Preparing for a Home Ceramic Studio

Learners will explore key considerations involved in setting up and running a home ceramic studio, including:

• Planning and setting up a functional home ceramic workspace
• Understanding different types of kilns and their requirements
• Safe and effective kiln operation
• Glaze preparation and basic glaze knowledge
• Slip recipes and slip preparation
• Using pyrometric cones
• Materials, equipment and technical considerations
• Health and safety in a home studio environment
• Good studio practice and risk awareness

The course is delivered as a two part, campus based course at Stroud, combining practical guidance with technical explanation.

There are no formal assessments. Learners are supported through tutor guidance, demonstrations and opportunities to ask questions related to their own studio plans.

This course is taught by Gina Baum, a ceramic artist based in Stroud whose practice focuses on creating unique porcelain sculptures developed through hand building techniques and the use of reclaimed ceramics. Her work is exhibited nationally across the UK and she is represented by Hone Gallery in London.

Gina has taught Ceramics and Wellbeing courses at SGS Stroud since 2021, bringing both professional practice and teaching experience into the learning environment. She completed a Foundation in Art and Design at SGS Stroud in 2013, a BA in Drawing and Applied Arts at the University of the West of England, Bristol in 2017, and an MA at the Royal College of Art, London in 2019.

With a strong academic background and an active professional practice, Gina is passionate about sharing her knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for ceramics, supporting learners at all stages of their creative journey.

• Learners must be aged 19 or over at the start of the academic year
• No formal entry requirements
• Suitable for anyone with an interest in ceramics, from beginners and hobbyists to aspiring professionals