Slab Building & Surface Mark Making
Tuesday 13th - Friday 16th May 2025
Summary
This course will focus on techniques for making clay slabs, constructing 3D forms from slabs and then incorporating mark making and surface texture to enhance the forms.
the course in detail
Craig will be demonstrating some of the ways in which he works to design, conceive and create his pieces and will show students a variety of different techniques to achieve a range of results. Craig will share the slab building techniques that he uses as well as a range of surface marking techniques that can be used to produce painterly surfaces. This includes using engobe, slip, impressing, grog and sand, monoprint and stenciling.
Students will be shown how to cut, reassemble and rejoin in order to produce unique finished pieces using a variety of colours and marks.
There will be opportunities for students to discuss their work on a one-to-one basis as well as part of the wider group.
Each student will have their own dedicated workspace and will receive plenty of individual attention.
Course breakdown
Day 1: Exploring colour, mark making and texture in an experimental way using slips, engobes and texturing materials. Craig will demonstrate techniques that he typically uses and students will have a go at using these. A series of test tiles will be created by the end of the day.
Day 2: Review and evaluate the collection of marks that were made using different techniques from day one, select and apply some of these to simple slab built cylindrical vessel forms. Explore cutting into and distorting these forms to create more fragmented, complex 3D forms.
Day 3: Following a presentation from Craig about sources of inspiration, and using sketchbooks to explore ideas, students will explore and plan their own ideas for a more complex 3D slab built form. Prepare the clay and materials needed and start making this larger piece of work.
Day 4: Complete the larger slab built form applying marks and textures that the students have selected and planned. Use oxides to enhance the textures and marks that were made on the test tiles from day one which have now been biscuit fired.
FIRING
There will be no specific kiln firing during the week, other than of the test pieces made on day one. We will, however, encourage students to keep, and finish, a few carefully selected final pieces. These will be fired and be ready for collection a few weeks later.
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Details of our firing charges can be found in our Student Contract.
Please read our Student Contract here.
Please also note, we do not offer a glazing service.
About Craig
Craig was born in Glasgow, he graduated with a Higher National Diploma in Ceramics at Harrow College, then achieved a BA(Hons) Fine Art specialising in ceramics at Portsmouth Polytechnic. He has taught extensively and became a selected member of the Craft Potters Association in 2005. Craig’s work is influenced by his surroundings, places and landscapes. He now lives and works in West Cornwall.
THE SCHEDULE
DAY 1 - Arrive 9am Tuesday 13th May
Welcome breakfast (from 9am - 10am). The session will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 2 - Arrive 9:30am Wednesday 14th May
On the second day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 3 - Arrive 9:30am Thursday 15th May
On the third day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 4 - Arrive 9:30am Friday 16th May
On the final day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 4pm.
A two-course lunch is provided every day. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
PAYMENT
This cost for this four-day course is £900. This cost includes all necessary materials, tools, refreshments, a superb two-course lunch every day and a Welcome Breakfast on the first day.
You can pay in full or pay a deposit by clicking on the ‘Book Now’ button above. If you choose to pay a deposit we will contact you to arrange paying the remainder of your balance in instalments.
Before you book a course, please make sure you read our terms and conditions page here.
Please also read our Student Contract here.
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
The Ceramic Studio is located on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, and there are lots of lovely surrounding towns and villages offering numerous places to stay.
We are happy to arrange transits to and from your accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. Please get in touch to arrange this. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk. To see examples of local accommodation, click here.
Date: Tuesday 13th - Friday 16th May 2025
Duration: Four-day workshop
Venue: The Ceramic Studio (Brenchley)
Class Size: Maximum 10 students
Level: Some knowledge of slab building would be desirable, but is not essential.
Clay type: Stoneware
Cost: £900 (pay in full or in instalments)
“I use a mixed media approach to ceramic materials to make hand built pieces that can be appreciated as 3-dimensional paintings.
A recurring and principal foundation in my work that remains as strong as ever, is the need to express something about my immediate surroundings and the landscape that I live in. I want my work to evoke a feeling of place and landscape without being over representational”
