encourages experimentation and provides a space to explore all clay’s possibliities in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Suitable for beginners building foundation skills and experienced makers expanding their skillset What to bring: Wear old clothes/apron, Old towel, Personal clay tools - optional Journal and pencil Ideas, creativity, positive attitude. Material fee, paid to tutor at the first class: A $40 material fee is payable to the first class tutor. Includes 1 bag of Stoneware clay, fair use of colourants and glazes. Tools and equipment are supplied, but students are encouraged to purchase their own small set of clay tools to bring each week. Extra materials and fees discussed in class Cost of firing is included in course fee. All works fired on-site must be produced in your Tresillian class from clay supplied by or approved by your tutor. Size limit of 30cm. Fired works ready withing 4 weeks of term end.