This 9-week series of hand-building workshops offers an introduction to ceramics for beginners. Participants will learn fundamental hand-building techniques through guided demonstrations and gain the skills to create their own simple forms.
The workshops encourage creativity, mindfulness, sustainability, and confidence in working with clay.
Throughout the workshops, participants will learn fundamental hand-building techniques, including wedging clay, forming pinch and coil pots, and slab building. Participants will also explore slump and hump moulding, along with surface decoration using basic clay tools (provided) and repurposed materials they source independently.
Drawing inspiration from plant life, a theme explored in the ceramicist’s own work, participants are also encouraged to experiment with natural materials, such as leaves, for surface decoration.
The use of coloured slips will be introduced to add colour and as an introduction to glazing. Participants will also begin to learn about the firing process, including how to prepare work for bisque and glaze firing and how to safely load pieces into the kiln.
Workshops include guided demonstrations and hands-on studio practice.
From mid-way through the series, participants will focus on creating an independent project - either a functional hand-built piece or a simple sculptural form - developing their technical skills with guidance and support from the workshop facilitator.
The use of sketchbooks is recommended for recording ideas, experimenting with designs, and tracking progress. One session specifically focuses on ideation and concept development.
The workshops culminate in a finished piece, ready for firing and collection later.
Emphasis is placed on play, mindfulness, sustainability, and thoughtful use of materials. By the end of the series, participants will have produced a completed ceramic work, gained confidence working with clay, and developed a solid foundation for continuing their own creative practice.
Learning Methods
This course will be delivered on campus from 18:30 – 21:00 every Monday for 9 weeks.
The use of sketchbooks is recommended (independently sourced) for recording ideas, experimenting with designs, and tracking progress. One session specifically focuses on ideation and concept development.
Activity Summary
- Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 10 in the group
- 22.5 hours of teaching in total over 9 evenings, 18:30 – 21:00
Timetable
- Week 1: 19 January - first workshop
- Week 2: 26 January
- Week 3: 2 February
- 9 February - no workshop due to public holiday
- Week 4: 16 February
- Week 5: 23 February
- Week 6: 2 March
- Week 7: 9 March
- Week 8: 16 March
- Week 9: 23 March - last workshop
Tools and equipment
Workshops will take place in our purpose-built Ceramics Workshop at Gray’s School of Art, where participants will work with shared tools and equipment.
Participants should bring the following each week:
- A sketchbook and pen or pencil
- An apron or overalls
- A small pot(s) or jar with a lid (for slip or glaze)
- Cling film or a plastic bag (to keep work airtight)
- A camera or phone for visual documentation
- Week 4: a simple bowl or dish for mould making
Core materials, including clay and coloured slip, are provided, and work produced during the sessions will be fired as part of the fee.
Please note that final pieces requiring firing will need to be collected at a later date. Depending on the firing schedule, this may take up to four weeks. Participants will be notified by email once their work is ready, with collection dates and times provided.
Assessment
This workshop is not formally assessed.
Workshop facilitator
Ceramicist Max Ross explores themes of escapism and observation within his work, taking influence from macro photography, which allows him to focus on the fine details of plant life. He uses printmaking alongside his ceramic work to capture delicate patterns and textures. A central theme running through his work is life and death, symbolised by fragile flowers. These blooms represent both beauty and impermanence, reminding the viewer of the temporary nature of all living things. His work invites us to reflect on our own place in nature – not apart from it, but deeply connected, delicate, and impermanent.
Max Ross recently completed an MA in Ceramics at Gray’s School of Art and is currently a Graduate-in-Residence at Gray’s.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
This course is suitable for beginners.
Required Age
All students are required to be at least 18 years of age on the commencement of the course.
For Academic Year 2025/2026
Course fee: £290 per person
The fee is to be paid as part of sign up process and prior to the first session.
After completing the registration form, you will be directed to the payment page. Your place on the course is not confirmed until payment has been received. If you have any difficulties locating the payment link or if you have registered for this course but have not completed the payment form, please contact us for a direct link to pay which will bypass registration.
Additional Costs
Essential core materials are provided.
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
Workshop Cancellation & Changes
If minimum participant numbers for this 9-week workshop are not met, the workshop will be cancelled and participants will receive a full refund.
If you’ve signed up and paid for this workshop but need to cancel, please email us at engage@rgu.ac.uk at least 7 days before the first evening session begins.
If the named practitioner is unable to deliver the scheduled workshop, the session may be cancelled or delivered by an alternative facilitator.
Disclaimer
Fees are regularly reviewed and published for each series of workshops. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a workshop/course at the rate confirmed during the application process.
Any questions?
Get in touch with the Engage Team and we'll do our best to help.