Forest Road

Sign up for the next 6 week hand-building course
starting in August 2024
Scroll down for more info and pricing

6 week hand-building course

I'm very excited about this new offering, it's been a long time coming...

This course is a new addition to Forest Road Studio, I've been creating it behind the scenes for a few years and finally launched in May 2024. Its a fantastic opportunity to spend some regular hours in the studio (15 hours to be precise), learn several hand-building skills, explore texture; colour, and discover more about pottery in general. At the end of the course you will use your new knowledge to create, decorate and colour you're own unique project. You'll also get to keep a piece from each of the practice sessions that you make in weeks 1-4. You get your own portion of premium hand-building clay, which you can take home with you after the course if you have leftovers, and I supply everything else you need throughout the course. Aprons, towels, tools, materials, books and inspiration, underglaze and texture stamps, tuition and guidance, and a storage tub to keep your wips.

I've been working on this course for a few years, its been ruminating around int he back of my mind. I really wanted to create an offering that gave participants a chance to learn more of the technical elements of working with clay. A recent participant said it gave her a chance to understand 'why' we follow certain guidelines, which deepened her understanding of clay and its many properties.

So lets find out a little bit more, shall we?

Whats involved, what will I learn?

The course will be run at Forest Road Studio, for those unfamiliar its a converted shed on our little holding on Peramangk Land (Adelaide Hills).

The next course will be August/September

Saturday afternoon 1pm - 3:30pm

[running weekly from August 3rd]

The course will focus on hand-building techniques, with the intention of also covering several other topics (as below) all relevant to working with clay. Scroll down to see the weekly course content.

Class sizes are limited to 4-5 people

Some of the specific topics we will cover include:

hand building techniques:
- coils
- pinchpots,
- slab building
- carving from a solid block (kurinuki)
decoration techniques: use of tools and materials to create interesting texture and design
guidance on creating a personal project in weeks 5 & 6

Throughout the course, we will also cover these additional components:

working with clay: clay properties; ceramic process, why we do certain things and what happens when we don't
reclaiming clay: how to reuse leftovers
Creating mindfully and intentionally, firing pieces that we actually like reclaiming pieces that we don'

Participants will receive their own clay, a container on loan in which to keep it, a space on the studio shelving and the use of all the Studio Guest tools, books, accessories and implements for use throughout the course.

What can I expect?

The emphasis for this course is on process, creating quality, intentional work.

We will use the class time to explore techniques and develop skills, gaining a greater understanding of which methods we are each drawn to. The emphasis for this course is on process, creating quality, intentional work. We are aiming to create considered pieces, spending time refining our skills and focusing on slowing down, and creating mindfully.

Some participants may end up with only a few thoughtfully considered pieces upon completion.

Participants will take any remaining clay home with them at the end of the course, to continue their exploration.

Due to the size of the Bessie (The Kiln), there will be size limitations for the work created. The finished pieces will be fired and glazed upon completion of the course (Participants will be notified by email when their work is ready for collection, ~ 8 weeks).

All work will be coated in a clear glaze. All efforts will be made to ensure successful outcomes, the nature of ceramics means that all work moving through the firing stages is in the hands of the Kiln Gods.