Lynn Treers, 2016. Photo: Chris Allen
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Joy Nagy, Sculptural Bowl, 2018. Photo: Kylie Rose McLean
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Geoff Hawkins, Vase Seed Pod1, 2018. Photo: Kylie Rose McLean
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COURSES IN CLAY AT CCPS
Contact the Education Manager for all class enquires.
CCPS runs courses for children, as well as adult courses in hand building, wheel forming and sculpture. See below for our new Term 2 2019 timetable.
CCPS courses in clay are extremely popular and book out very quickly.
Course sizes are limited to 10 or 12 students (adults) and 12 students (children).
Inclusion in a course is dependent upon receipt of payment in full.
Do you have an idea for a course?
Don't hesitate to call us should you have a particular skill or area of working with clay that you would like to explore. We are open to new ideas. There is always potential for new courses and specialist workshops.
CCPS runs courses for children, as well as adult courses in hand building, wheel forming and sculpture. See below for our new Term 2 2019 timetable.
CCPS courses in clay are extremely popular and book out very quickly.
Course sizes are limited to 10 or 12 students (adults) and 12 students (children).
Inclusion in a course is dependent upon receipt of payment in full.
Do you have an idea for a course?
Don't hesitate to call us should you have a particular skill or area of working with clay that you would like to explore. We are open to new ideas. There is always potential for new courses and specialist workshops.
2019 TERM DATES
Courses run for 8 weeks within school terms - see dates below (with two exceptions)
Week commencing Monday
TERM 2 - 29 April to 17 June 2019
TERM 3 - 22 July to 09 September 2019
TERM 4 - 14 October to 02 December 2019
Week commencing Monday
TERM 2 - 29 April to 17 June 2019
TERM 3 - 22 July to 09 September 2019
TERM 4 - 14 October to 02 December 2019
2019 COURSES FEES
ADULT COURSES
$280 for an 8 week term, inclusive of clay and firing
CHILDREN COURSES (See Courses Term 2 CHILDREN)
$180 for an 8 week term, inclusive of clay and firing
A Sibling Discount of $12 is offered to families with more than one child in a course. Please choose this option when making payment through Eventbrite.
Additional child in the same family: $168 for an 8 week term, inclusive of clay and firing.
$280 for an 8 week term, inclusive of clay and firing
CHILDREN COURSES (See Courses Term 2 CHILDREN)
$180 for an 8 week term, inclusive of clay and firing
A Sibling Discount of $12 is offered to families with more than one child in a course. Please choose this option when making payment through Eventbrite.
Additional child in the same family: $168 for an 8 week term, inclusive of clay and firing.
CLICK HERE FOR CHILDREN COURSES
2019 TERM 2 COURSES TIMETABLE
Check the timetable below for your preferred course option and read the following teacher/course information for details.
ADULT COURSES
Hand building, wheel forming, figurative sculpture, garden sculpture.
Whether you have little or no experience, or extensive knowledge in clay, based on your needs, vision and interests you will improve your skills; building your knowledge and understanding of manipulating clay.
Whether you have little or no experience, or extensive knowledge in clay, based on your needs, vision and interests you will improve your skills; building your knowledge and understanding of manipulating clay.
TERM 3 DATES WILL BE RELEASED TOWARDS THE END OF TERM 2
Wheel Forming
Lynn Treers
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Making things from clay has been an abiding interest of mine from childhood.
My formal pottery classes began in 1968 at the NSW Potters Society headquarters in Woolloomooloo, which I continued at TAFE after relocating to Inverell in 1980. Following these classes, I accepted the invitation to teach pottery to children and adult beginners. I relished the visits from the Queensland Flying Art School tutors who held workshops, introducing new and exciting aspects of working with clay for isolated country potters.
I came to live in Gosford in 1982 and joined the Central Coast Potters Society (CCPS) in 1983. Since then I have been heavily involved with CCPS, including being a pottery teacher to adults as well as children. In 2008 I was awarded a Life Membership for my consistent contribution.
My formal pottery classes began in 1968 at the NSW Potters Society headquarters in Woolloomooloo, which I continued at TAFE after relocating to Inverell in 1980. Following these classes, I accepted the invitation to teach pottery to children and adult beginners. I relished the visits from the Queensland Flying Art School tutors who held workshops, introducing new and exciting aspects of working with clay for isolated country potters.
I came to live in Gosford in 1982 and joined the Central Coast Potters Society (CCPS) in 1983. Since then I have been heavily involved with CCPS, including being a pottery teacher to adults as well as children. In 2008 I was awarded a Life Membership for my consistent contribution.
