The next courses are:
Dates:
Day & Evening Classes on Tuesday in 2025
Tuesday 21st January 2025 – Tuesday 11th Feburary 2025 (4 Weeks)
Tuesday 25th Feburary 2025 – Tuesday 18th March 2025 (4 Weeks)
Wednesday Day Class
Wednesday 22nd January 2025 – Wednesday 12th Feburary 2025 (4 Weeks)
Wednesday 26th Feburary 2025 – Wednesday 19th March 2025 (4 Weeks)
Times:
Mornings: 10.30am – 1.00pm
Evenings: 6.30pm – 9.00pm
Class size: 10
Day and evening classes give our students the chance to come to the workshop on a weekly basis to learn new skills or develop and practice ones previously learned. We run mixed classes, with students who have not tried ceramics before, alongside students with more experience. For new students, the classes are quite structured, whilst for returning students, the structure is more open, allowing students the flexibility and encouragement to explore thier own ideas or explore techniques to a deeper level.
If you are a beginner, Roop will introduce you to a range of core processes of making and decoration in clay. These will include hand building with molds, slabs, coils and pinch pots. The potter’s wheel will be available also so you can try your hand at this. We will cover decoration, exploring textures impressed into the clay, slipware techniques and glazes at Earthenware and Stoneware temperatures.
By the end of the classes you will have made and decorated at least three items which will be fired and available to pick up after the course has finished. This course is aimed at beginners but all are welcome no matter you’re your experience of ceramics is.
As a returning student, or one with previous experience, Roop will discuss your ideas with you and help you to realise these with technical and contextual help. There is a faily extensive library of books on ceramics, fine art & other subjects to help with ideas, as well as a range of topical magazines, such as Crafts and Ceramics Review for ideas. It is always satisfying and exciting to help people make their ideas come to life and a really enjoyable part of teaching at the workshop.
The aim of the classes is to learn new skills in a relaxing, informal, well-equipped studio with friends or new people. We also aim to make the space and the time you spend there fun, inclusive and realxing. One of the best things about working with clay is simply getting to use your hands creatively and being absorbed by the process. Come and try it out!
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.
What is included in the price
8, 2 ½ hour sessions of tuition on a Wednesday evening. All tools, materials and firings included with the aim that you will be able to complete at least three pieces of work during the course. Students are welcome to bring their own ideas to the course and ambition is welcomed, though there may be a further materials and firing charge, depending on scale.
Refreshments: Plenty of tea, coffee, biscuits, cake will be readily available!
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.