Ceramics: Intermediate & Beyond | Term 1

This course will run on Tuesday Evenings from 10th February to 24th March from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

With Tutor: Mel Ford

This ceramics evening class is perfect for students who have mastered the basics and are ready to tackle bigger, bolder projects over 7 weeks. You’ll work closely with your tutor through one-on-one discussions, discovering the best approach to bring your ideas to life. With tailored guidance, helpful technical tips, and step-by-step demonstrations as your project develops, you’ll be encouraged and supported every step of the way.

Join us in a friendly, well-equipped ceramics studio where skills are honed, creativity flourishes, and ideas are transformed into exciting finished pieces!

What You'll Learn:

By the end of this course, you will:

• Create ceramic objects developed from your own creative goals, ideas, and projects.
• Learn a variety of techniques tailored to your individual project, helping you extend and strengthen your creative practice.
  
  

Course Structure:

Week 1: Introductions & Studio Orientation

• Welcome and introductions
• Studio orientation and health & safety guidelines
• Group and individual discussions about project ideas and possible construction approaches
• Begin maquettes, rough small versions of your planned project, or sketches
  
  

Week 2: Project Planning & Construction Guidance

• Further individual discussions about projects
• Assistance with potential construction approaches, tailored to each student’s project
  
  

Weeks 3 - 6: Project Development

• Focus on individual project development
• Technical guidance and demonstrations provided as needed
• Observe other students’ work to broaden understanding of techniques
• Apply textures, coloured slips, and underglazes
• Bisque firing occurs during this phase
  
  

Weeks 6 - 7: Finishing & Glazing

• Complete projects, including final finishing, glazing, and grinding
• Any work requiring glazing in Week 7 can be uplifted after the final class; please discuss arrangements with your tutor
  

Meet Your Tutor:

Mel Ford is a multidisciplinary artist who has worked with clay for most of her life. She values crafted objects, materiality, process-based approaches, and conceptual artwork equally, and encourages students to explore any or all of these in developing their own projects and ideas.

Mel holds a BFA from Canterbury University and has been a regular contributor to The Portage Ceramic Awards for more than a decade, receiving a Merit Award, Honourable Mention, and the Medalta Artists Residency in association with the event. Her work was included in Slip Cast: A Survey of Contemporary NZ Ceramics at the Dowse Museum and is held in various collections, including a commissioned piece for The Quartz Museum in Whanganui.

melfordartist.com

“Mel is full of fun, knowledge and technical skills. She creates a friendly studio environment where we can explore ideas”

What Do I Need to Bring?

• Clay: 10–20 kg bags of clay can be purchased from the school shop on the first evening of class, or you may bring your preferred clay suitable for firing to cone 6 (1220 °C). If you’re unsure which clay to use for your project, please discuss options with your tutor. Check the shop or online for current prices and stock.
  
  
• Sketching/Reference Materials: Bring a sketch pad and drawing materials if you would like to use them to communicate ideas with your tutor. Alternatively, you can bring prepared drawings or reference materials for discussion.
  
  
• Protective Clothing: Please bring an apron or a work shirt. For the final two weeks, bring latex or vinyl gloves (dishwashing gloves are fine) for glazing.

What Will Be Provided?

We have a wide selection of tools, slips, glazes and underglazes!