There are many workshops and courses which I have attended since 1983, expanding my knowledge and proficiency in clay. Of particular note was a five-day workshop with Greg Daly, Japanese tea bowl making with Paul Davis and throwing with Cameron Williams. I continue to participate in many interesting and challenging ceramic workshops to broaden my skills, including Hornsby TAFE where I completed a number of qualifications.
As CCPS Exhibition Manager, I love being involved in the creation and organisation of our exhibitions in which I regularly exhibit. Over the years, I have been awarded prizes and commendations for my ceramics, some of which are on display in the CCPS studio.
As CCPS Exhibition Manager, I love being involved in the creation and organisation of our exhibitions in which I regularly exhibit. Over the years, I have been awarded prizes and commendations for my ceramics, some of which are on display in the CCPS studio.
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Wheel Forming - Beginners
Tuesday - 6:30pm to 9:00pm |
In this course students will gain experience in wedging clay, centring clay on the wheel and throwing simple forms. Each student will have the opportunity to complete a mug and a small jug with a handle, a cereal bowl and a small 'sugar bowl' with a simple lid. Additional skills will be incorporated into the course, such as weighing clay, measuring and making a lid for a pot 'off the hump', trimming forms and bases, altering a rim to form a functional spout, pulling a handle, throwing and or adding a knob to a lid.
Students will be encouraged to repeat shapes, cut them up and review outcomes, thereby gaining the skills to throw pots independently and confidently, taking into consideration shape and proportion. Each student's best pieces will be selected each week for firing. Basic glazing and firing will be discussed, along with the use of slips, underglazes, decals, surface treatment and pot alteration.
Students of differing levels of expertise will be accommodated within this class, making their term of using clay an enjoyable experience.This course accommodates differing levels of expertise within a relaxed learning environment, where all students have an enjoyable experience using clay.
Students will be encouraged to repeat shapes, cut them up and review outcomes, thereby gaining the skills to throw pots independently and confidently, taking into consideration shape and proportion. Each student's best pieces will be selected each week for firing. Basic glazing and firing will be discussed, along with the use of slips, underglazes, decals, surface treatment and pot alteration.
Students of differing levels of expertise will be accommodated within this class, making their term of using clay an enjoyable experience.This course accommodates differing levels of expertise within a relaxed learning environment, where all students have an enjoyable experience using clay.
On completing this course, students will have developed skills in:
Course starts Tuesday 30 April to 18 April - 8 weeks
- wedging clay;
- centring clay on the wheel;
- throwing simple forms - a mug, small jug with a handle, a bowl and a sugar bowl with a lid;
- measuring for and making a lid;
- trimming and turning thrown pieces;
- judging shape and proportion of their thrown pieces;
- a range of additional skills according to each student’s ability and progression;
- surface treatment including glazing;
- basic kiln & firing knowledge.
Course starts Tuesday 30 April to 18 April - 8 weeks
Kylie Rose McLean
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I first touched clay at high school in the 1980s, making a series of thrown functional forms for my HSC Visual Arts Major Work. I was hooked then, and although I have deviated several times from the ceramics path, I am now back on track and feeling totally at home when my hands are covered in clay.
I love creating with clay, particularly with layered surfaces, and raw and atmospheric firings. My hand built, mound-shaped forms are the perfect canvas for experimentation.
Although teaching ceramics is relatively new to me, I have been a teacher for almost 20 years, previously in event design and currently as a high school multimedia teacher. My studies include Hornsby TAFE where I graduated with an Advanced Diploma in 2014. I have participated in many group and solo exhibitions and been fortunate to win a number of awards.
Teaching ceramics is a delight, and learning with my students is a pleasure.
I love creating with clay, particularly with layered surfaces, and raw and atmospheric firings. My hand built, mound-shaped forms are the perfect canvas for experimentation.
Although teaching ceramics is relatively new to me, I have been a teacher for almost 20 years, previously in event design and currently as a high school multimedia teacher. My studies include Hornsby TAFE where I graduated with an Advanced Diploma in 2014. I have participated in many group and solo exhibitions and been fortunate to win a number of awards.
Teaching ceramics is a delight, and learning with my students is a pleasure.
Wheel Forming Cylinders - Beginners 1 & 2
Saturday - 8:30am to 1:30pm
Intrigued about the pottery wheel? Want to give it a try? Keen to get as much concentrated experience as possible? The standard 8-week course has been condensed into a series of 5 classes, with extended hours to build on skills.
Saturday - 8:30am to 1:30pm
Intrigued about the pottery wheel? Want to give it a try? Keen to get as much concentrated experience as possible? The standard 8-week course has been condensed into a series of 5 classes, with extended hours to build on skills.
