Ceramics | Slab Building and Texture with Denise McDonald

Course overview:

With your tutor Denise McDonald, you will build a pitcher using textured slabs of clay in this hands-on two-day workshop. Believe it or not, even an absolute beginner will finish up at the end of the 2 days with a pitcher. 

What to expect

We will start by exploring how to create texture to the clay. You are encouraged to bring objects and materials that have special meaning for you, such as embroidery and lacework, plant material, pieces of wood, shells etc. These materials can be pressed into the clay to create texture. Materials will also be provided if you don’t have anything suitable. 

As we work through the project, Denise will introduce you to the basic techniques of slab building with soft slabs of clay. You will learn concepts and techniques that can be applied to your work in the future. 

We will even have a go at pulling handles and if time allows, you will have the opportunity to create a textured slab that will be fired to use for future projects. 

What will you achieve?

During this workshop, you will: 

• Be given a step-by-step introduction to texturing clay and slab building. 
• Have time to explore texturing slabs of clay with provided materials or materials you bring yourself. 
• have guidance on designing and building forms in clay. 
• Create a finished piece ready for the next stages of the ceramic process (drying, firing, glazing, firing again) ready for collection in approximately 10 days 
• Gain an understanding of hand building with texture and soft slabs and its creative possibilities 
• Learn new skills to bring to future projects 
• Create a unique texture slab useful for future projects (if time allows)

Is this course right for me?

This class is suitable for anyone from absolute beginners to more experienced students who would like to learn other creative approaches to ceramics. You will have the scope to make each project your own. 

What should I wear?

Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes you are relaxed about getting clay on.
Bring an apron.
We also recommend you trim your nails first (no guarantees that your manicure will last when working with clay!)

What should I bring?

Included in the workshop fee 1kg of earthenware clay, a limited colour range of underglazes for use, and the bisque and glaze firing of your work. Additional clay can be purchased from Art Est as needed. Larger or additional pieces made in class will be fired at $12kg.  

You are also encouraged to bring materials that are meaningful to them to texture the clay. 

You will need to bring: 

• A needle tool 
• A serrated scoring rib or similar tool for scoring (making the clay rough) 
• a small fettling knife with a smooth unserrated blade

All ceramics tools and supplies are available from keaneceramics.com.au for other local suppliers and online click here. 

Will my vessels be fired?

Standard pieces made as part of your course program will be bisque and glaze fired as part of your course fee. Your work will then be food, dishwasher safe. Larger or additional pieces made in class will be fired at $12/kg. Works made outside of the Artest studio cannot be fired in our kilns. 

Join the waitlist to hear about other ceramics classes commencing soon in our new purpose built ceramics studio

About studio classes

Our class sizes are small, ensuring you receive the individual tuition you need. We have a maximum of 12 students per class.

Unless otherwise noted, prices *exclude* art materials. Click here to see a list of local art supply retailers.

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