Next Course Dates: 23rd-25th September 2024.
Level: Beginner & Intermediate:
Join Roop at Devon Applied Arts workshop for 3 days over the summer to develop your throwing skills. This course is suitable for beginners, students, or those with some experience to really focus on practicing their skills on the wheel.
During the course we will work on:
Day 1:
- Clay preparation: wedging techniques.
- Centering clay on the wheel.
- Essential thrown forms: 1) cylinders. Further exploration of jugs & vases.
Day 2:
- Essential thrown forms: 2) Bowls & Plates
- Repeat throwing, weighing out clay & use of measurement tools.
Day 3:
- Turning forms
- Pulling and attaching handles
- Decoration techniques.
Roop will introduce you to the core methods & techniques using demonstrations, explanations with reference to examples from their (RAMP’s) own and others work. There is an excellent library of forms as well as books in the workshop which can be used to help inform your choices.
Whilst a core structure is provided, if you feel you want to focus on a particular form or technique, this can be accommodated, but please let us know beforehand so we can plan for it. We will primarily be working on smaller forms to focus on the core techniques. If you wish to explore making large forms, please contact Roop as we can develop a course more suited to your needs.
You do not need to have any experience to attend the course and if you have any questions or queries, do contact Roop at: mail@rampceramics.com
What to bring
Just yourself, clothes that you don’t mind getting messy in. Sensible shoes or boots (no open-toed sandals please) are a very good idea and rings, nice watches and jewellery have been known to get covered or lost in the clay, so you might want to leave them at home.
Refreshments:
Plenty of tea, coffee, biscuits, cake will be readily available! Please bring a packed lunch.
About Roop & Al
Roop has been a practising potter since 2001 having graduated from the Ceramics Degree and Postgraduate Diploma at Edinburgh College of Art. He has extensive teaching experience, including visiting lecturing at what is now UCA Farnham and Plymouth University, the Dartmoor Arts Summer School, and since 2009, at Exeter College and School of Art. He has a Certificate in Education from Plymouth University.
He has been working with his partner Alice as RAMP (Roop and Al Make Pots) since 2001. Alice’s predominant role has been in developing the characteristic RAMP style of surface decoration. Together Roop & Al have exhibited widely at craft fairs and exhibitions across the UK. They are members of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen and the CPA (Craftsmen Potters Association of Great Britain).
How to Book
Spaces are limited on the course and so please book early to avoid disapointment. Places will be allocated on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis on the basis of payment.
To book a place, please go to the shop section of this site and find the course booking tab. Please ensure you have read the Terms and Conditions before you book and pay for the course.
