UPCOMING MASTERCLASSES
The Clay Loft, Inchbrook Mill, Gydynapp Lane, Stroud GL55EZ
A masterclass with Sharon Griffin
Sold out
Title: Making a Clay Bust
Artist: Sharon Griffin
Date: 20th & 21st January 2024
Timings: 0930 for 10am to 4.30pm
Venue: The Clay Loft, Inchbrook Mill, Stroud, GL55EZ
About Sharon
Using clay, Sharon Griffin sculpts the figure and the face, capturing the essence of the universal human condition in its rawest sense.
Oxides, slips and glazes are ‘drawn’ into the surfaces of the clay creating textured, multi-layered works of art which are highly emotive and full of energy. Her sophisticated knowledge of the material merges traditional making techniques with contemporary figurative ceramics blurring boundaries between studio ceramics and fine art sculpture.
Drawing upon her passion for education, psychology and story-telling, Sharon makes work to provide a platform where discussions surrounding identity can take place.
Her work can be uplifting, joyful and slightly unnerving.
After studying ceramics and glass at the University of Wolverhampton (94-97) Sharon became a Lecturer of Art and Design and taught ceramics, glass, painting and drawing at Telford College for 15 years. Sharon developed her own work alongside her teaching career, taking part in a MA and supporting her young family.
The development of slab building technique transpired over 20 years. The fast slab-building technique has now become a trademark for Sharon, who manages to capture energy and emotion through the use of gestural mark making and a combination of gazes, stains, slips and oxides.
Sharon lives and works in Telford, Shropshire with her family and smelly dog Pepper. Her environment and surroundings are a constant source of inspiration. You can find more about Sharon via her website:
Description of the course:
Day 1
You will learn to play and reconnect with yourself, journaling, sketching in clay and finding your own voice. Lots of serious fun exploring a series of fast gestural techniques exploring ‘flat’ and ‘fat’, shape, weight and form to explore what a clay bust is!
You will be shown how to make features (eyes, lips, nose, mouth, ears etc) using very simple sculpting techniques. We will be working from our own drawings, found images and our own faces within the studio.
Some experience of handling clay is great but this workshop is for anyone; beginner, intermediate or advanced. If you can create a mark, this workshop is for you!
Day 2
Exploring surface.
We will explore mark-making, drawing into the clay and how using surfaces can enhance the narrative or story within a sculpture.
You will create a series of experimental clay surfaces using traditional and unconventional methods of decorating to create an unique surface on your clay bust. Techniques such as sgraffito, mono print, painting, scratching, drawing and general mark making will be used in a playful and spontaneous way.
We will explore how we approach the surface and how this approach can effect the energy within the mark making.
At the end of the 2 day workshop, the busts can be taken home to fire, or fired at The Clay Loft for a small additional fee.
What you will need:
A sketchbook/paper to journal and write down notes.
An apron
A mirror (handheld)
Optional printed reference pictures of a particular person/animal you feel inspired by
Please note that this is not intended to be a portrait workshop where accuracy and specific measurements take place. The workshop is to help free the creativity and explore storytelling through the creation of a clay bust.
Max of 12 students.
Please ensure you read and accept the Terms and Conditions before booking onto a course as these contain relevant information regarding cancellation and course refunds.
A masterclass with Patricia Shone at The Clay Loft
Title: Creating Texture
Artist: Patricia Shone
Date: 17th & 18th February 2024
Timings: 0930 for 10am to 4.30pm
Venue: The Clay Loft, Inchbrook Mill, Stroud, GL55EZ
About Patricia
I have been living and working on the Isle of Skye for the past 25 years and have felt my work to be informed and inspired by this powerful landscape. I love wilder more challenging land and seascapes. Beneath the thin soils of the Highlands, eroded and carved by time, weather and human activity, lies the constant and immutable presence of rock. The form which lies beneath the changing surface.
There is an inherent inspiration in a person's fundamental being. I believe an artist’s work can be a search to find expression for this, consciously or unconsciously. This is the deep essence in a work which connects one human being to another. The form beneath the surface.
I think of my work as part of the journey towards understanding my place in life. I can’t separate it from my experience of living in this landscape or from the path that brought me here. Texture has featured in my work since college days. But it was a masterclass with Shozo Michikawa in 2008 which really set me on my current course. A shoulder injury later on forced me to change my practices which ultimately led to the Erosion Collection for which I am known. After many years of developing this work, I feel I understand the techniques well enough to begin to share them.
About the workshop
This will be a very hands on practical workshop. Patricia will lead this intensive two day class during which you can expect plenty of demonstrations but equally lots of opportunity try out some of Patricia's making processes under her close guidance.
The course includes bisque firing of three pieces per person with additional pieces fired for a small additional charge.
Max of 12 students.
