T4 - Pamela Chaves - Handbuilding Memory 8 weeks, Thursday mornings 9 - 12 October 23rd - December 11th. 10 places

from A$400.00

SORPC Members: $400 Non-members: $440 10 places

Level of expertise - all levels (adults)

This 8-week handbuilding course is designed for beginners who want to explore the creative and meditative practice of working with clay. Students will be introduced to a variety of traditional handbuilding techniques—pinching, coiling, slab building, and joining—to create both functional and sculptural pieces.

Throughout the course, participants will develop a personal collection of ceramic works such as bowls, vases, candle holders, and small sculptural forms. Each piece will be designed with intention, balancing aesthetics and function.

The course also offers the opportunity to work with two types of clay:

  • Stoneware, glazed with materials provided by SORPC

  • Terracotta, finished with a natural beeswax polish (processed off-site by the instructor) EXTRA CHARGES APPLY

Students will gain a well-rounded understanding of the ceramic process—from form development and surface texture to drying, firing, and finishing.

By the end of the course, participants can expect to:

  • Build confidence in working with clay by hand

  • Understand essential ceramic construction and finishing techniques

  • Learn to shape, refine and finish multiple pieces

  • Discover their own creative style and voice

  • Leave with a unique set of handmade, functional artworks

The learning environment is relaxed, supportive, and encouraging—perfect for those who want to slow down, connect with materials, and create meaningful objects.

What is provided: The course will include clay, glazing and firing. Works created in terracotta can be wood-fired and finished with wax (Extra charge applies - firing off-site).

What to bring: Tools (optional), small wooden paddle (eg: repurposed wooden spoon) towel or apron, enclosed shoes, board and plastic bags for storing work.

Option:

SORPC Members: $400 Non-members: $440 10 places

Level of expertise - all levels (adults)

This 8-week handbuilding course is designed for beginners who want to explore the creative and meditative practice of working with clay. Students will be introduced to a variety of traditional handbuilding techniques—pinching, coiling, slab building, and joining—to create both functional and sculptural pieces.

Throughout the course, participants will develop a personal collection of ceramic works such as bowls, vases, candle holders, and small sculptural forms. Each piece will be designed with intention, balancing aesthetics and function.

The course also offers the opportunity to work with two types of clay:

  • Stoneware, glazed with materials provided by SORPC

  • Terracotta, finished with a natural beeswax polish (processed off-site by the instructor) EXTRA CHARGES APPLY

Students will gain a well-rounded understanding of the ceramic process—from form development and surface texture to drying, firing, and finishing.

By the end of the course, participants can expect to:

  • Build confidence in working with clay by hand

  • Understand essential ceramic construction and finishing techniques

  • Learn to shape, refine and finish multiple pieces

  • Discover their own creative style and voice

  • Leave with a unique set of handmade, functional artworks

The learning environment is relaxed, supportive, and encouraging—perfect for those who want to slow down, connect with materials, and create meaningful objects.

What is provided: The course will include clay, glazing and firing. Works created in terracotta can be wood-fired and finished with wax (Extra charge applies - firing off-site).

What to bring: Tools (optional), small wooden paddle (eg: repurposed wooden spoon) towel or apron, enclosed shoes, board and plastic bags for storing work.

I’m Pamela, an Argentinian artist and the hands behind Elemento Ceramics.

Clay is where I found a voice without words, a way to honour the earth, my roots, and the feminine force of creation.

I come from many crafts — weaving, earth-building, visual design — but ceramics gave me a language to connect with something deeper.

Each piece I create is born from this intention: To make something that holds meaning.

To leave traces of what came before — and what’s still to come.