T3 Robbie Kerr - Wheel Work: Beginners to advanced - Mondays - 6 to 9 pm July 22nd -Sept 9th 10 places $380 / $420
SORPC Members: $380 Non-members: $420
Level of expertise - entry level, intermediate, advanced
Learn how to make beautiful ceramic pieces using the pottery wheel. We will learn basics and advanced techniques to make functional ware such as cups, bowls and vases, or more sculptural pieces. We will also cover decorating and glazing techniques.
An understanding of studio practice, health and safety in the ceramic studio and the potential hazards of silica will be covered.
Learning outcomes:
Participants will:
Investigate the nature of clay and develop and understanding of how to prepare for throwing and what tools are used
Demonstrate an understanding of the basic steps in the throwing process
Create a ceramic object on their own
To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the elements of the ceramics, including specialized language, concepts and processes
To develop knowledge and skills specific to the discipline of ceramics
To deepen their understanding of how to throw basic and more complex ceramic forms on the potter’s wheel
To understand safety in the studio especially silica dust
What is provided: The course will include 1 bag of clay, glazing and firing. All work will endeavour to be at least bisque fired if produced in a timely fashion.
There will be two bisque/glaze firing cycles during the course. Students will be asked to choose their best 12 pieces to be fired and glazed. Work produced towards the end of the course may not be able to be glazed in time.
What to bring: Tools (a basic tool set can be purchased at the studio $10.00), towel or apron, enclosed shoes, board and plastic bags for storing work.
Robbie grew up in a family of artists and has always had a keen interest in the arts. He has studied architecture and has worked for the past five years as a project manager on major infrastructure projects such as the Perth Children’s Hospital. After dabbling in ceramics sculpture at school, Robbie did not begin his journey with wheel work until 2018 and was seriously bitten by the ceramic bug as soon as his hands touched the clay. Since then, he has been obsessed with the craft, working hard to develop his skills and experimen with various techniques, clays, glazes and firing methods. He has been attending short courses at TAFE for the past three years and recently completed the wheel throwing skillset. Robbie has been teaching wheel work since early 2021 and currently runs classes at Perth Studio Potters, Tresillian Arts Centre and Studio P.
“In my studio practice I am currently exploring carving into the surface of my thrown forms to create expressive and organic patterns that follow on an intuitive journey. This journey starts with the form of the vessel. I try to create a visual lift in my forms using a narrow base that swells around the waist before pulling back in around the rim with a balanced curve. The glazes I use work with the form to accentuate the carved surfaces. I also use coloured slips, painting them on then carving into them to create contrast between the natural clay and slip colour. I experiment with a range of firing techniques.”