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About the course

This 10 week All Abilities course allows experienced and inexperienced students to work in the studio at the same time with the support from experienced tutor Gina Baum.

Beginners will be taught the basic techniques of hand-building, throwing, glazing, and firing and how to use studio equipment safely. This course will also cover processes for creating decorative surfaces through experimentation with slips, grazes and colours. This will lead onto more independent making with Gina's continuing support and advice at hand. You will also have access to electric kilns for both earthenware and stoneware clays, as well as termly gas-fired kilns for stoneware, enhancing your ceramic experience.

More experienced students will be encouraged to hone their skills and grain greater knowledge of working with clay. They may have their own ideas or projects in mind and ideally have a sketchbook, images or inspirational objects to help with their design and planning. Gina will advice on technical issues, types of clay, appropriate equipment and alternative approaches for successful outcomes.

The All Abilities sessions are followed by the 3-hour ceramics workshop sessions (which requires additional enrolment), giving extended access to the studio for students wishing to build and practice their skills and knowledge of ceramics.

Course content

On this 10-week course, you will learn:

  • How to work safely and confidently in a shared ceramics studio
  • Basic techniques of hand-building, throwing, glazing and firing
  • How to use studio equipment safely and effectively
  • How to create decorative surfaces by experiementing with slips, glazes and colour
  • Understanding the firing process through access to electric kilns and termly gas-fired kilns.
  • How to work at your own pace with individual advice and one-to-one guidance from the tutor
  • How to develop and plan ideas and projects through research, inspiration and experimental outcomes
  • Exploration of historical and contemporary ceramic practices
  • Increased independence and confidence in ceramic making
How is the course delivered and assessed?

Under Gina's guidance, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills through short demonstrations and practical workshops. The course encourages exploration of historical and contemporary influences, with suggested research as 'homework'.

Our well-stocked library and classroom offer a wide selection of specialist books and magazines to support your learning journey. Access to electric kilns for both earthenware and stoneware clays and termly gas-fired kilns for stoneware will enhance your ceramic experiences.

About the tutor
Gina Baum is a Ceramic artists based in Stroud. She creates unique porcelain sculptures developed from experimenting with hand building techniques and reclaimed ceramics. Her work is exhibited throughout the UK and is represented by Hone Gallery in London. Gina has taught Ceramics and Wellbeing courses at SGS Stroud since 2021. Gina completed a Foundation in Art and Design in 2013 at SGS Stroud, a BA in Drawing and Applied Arts in 2017 at University West of England, Bristol and a MA in 2019 at the Royal College of Art in London. She enjoys sharing her knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for Ceramics with everyone.
What do I need to join (Entry Requirements)

Prior ceramics experience is recommended for this course. Ideally you will have completed at least one term in the Beginners or Intermediates Ceramics course or have equivalent experience. (Students new to ceramics maybe considered for this course if availability or timings of alternative courses are unavailable, please enquire via email prior to starting date)

Please come prepared by bringing a protective shirt to wear during studio sessions. Additionally, remember to bring a notebook and pen to record your ideas and technical details. It is also beneficial to bring inspirational materials such as photos and examples of your previous work to fuel your creativity. There will be an opportunity to be involved with the end of year show at SGS Stroud including curating and showing of work.

Applicants must be at least 19 years of age at the start of the academic year, to attend this course.