Introduction to Wheel Thrown Pottery

Service Description

This course will introduce even the absolute beginner to the art of creating functional pottery on the potter’s wheel. This course runs for 6 weeks, with one 2.5 hour class each week. Students will receive live demonstrations, lessons, hands-on assistance, studio time, and time to clean up. All materials used during regular class time are included in the price of the course. Students are also given one hour of bookable studio time to use outside class, during this time, they can practice skills learned in class, or catch up if needed. These sessions must be booked during class time. Additional clay for use outside class time can be purchased at $16 per pound, which includes firing, and studio glazes. Week 1: Introduction to Wedging and Centering * Introduction to the course and instructor. * Importance of wedging and centering in pottery. * Hands-on demonstration and practice of wedging clay. * Guided instruction on centering clay on the wheel. Week 2: Shaping and Basic Forms * Recap of the previous class and addressing questions. * Techniques for opening up clay on the wheel. * Instructor-led demonstration of shaping basic forms. * Students practice shaping cylinders and bowls. Week 3: Exploring Basic Shapes * Review and discussion of shaping techniques. * Introduction to creating plates and bowls. * Hands-on practice in creating basic vessel shapes. * Guidance on achieving consistent forms. Week 4: Throwing Practice and Consistency * Recap of basic shapes and student progress. * Focused throwing practice to refine skills. * Instructor provides individual guidance for improvement. * Discussion on techniques for achieving uniformity in shapes. Week 5: Trimming and Preparing for Firing * Review of throwing techniques and addressing challenges. * Importance of trimming and its impact on the final piece. * Instructor-led demonstration on trimming and foot creation. * Students practice trimming their pieces for refinement. Week 6: Surface Decoration and Glazing Techniques * Review of trimmed pieces and addressing questions. * Introduction to surface decoration using carving and slip. * Overview of glazing techniques and their effects. * Demonstration of proper glazing application methods.

Contact Details

• 711 Hill St, Ashcroft, BC V0K 1A0, Canada

  potter@burninghandsceramics.com