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COURSE 1 - commencing Saturday 04/05 at 8:30am
Week 1 - 04/05 = 4 hour introduction & practice 8:30am - 12:30pm Week 2 - 11/05 = No class Week 3 - 18/05 = 5 hour class Week 4 - 25/05 = 5 hour class Week 5 - 01/06 = 5 hour class Week 6 - 08/06 = 1 hour - course debrief and collection of work 8:30am - 9:30am |
FULLY BOOKED
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The primary focus of this course is learning the basics of wheel forming, and throwing a 'perfect' cylinder. All wheel thrown items start life as a cylinder; mastering this form provides you with a solid base to expand your skills. Students will repeatedly throw pieces, cutting them and reviewing the outcomes to develop and refine their skills. By the end of this course, each student should have a small collection of bisqued and glazed cylinders.
This course is not about quantity but quality.
Those with previous experience will be challenged to throw cylinders in several efficient movements, as well as simple mug and bowl forms.
Students will begin by creating pinch pots from a range of clay bodies, to use as test pieces for glazing.
This course is not about quantity but quality.
Those with previous experience will be challenged to throw cylinders in several efficient movements, as well as simple mug and bowl forms.
Students will begin by creating pinch pots from a range of clay bodies, to use as test pieces for glazing.
On completing this course, students will have developed skills in:
Course 1 starts Saturday 04 May to 08 June - 5 weeks
Course 2 starts Saturday 08 June to 06 July - 5 weeks
- knowing a variety of clay bodies;
- making a pinch pot;
- wedging and weighing clay;
- centring a ball of clay on the pottery wheel;
- throwing a cylinder;
- turning a foot on a cylinder;
- glazing test pieces and cylinders;
- basic kiln & firing knowledge.
Course 1 starts Saturday 04 May to 08 June - 5 weeks
Course 2 starts Saturday 08 June to 06 July - 5 weeks
Hand Building
Learn basic and intermediate techniques for hand building with clay, including coiling, pinching, slab building and surface treatments.
Karin Krebs
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I live in a house filled with pottery. All the domestic ware in my kitchen is handmade and my shelves display a wonderful collection of sculpture. My passion is alternative firings, particularly the methods of raku and saggar.
I have worked with clay for the last two decades, originally studying at the Nepean College for two years. In 2000, after a sea change, my ceramic practice continued to develop at Hornsby TAFE over a twelve-year period. During that time, many well-known ceramists generously shared their knowledge with me. In the same year I joined the Central Coast Potters Society, where I organise the kiln firings and glaze making, as well as teaching.
I have worked with clay for the last two decades, originally studying at the Nepean College for two years. In 2000, after a sea change, my ceramic practice continued to develop at Hornsby TAFE over a twelve-year period. During that time, many well-known ceramists generously shared their knowledge with me. In the same year I joined the Central Coast Potters Society, where I organise the kiln firings and glaze making, as well as teaching.
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Hand Building - Beginners
Thursday - 10:00am to 12:30pm |
In my hand building class, you will learn the three fundamental techniques of pottery: pinching, coiling and slab building. You will also be introduced to applying glazes to your work.
With these techniques, you can create almost anything!
On completing this course, students will have developed skills in:
Course starts Thursday 02 May to 20 June - 8 weeks
With these techniques, you can create almost anything!
On completing this course, students will have developed skills in:
- making a pinch pot;
- making coils and creating a coil-built form;
- rolling clay slabs and creating a variety of forms;
- developing a concept and creating a ceramic work from your own design;
- a range of additional skills associated with each student’s individual project.
- applying underglaze and glaze;
- basic kiln & firing knowledge.
Course starts Thursday 02 May to 20 June - 8 weeks
Lynn Treers
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Hand Building - Beginners
Thursday - 6:30pm to 9:00pm |
On completing this course, students will have developed skills in:
Course starts Thursday 02 May to 20 June - 8 weeks
- basic knowledge about clay properties and firing temperatures;
- making a pinch pot;
- rolling clay slabs and making a cylinder;
- making coils and creating a coil-built form;
- creating textured surfaces using stamps and impressions;
- applying glaze;
- basic kiln & firing knowledge.
Course starts Thursday 02 May to 20 June - 8 weeks
Sculpture
Carol McGilvrey
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Carol McGilvrey is a high school Visual Arts teacher, passionate about spreading her love of ceramics. Since her HSC work, ‘A homage to Andy Warhol’, was chosen for ArtExpress in 1987, Carol has continued her enthusiasm for clay. She practices in her home studio on the Central Coast, regularly sells her work and attends ceramics workshops, completing an artist residency last year in Jingdezhen, China.
