Introduction to Wild Clay
Dates: 18th and 25th September and 2nd and 9th October Times: 1:30 - 3:30pm Teacher: Kim Kish
This short course is designed for anyone interested in learning how to work with wild, locally sourced clay as a material. Most commercial clays available today have gone through extensive industrial processing- they are mined, refined, and often blended with materials from various regions or even from around the world.
By exploring and working with local wild clay, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the material in its natural form and its unique characteristics, its challenges, and why commercial clays have added materials for stability, firing consistency, and glaze compatibility.
We will focus on the direct experience of gathering, preparing, and testing wild clay. You’ll learn:
What defines local clay and how to identify potential sources
Ethical and safe methods for collecting clay — including what not to take and how to respect public land
How to prepare and test samples for firing
How clay behaves at different firing temperatures
How wild clay can be used to create slips, glazes or your clay body
By the end of the course, you’ll have a hands-on understanding of wild clay’s natural properties and methodical approach to working with local clay.
This course is suitable for anyone, be it a potter, artist, curious gardener, or those who enjoy getting their hands dirty. All of the classes take place in the studio and you will be encourage to bring in your own clay samples in week two after discussing where to look for clay.
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BOOK THE COURSE
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
WHAT TO WEAR / BRING WITH YOU:
Wear old clothing and closed toe shoes, shirts which you can roll up your sleeves- you will get dirty. We recommend to bring a full-length apron which you can wash at home. You may also want to bring a small hand towel.
PAYMENT / IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
As a small business we would not be able to survive by offering refunds, exchanges or transfers less than 14 days advance of the start date unless we can fill your place with another student. We will do our best to fill your place with someone on the waiting list, please get in touch.
The cost of this course includes all tools, materials and equipment.
You can only book through our online booking system below. If this is not possible to book online, please email us so we can help. All courses will be displayed here so it’s worth checking back or email us to be added to the wait list. Sig up to our Newsletter for future dates for new dates directly to your email inbox.
We reserve the right to cancel our courses, taster sessions and workshops. We will endeavour to book you onto an alternative course or offer a refund.
The cost of this course includes all tools, materials and equipment but does not include the cost of firing. Payments must be made in full in order to book a course. The cost of firing will be charged at £7.00 per 1kg for fired ceramics (for example a cup is about a £1).
You can only book through our online booking system below. All courses will be displayed here so it’s worth checking back often to see if spaces have opened up or any new courses have been added.
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