Please ensure you read and accept the Terms and Conditions before booking onto a course as these contain relevant information regarding cancellation and course refunds.
A masterclass with Sabine Nemet at The Clay Loft
Title: Altered Dishes
Artist: Sabine Nemet
Date: 16th & 17th March 2024
Timings: 0930 for 10am to 4.30pm
Venue: The Clay Loft, Inchbrook Mill, Stroud, GL55EZ
About Sabine
Sabine's pots are mainly thrown on the potters wheel, sometimes altered, cut and put together again.
Using clay bodies mixed by herself, she makes small series of mugs, jugs, lidded jars, bowls and much more. She fires her pots in a kiln for two days and one night entirely with wood to 1300 degree
At a high temperature she sprays bicarbonate of soda in the kiln to give each piece, along with the fly ash in the kiln, a unique character.
Sabine completed an a three year apprenticeship as a potter in East Germany. She was then for the first time introduced to wood firing.
Since then, the excitement of staying up all night feeding an ever hungry kiln with wood, the direct impact of when and how much wood to put in the firebox, has never left her.
In 2000 she decided to travel to England to gain more experience in ceramics. She has met her partner Nic Collins, who is also a potter, here and in 2001 she moved to Devon permanently.
She likes her pots to be inviting to touch and handle on a daily basis in the kitchen and around the house.
About the workshop
Following introductions over coffee the workshop will start with a short slideshow and demo. During this workshop you will be making ovenproof altered dishes.
The workshop will involve the use of wheels and slab making using slab rollers and hand rolling. Do not worry if you are not proficient using the wheel as there will be plenty of support available. As well as throwing 'rings' and attaching these to slab bases the workshop will also involve making and attaching lug handles and the use of textures for pattern. You can expect several demonstrations during the weekend but this is a very hands on workshop so be prepared to get creative.
Participants can expect to make up to 8 dishes each. Four dishes will be fired through to glaze as part of the course fees with additional dishes fired for a small additional charge.
Max of 12 students.
Please ensure you read and accept the Terms and Conditions before booking onto a course as these contain relevant information regarding cancellation and course refunds.
A masterclass with Tom Knowles Jackson at The Clay Loft
Only a few left!
Title: Throwing 2-piece pots
Artist: Tom Knowles Jackson
Date: 13th & 14th April 2024
Timings: 0930 for 10am to 4.30pm
Venue: The Clay Loft, Inchbrook Mill, Stroud, GL55EZ
About the workshop
Tom will share his techniques for creating larger wheel-thrown pieces. The workshop will focus on throwing large sections that will be joined together and shaped to create bigger work. This workshop is aimed at competent throwers looking to develop their confidence with larger amounts of clay.
Day 1: Planning, preparation and throwing the sections. End to end demonstration.
Day 2: Joining, shaping and finishing
Max of 7.
Please ensure you read and accept the Terms and Conditions before booking onto a course as these contain relevant information regarding cancellation and course refunds.
Clay@The Fold, The Fold, Bransford WR6 5JB
A 2-day workshop with Patia Davis at Clay@The Fold
Title: Working with Earthenware and slip
Artist: Patia Davis
Date: 27th & 28th January 2024
Timings: 0930 for 10am to 4.30pm
Venue: Clay@The Fold, Brandsford, Worcester, WR6 5JB
Patia will be sharing the secrets of her vocabulary of alluring and lively mark-making in slip-decoration. Pleasure in English slipware runs deep in our culture; these lively, robust, warmly decorated pots are so relatable too, and continue to provide us with inspiration today. The workshop will consider both traditional and contemporary approaches to slip application, methods which grew out of post-medieval English pot-making. A workshop allowing for a strong emphasis on experimentation, both in exploring technique design and mark-making in slips.
Students should able to make a simple baking or serving dish during the course. The primary emphasis of this course is about immersing oneself in the varied and exciting applications slip has to offer the potters craft.
Patia's two-day workshop will be an exciting opportunity for participants to learn from her expertise in pottery. Here's a breakdown of what to expect during the workshop:
Duration: The workshop will span two days, providing ample time for participants to delve into various aspects of pottery making.
Instructor: Patia, a nationally celebrated potter, will be leading the workshop. Participants will have the chance to learn directly from her and benefit from her years of experience.
Topics Covered:
- Methods and Processes: Patia will share the methods and processes she has developed over time to create her unique pottery. This may include insights into her creative techniques and approaches.
- Slip Preparation: Slip is a liquid form of clay used for various pottery techniques. Patia will likely demonstrate how to prepare and use slip effectively in pottery projects.
- Working with Earthenware: Earthenware is a type of clay that is commonly used in pottery. Patia will provide guidance on working with earthenware, including its properties, advantages, and potential challenges.
- Teaching Style: The workshop will blend different teaching methods, such as demonstrations by Patia and hands-on practical work for the participants. This approach allows attendees to see techniques in action and then apply what they've learned themselves.
