Upcoming workshops at Clay@The Fold
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.
