PROPOSED WORKSHOP PROGRAMME 2011

DATES TO BE CONFIRMED 

PRINTING ON CLAY 

with CONNIE LICHTI

Explore the exciting and creative potential of printing and transferring images onto clay. This hands on workshop is intended as an introduction to the basic image transfer techniques. It focuses on both low and high-tech techniques, including: monoprint techniques such as tissue paper transfers, printing/stenciling with slip and silk screen, relief prints, photocopy lithography, computer laser-printed decals, simple decal making and photographic emulsions.

GLAZING & DECORATING

with JAN SARIC

Learn the basics of using underglazes and earthenware glazes. This hands-on workshop will show you how to apply these products to avoid disasters and get the best results. Underglazes are used to create decorative multicoloured designs while glazes are best for solid colour application. Designed for those who want to master liquid or powder underglaze colours and gain confidence using earthenware glazes and their application. Bring along your own earthenware (bisque fired) pottery or purchase some bisqueware (tiles or tableware) from us before your class so you can get hands-on experience with these innovative and colourful pottery decoration techniques (please limit the size and number of bisque pieces).

INTRODUCTION TO MOULD MAKING 

with RAYMOND LAURENS

In this workshop you will learn the dos and don’ts of traditional slipcast and press mould making.

Participants will get the chance to make a one-piece drop-out mould and see the processes involved in making a two-piece mould.  Additional information on how to tackle multiple-piece moulds and technical tips will also be discussed.

Mouldmaking has been used with great success in the manufacturing of ceramic products and is becoming an increasingly popular method used by ceramic artists interested in making duplicate and altered works.  This workshop aims to give you the basic knowledge to have the confidence to tackle your own mould making.

RAKU FIRING 

with JUDITH ROBERTS

This workshop is intended as an introduction to the exciting and dynamic process of Raku firing. Raku firings have their origins in Japan where they are employed to produce bowls for the Tea ceremony. In the west, Ceramists have developed different approaches and now use the rapid firing in conjunction with post firing reduction to produce spectacular and decorative results. Lustre, crackle and highly coloured low temperature earthenware glazes will be explored as well as some experimentation with ‘Naked Raku’ or ‘Slip / Resist’  techniques.

To get the best from this workshop you should bring at least 5 small  bisque fired items no larger than 12cm in height & 7 cm in width (tall and narrow is best, no wide forms). All constructing methods are suitable for the Raku firing, just ensure good joining practices and keep the body even in thickness. Fine white raku clay and/or white raku paperclay are preferred.

The workshop is conducted out of doors at Northcote Pottery so sensible old clothes and covered shoes are a must. Sun Screen and/or a raincoat are wise choices also. Sunglasses are recommended regardless of the weather to give protection to the eyes when looking into the kiln. Should additional pots be required for the workshop samples from $4 - $6 each will be available for purchase on the day. Detailed workshop notes are provided including instructions for the construction of a fibre lined bin kiln.

SCULPTING THE HUMAN HEAD

with JAN SARIC

This hands-on workshop is designed for all levels of experience and covers the techniques you will need to successfully model a three-dimensional “portrait” in clay. Using our rich terracotta clay you will build up the basic structure of a human head. By combining effective modeling techniques with observations of proportion and anatomical detail you will be able to add features to bring your sculpture to life. You can then decide to keep it simple and subtle, or make it powerful and expressive. Finishing techniques to enhance the form will also be discussed.  

Bring along a banding wheel or turntable if you have one, or a wooden board to work on, and a sturdy box to take home unfinished work in.

THE STANDING FIGURE

with JAN SARIC

Use a combination of modelling techniques to make a human figure. This workshop focuses on proportion and balance, as well as the modeling of hands, feet and features on a smaller-than-life scale. "Clothing" the form, application of texture and post-firing treatment will also be discussed.

Bring a board to work on, a banding wheel (or turntable) if you have one, and a box to take work home in.

MAKING CERAMIC JEWELLERY

with GRETCHEN HILLHOUSE

This workshop explores the exciting and creative potential of clay for use in jewellery making. This hands on workshop is an introduction to  techniques of carving, plaster mould making, slip casting, impressing and using found objects in conjunction with clay. Participants will be able to create an original piece from which a plaster mould will be made, enabling multiple pieces to be cast for use as brooches and/or pendants. Suitable for any skill level, this is a great introduction to the creation of your own unique jewellery pieces.

Firing, finishing techniques  and jewellery assembly techniques will be demonstrated and discussed.

Bring a blank-paged sketch book to develop ideas in.

BUILDING LARGE FORMS IN PAPERCLAY

with JAN SARIC

Explore the potential of paperclay in this intensive hands on workshop. Techniques demonstrated will focus on how to maximise the properties of this material to create lighter, larger structures. Experiment with some not-so-traditional methods of applying surface texture and adding detail to your clay forms. Firing and finishing tips will be discussed.

Bring along a couple of boards to work on and a box to take home work in progress.

Bookings: Non-refundable payment in full required at time of booking.

Payment options: Credit card number over the phone 03 9387 3911 is the fastest way to place a booking. Cheque payments should be posted to Northcote Pottery Supplies, 142 - 144 Weston Street, Brunswick East 3057. Schools/Teachers can post/fax 03 9387 4011 bookings on a school order form and schools will be invoiced on account (terms 30 days).

Cancellations: Northcote Pottery reserves the right to cancel workshops due to insufficient enrolments. A full refund will be given for any workshop cancelled by Northcote Pottery.

Requirements: Workshop fees include all materials required during the day unless otherwise stated in workshop outlines. Firing is NOT included in workshop fees.  Northcote Pottery Supplies Firing Service is $5.50/kilo. Bring a box to take home work in progress. A camera may be of assistance, and you may like to bring photos or samples of your work to show your tutor. ALL WORKSHOPS ARE HANDS-ON SO PLEASE WEAR SUITABLE CLOTHING.

Refreshments: Morning tea is provided, and tea and coffee are freely available all day. As classes tend to work through the lunch break to maximise contact with tutors, please consider bringing your lunch. There are also cafes conveniently located on Lygon Street within a short walking distance to our shop for participants who wish to buy lunch on the day.

Parking: Unlimited Angle Parking is available across the road from our shop.

Tutors: All Northcote Pottery Supplies tutors have extensive experience in their field and are experienced teachers. Our workshops are designed to cater to a variety of skill levels and all workshops are suitable for beginners to more experienced levels unless otherwise stated in the outline. Our workshop tutors actively seek feedback from participants during class. If you have further questions about our workshops please contact us on 03 9387 3911 or email npsupplies@bigpond.com

NORTHCOTE POTTERY SUPPLIES

142 - 144 WESTON STREET BRUNSWICK EAST 3057 

(Phone) 03 9387 3911 (Fax) 03 9387 4011