- Interactive: Given the mix of demonstrations and hands-on work, participants can expect an interactive and engaging learning experience. They'll have the opportunity to ask questions, seek clarifications, and receive feedback from Patia.
- Practical Experience: Hands-on practical work is a crucial part of the workshop. Participants will have the chance to create their own pottery pieces under Patia's guidance, putting into practice the techniques and tips they've learned.
- Networking: Workshops like this often attract people with a shared interest in pottery. Participants may also benefit from networking and sharing experiences with fellow enthusiasts.
- Materials and Tools: All materials and tools required for the practical sessions may be provided, though participants may wish to bring their own tools.
Patia's workshop promises to be a valuable learning experience for anyone interested in pottery, whether they are beginners looking to start their journey or experienced potters looking to refine their skills and learn new techniques.
Max of 10 students.
Please ensure you read and accept the Terms and Conditions before booking onto a course as these contain relevant information regarding cancellation and course refunds.
A masterclass with Patricia Shone at Clay@The Fold
Title: Creating Texture
Artist: Patricia Shone
Date: 24th & 25th February 2024
Timings: 0930 for 10am to 4.30pm
Venue: Clay@The Fold, Bransford, Worcester, WR6 5JB
About Patricia
I have been living and working on the Isle of Skye for the past 25 years and have felt my work to be informed and inspired by this powerful landscape. I love wilder more challenging land and seascapes. Beneath the thin soils of the Highlands, eroded and carved by time, weather and human activity, lies the constant and immutable presence of rock. The form which lies beneath the changing surface.
There is an inherent inspiration in a person's fundamental being. I believe an artist’s work can be a search to find expression for this, consciously or unconsciously. This is the deep essence in a work which connects one human being to another. The form beneath the surface.
I think of my work as part of the journey towards understanding my place in life. I can’t separate it from my experience of living in this landscape or from the path that brought me here. Texture has featured in my work since college days. But it was a masterclass with Shozo Michikawa in 2008 which really set me on my current course. A shoulder injury later on forced me to change my practices which ultimately led to the Erosion Collection for which I am known. After many years of developing this work, I feel I understand the techniques well enough to begin to share them.
About the workshop
This will be a very hands on practical workshop. Patricia will lead this intensive two day class during which you can expect plenty of demonstrations but equally lots of opportunity try out some of Patricia's making processes under her close guidance.
The course includes bisque firing of three pieces per person with additional pieces fired for a small additional charge.
Max of 12 students.
Please ensure you read and accept the Terms and Conditions before booking onto a course as these contain relevant information regarding cancellation and course refunds.
A masterclass with Ben Fosker at Clay@The Fold
Title: Playful Slipware
Artist: Ben Fosker
Date: 23rd & 24th March 2024
Timings: 0930 for 10am to 4.30pm
Venue: Clay@The Fold, Bransford, Worcester, WR6 5JB
We are just thrilled that Ben has agreed to come the The Fold to deliver one of his hugely popular masterclasses.
Ben is internationally recognised for his strikingly playful ceramic artworks. Ben will lead a packed two day workshop making and decorating slip decorated figurative earthenware animals.
Participants can each expect to complete at least one figurative sculpture but there are always additional extras when ben leads a workshop so be prepared to decorate plates sand make 'fast' animal sculptures at small scale too.
Participants will have their figurative animal sculpture glaze fired as part of the course fees. Any additional pots fired will attract a small additional fee.
Max of 12 students.
Please ensure you read and accept the Terms and Conditions before booking onto a course as these contain relevant information regarding cancellation and course refunds.
A masterclass with Wendy Lawrence at Clay@The Fold
Title: Creating Texture
Artist: Wendy Lawrence
Date: 27ht & 28th April 2024
Timings: 0930 for 10am to 4.30pm
Venue: Clay@The Fold, Bransford, Worcester, WR6 5JB
About the Workshop
Wendy Lawrence will be demonstrating the techniques that she has developed over 25 years of working with clay. You will learn a variety of hand-building techniques and methods of surface decoration, carving and texture. solid forms, constructing using plaster moulds and formers - all to create sculptural objects.
You will make at least one piece that will be fired through to bisque using solid and slab built combinations of techniques.
Demonstration and workshops will include:
- Clay Preparation
- Solid Dorms
- Slab Building
- Coiling and Additions
- Carved Surface Pattern
- Form
- Carving Textures
- Building up Layers to create 3-D surfaces
- Combined Techniques
- Glazes and their application (discussion only)
Fees include all materials and bisque firing for one piece (additional pieces can be fired for a small additional charge if required)
Max of 12 students.
Please ensure you read and accept the Terms and Conditions before booking onto a course as these contain relevant information regarding cancellation and course refunds.
