course Timetable

Levels 1 & 2  focus on understanding and practicing the basic techniques of using the pottery wheel.

Lessons 1, 2 & 3:

Introduction and Demonstration: 

*what clay is

*how to prepare the clay for the wheel

*the right amount of clay to start with

*positioning the clay on the wheel

*centering (this is the hardest part and will take approximately 30 hours of practice to master)

*opening up the clay

*pulling the walls up

*compressing the floor, walls and rim of your vessel

*remocing your vessel from the wheel

*best practice for storing and protecting your vessel

Lessons 4, 5 & 6:

Practice of techniques previously demonstrated plus

*shaping your vessel

*trimming your vessel

*modifying or carving your finished piece

*practicing with increasing amounts of clay

*throwing with intentional design

Lessons 7 & 8:

*surface decoration

*using slips and engobes

*preparation for glazing

*glazing techniques and best practice.