Description
Times: 10.00am – 4.30pm
Class size: 7
Venue: Devon Applied Arts Workshop, Unit 3 Dunsmore Business Units, Dunsmore, Silverton, EX5 4DU.
A two day weekend workshop exploring contemporary slipware decorating techniques. During the weekend Alice will demonstrate and teach you about her process of decorating pots by painting with earthenware coloured slips.
You will be given premade tiles with which to experiment with the techniques demonstrated and also to make an 5 x 3 tile panel to your design. You will also have the chance to decorate a hand thrown earthenware bowl.
Course Structure – Day 1
The day will start with a general introduction to Alice’s slip decorated work and an explanation of some of the influences that have led to the development of her style.
Students will start by preparing their tiles ready to decorate. You will explore how to achieve transparency and opacity using different brushes and consistency of slip as well as exploring how different types of brushstoke can give different results.
You will then be given time to discuss and develop ideas for your tile panel drawing out your design to scale, so you can plan how to add the colours in layers to achieve your intended outcome and be encouraged to play and experiment. During this part of the day you will also learn about paper stencils and how to use them to achieve different layering possibilities and motifs in your design.
Once started on your tile panel you will have time between applying layers of colour to start planning ideas for designs on your bowl
Day 2
Alice will start the day by describing the final stages of her decorating process and demonstrating the scraffito process. Having completed the majority of the slip decoration of the tile panel, following Alice’s instruction, students can practice on their early experiments and complete the scraffito on their panels. Lastly, you will have the chance to complete the decoration of your bowl or dish. During this time you will receive group and 1-1 supervision and guidance from Alice to help you complete your project.
What to bring
Plenty of warm clothes that you don’t mind getting messy in. Sensible shoes or boots, no open-toed sandals please.
What is included in the price
2 days of guided tuition. 15 tiles and a handthrown salad bowl.
All tools, materials and kiln firings included with the aim that you will be able to complete initial experiments, a decorated tile panel and a bowl.
Refreshments: Plenty of tea, coffee, biscuits, cake will be readily available! Please bring your own lunch or we can order in from the local Farm Shop.
A comment about the course.
“Rather late in writing to thank you so much for the fantastic course last w/e. Really enjoyed it and have come home inspired to do more. Busy making pots ready to decorate!!” – AM Oct 2022.
About Alice
Alice trained at Edinburgh College of Art in Sculpture, graduating in 1999.
On leaving Art college Alice worked in sculpture & architectural restoration in London, and in making Scaglioli (architectural plaster work) in Devon.
She has been working with her partner Roop 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 Al & Roop 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).
