Northcote Pottery offers a range of one day workshops for all levels of experience. One day workshops are held on Saturdays between 10.00am and 3.00pm throughout the year.

2008 WORKSHOP PROGRAMME

MOULD MAKING WITH PAPER PLASTER

with CONNIE LICHTI

This workshop is an introduction to the technique of paper plaster mould making. Participants will make a one piece drop-out mould using this technique. There will be demonstrations on the making of a multi-piece mould and the creative use of plaster moulds.

Paper plaster moulds have the advantage of being light in weight and space saving compared to traditional plaster moulds. This advantage is especially welcome when the model is relatively large. Although the appearance of  paper plaster moulds is not as refined as traditional plaster moulds, this does not affect their function as a press mould or a slip cast mould.

Date: Saturday 16 August
Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm
Price: $99.00 (inc GST)

PORTRAIT SCULPTURE IN TERRACOTTA CLAY

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 modelling 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.

Date: Saturday 23 August
Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm
Price: $99.00 (inc GST)

LARGE FIGURATIVE FORMS IN PAPERCLAY

with JAN SARIC

This workshop is designed to challenge and extend your approach to sculpting in clay. Learn how to use a variety of handbuilding techniques to create a free standing or segmented figure in clay, then bring your work to life with simple but effective modelling techniques. By maximising the properties of paper clay you will be able to create lighter structures which will ultimately be easier to move, handle and install. Experiment with techniques of applying surface texture and adding detail to enhance the form. Firing and finishing tips will also be discussed.

Bring along a couple of wooden boards to work on, a banding wheel or turntable if you have one and a box to take work in progress home.

Date: Saturday 6 September
Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm
Price: $99.00 (inc GST)

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.

Dates: Saturday 13 September
Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm
Price: $99.00 (inc GST)

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.

Date: TBC IN 2009
Time: 9.00am to 4.00pm
Price: $99.00 (inc GST)

SURFACE TREATMENT: TEXTURE, COLOUR & GLAZING

with JAN SARIC

Explore a variety of techniques you can use to enhance the surface of functional or sculptural clay pieces. This workshop covers the appropriate selection, preparation and application of oxides, slips, stains, underglazes and glazes on wet, dry and fired clays.

Use this opportunity to:

-develop and expand your own colour palette by learning how to combine raw materials and pre-mixed commercial products

-try out scribblers, underglaze pencils, slip trailers, brushes and sponging techniques

-familiarize yourself with safe handling and storage of materials

Bring some bisque-fired pieces of your own if you want to experiment with these, a notebook, a box to take any samples you have created home in. Some bisque-fired pieces will be available for purchase on the day.

Date: TBC IN 2009
Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm
Price: $99.00 (inc GST)

BOOKINGS All workshops and courses must be booked and payment made prior to the date of the class. No bookings are firm without payment. The use of a 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 3056. Teachers can post/fax 03 9387 4011 bookings on a school order form and schools will be invoiced on account (terms 30 days).

CANCELLATIONS AND TRANSFERS OF BOOKINGS: any workshop bookings which are cancelled or transferred by the attendee will incur a $50 booking fee. Absence on the day of the workshop without notification will result in no refund. Northcote Pottery Supplies reserves the right to cancel workshops which do not have adequate numbers, and will always provide attendees with adequate prior notice.

WORKSHOP REQUIREMENTS: Workshop fees generally include all materials required during the day unless otherwise stated in course outlines. No firing is included in class fees, but a firing service is available through the Northcote Pottery Supplies Firing Service @ $5.50/kilo at all times. Morning tea is provided, and tea and coffee are freely available all day. Attendees are advised to bring lunch as the lunch break is only ½ hour and many attendees like to work through the break. Bring a box to carry your work home and any other items you feel will assist your day. 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 FOR WORKING.

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 attendee skill levels and all classes 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 direct them to us on (P) 03 9387 3911 or email npsupplies@bigpond.com

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

LUNCH: 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.

NORTHCOTE POTTERY SUPPLIES

142 - 144 WESTON STREET BRUNSWICK EAST

(P) 03 9387 3911 (F) 03 9387 4011