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Animal Sculpture for the Garden
Monday - 6:00pm to 8:30pm |
Join in an adventure into sculptural ceramics to create a fabulous feature vessel for your garden inspired by your favourite animal - cow, sheep, koala or octopus.
During this eight week course you will design your own sculptural vessel that will act as a plant holder as well. By developing hand building skills with slab and coil building techniques, as well as high and low relief decoration, you will construct your garden animal. Learn to apply engobe, underglaze, oxide, tissue transfers and glazes.
Your creation will be photographed in the last lesson.
During this eight week course you will design your own sculptural vessel that will act as a plant holder as well. By developing hand building skills with slab and coil building techniques, as well as high and low relief decoration, you will construct your garden animal. Learn to apply engobe, underglaze, oxide, tissue transfers and glazes.
Your creation will be photographed in the last lesson.
On completing this course, students will have developed skills in:
Course starts Monday 29 April to 17 June - 8 weeks
- using elements and principles of design to design a garden sculpture;
- understanding the qualities of Keane Ceramics Special K clay;
- making a pinch pot;
- rolling a slab and making a cylinder;
- creating a strong and aesthetically pleasing, coiled vessel;
- piercing and carving clay;
- being creative with and applying high and low relief decoration;
- creating textured surfaces;
- testing and applying surface treatments, with an emphasis on colour theory;
- basic kiln & firing knowledge.
Course starts Monday 29 April to 17 June - 8 weeks
Rachel Bunney
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I am a figurative sculptor in clay focusing on stylised female form and anatomically studied animal and plant forms. Combining these two aspects, I highlight the inter-relationships between the feminine and the natural world. I have been practicing sculpture in clay since 2006 and am predominantly self-taught, with the added guidance of other sculptors such as Bev Hogg, Jenny Orchard, Cassandra Bossell and Lesley Weber.
I love sharing my work and story and have been the sculpture teacher at CCPS since 2016, as well as running community and regional workshops. I am a regular exhibitor in the Royal Easter Show, Bowral Sculpture Prize and have been selected for the Gosford Art Prize twice. My professional training and experience, prior to being a professional artist, was notably in the fields of group work, training and interpersonal communication; adding to her ability to share and relate her experiences and skills.
My work has featured in the Milk Factory Gallery in Bowral and continues to be exhibited at Casa Del Sol Art Centre, Koolewong as well as Gallery ONE88, Katoomba.
I love sharing my work and story and have been the sculpture teacher at CCPS since 2016, as well as running community and regional workshops. I am a regular exhibitor in the Royal Easter Show, Bowral Sculpture Prize and have been selected for the Gosford Art Prize twice. My professional training and experience, prior to being a professional artist, was notably in the fields of group work, training and interpersonal communication; adding to her ability to share and relate her experiences and skills.
My work has featured in the Milk Factory Gallery in Bowral and continues to be exhibited at Casa Del Sol Art Centre, Koolewong as well as Gallery ONE88, Katoomba.
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Figurative Sculpture - Beginners
Friday - 10:00am to 12:30pm |
The aim of this course is for participants to learn technical skills in using clay as a sculptural medium (in particular Feeney’s BRT), as well as develop expressive and artistic thought processes that enable execution of expression through figurative sculpture.
The focus is specifically on building and, although verbal guidance will be offered regarding finishing of fired work, this is not part of the course. As part of this custom program, each student is able to create an individual artwork providing a variety of learning opportunities for the whole class. A demonstration project will be on display as a model and inspiration for those students who require a starting idea.
Students will be encouraged to explore, experiment, be inspired and express themselves artistically in a friendly, guided, safe and thought-enhancing environment.
The focus is specifically on building and, although verbal guidance will be offered regarding finishing of fired work, this is not part of the course. As part of this custom program, each student is able to create an individual artwork providing a variety of learning opportunities for the whole class. A demonstration project will be on display as a model and inspiration for those students who require a starting idea.
Students will be encouraged to explore, experiment, be inspired and express themselves artistically in a friendly, guided, safe and thought-enhancing environment.
On completing this course, students will have developed skills in:
Course starts Friday 03 May to 21 June - 8 weeks
- understanding the properties of Feeney’s BRT;
- making a pinch pot;
- working with slabs of clay to create a variety of forms;
- engineering a sculptural build;
- using tools and equipment to create effects;
- developing ideas to create a figurative sculpture ceramic work;
- building an art practice;
- basic kiln & firing knowledge;
- a range of additional skills associated to each student’s individual project.
Course starts Friday 03 May to 21 June - 8 weeks
CLICK HERE FOR CHILDREN CLASSES
Student sculptural work, 2018. Photos: Libby Bourke