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This one-day demonstration workshop is from 10 – 4, on Sunday 26 March 2023. It will consist of a rich mix of presentations demonstrations and discussions.
You will see demonstrations of Steve’s unique methods of making direct from wheel to the kiln, discuss raw glazing and single firing with wood, hear thoughtful opinions from and engage in discussions with a renowned maker
This special day will be full of rich discussion, new knowledge and insight into Steve Williams’ unique techniques and methods designed to “cut out the crap” and work directly from wheel to kiln. (The chef’s equivalent is called from Paddock to Plate!) Steve Williams is renowned for his creative and direct approach to ceramic techniques and is working at the height of his profession creatively, intuitively and thoughtfully. He is a positive, considerate communicator and full of surprises and insights which will delight students at any level.
Pre requisites
This course is suitable for anyone interested in learning more from a professional; it will ideally suit intermediate-advanced students however anyone with a passion for clay whether as a collector or a maker, will be welcome.
Some understanding of clay, ceramic materials and firing atmospheres will be assumed. For example, the difference between reduction and oxidation atmospheres; the practical differences between earthenware, stoneware, mid fire and porcelain clays; and different ways of measuring temperature in cones and pyrometers will be helpful but not mandatory.
Price: Full Price: $245, Concession (FT Student/Unemployed) $215, current enrolled SCC students: $215. Two instalments: 50% non-refundable deposit due on booking, balance due three weeks before start date.
Steve Williams has qualifications as a ceramic designer and educator. He has participated in many exhibitions nationally and is renowned for his direct and inventive approach to ceramic techniques.
‘Most of my work is shaped on the kick wheel, a tool that demands slower intuitive actions. For a good number of years I have developed techniques that allow me to complete forms in one sitting … no turning, trimming or finishing, shaping and manipulating the clay in its soft plastic state. ‘
The use of local clays, rocks and timbers translates into works with a raw Australian character, with the fired surfaces mirroring the colours and textures of the of the surrounding bush. Wood ash from each 50 hr firing becomes the main glaze material for the next cycle.’
Details
You will learn
- See valuable demonstrations, hear insights and engage in rich discussions
You will get
- new knowledge from an experienced professional ceramic artist
Appropriate for
anyone passionate about ceramics
Preparation
What to bring
- Notebook
What to wear
leave the stilettos at home
Planning a Private Event?
From corporate team building to birthdays and hen's parties, Slow Clay Centre can tailor a private pottery classes experience for your group.
Your Teacher
Slow Clay Centre
1261 reviewsEscape to Slow Clay Centre and learn the art, craft and design of expression in clay.
Slow Clay Centre is one of the most highly regarded specialist ceramics/pottery schools in Australia. We aim to give you THE BEST experience learning our ancient craft and our longevity stands for this with thousands of students who have learnt from us, many who have made it their life's passion and work!
We welcome all levels from kids and beginners adults taster classes to advanced professional development and mentoring.
Our unique "Slow Clay" (TM) method for teaching the pottery wheel, established by Slow Clay Centre director and ceramic artist Jane Sawyer, has been taught for more than thirty years. Based on the Japanese techniques Jane studied as a production thrower training in a busy Japanese studio, combined with western techniques the "Slow Clay" method offers a synthesis of East and West. It provides ergonomic best-practice and a solid foundation for personal expression and confidence with clay.
All our courses offer a foundation of skill-based learning within a rich framework of contemporary art and design enquiry and material studies. Our ultimate aim is to help you achieve whatever your personal goals are with clay!
Based in a beautiful inner-city studio in Collingwood, Melbourne, Australia, the Slow Clay team consists of leading professional ceramic artists and experienced teachers who offer high-level teaching in a broad variety of topics - see our web site for teacher profiles. Together with guest professional artists who host workshops and forums, we are a vibrant community and wish to share our passion for clay with everyone who is keen, no matter what level.
so Good to hear this Chris and we will pass on all these lovely reviews to Steve. Thanks for your email too! (JS)
So happy to hear this and thanks for coming!
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.
Terms & Conditions
Welcome to Slow Clay Centre!
These T&Cs override any others that may appear on older sites.
General: These apply to all Slow Clay Centre courses, workshops and events:
- Deposit or full payment (depending on the course/workshop/event) must be made at the time of booking
- Your deposit is a commitment to attend, not just a holding fee, and it is non-refundable if you change your mind
- Please choose your class/course carefully. It is easy to make mistakes so please double-check your dates to avoid disappointment.
- We occasionally need to cancel a class and if so we will always refund in full within 7 days. Due to our limited class sizes we do not offer refunds for any other reason
- If you are unable to attend after booking you may transfer your booking to a friend for no charge or, provided we can fill your place, we can sometimes transfer you to another class or hold your payment in credit for up to 24 months for a future course. No guarantees though!
- There is a $25 fee for all transfers or credit note and you must pay any fee difference if the new course is a higher price
- Please note: All students will receive a reminder between three weeks and/or one week (depending on the course) before the start date with a link to pay any remaining balance with your credit card. Students who paid the deposit online will have the balance automatically deducted. Others will need to click on the link provided or ring our office on 99437844.
- Due to our limited class sizes, if your balance is not received three weeks before the start date and you have not made arrangements with us, we reserve the right to find a replacement student and your deposit will be forfeited
Weekly classes: These additional conditions apply to all Slow Clay Centre weekly classes:
- Please note that making ceramics, particularly on the pottery wheel, can be a physically demanding activity. If you have any pre-existing illnesses and/or chronic injuries to your back, shoulders, hips, neck, wrists or elbows we strongly advise you to seek a medical opinion before enrolling as some activities might exacerbate past injuries and we take no responsibility if this occurs.
- We ask that you fully disclose any prior and/or ongoing illnesses or injuries that could affect you before you enrol AND inform your teacher in person during the first class.
- Your enrolment is conditional on your acceptance that Slow Clay Centre and/or the company's employees, whether casual, contract, or permanently employed, are indemnified against any exacerbation of any past or any new injuries that may arise as a result of your activites.
- All work made during classes is to be used for personal, non-commercial purposes. This is individually negotiable for advanced students or for studio exhibitions but we ask students to accept that our emphasis is strictly on education not studio production. If you sell your work made using our materials you must acknowledge Slow Clay Centre and also ensure and provide evidence of product liability insurance.
- Teaching fees are fully inclusive of materials but students will incur a single firing fee based on the current cost (advised in your class)
- Please note: we encourage judicious selection of your work to fire. Firing is always optional and all clay is recycled until the first firing. After that you must pay the firing fee for everything that gets fired. If it cracks, glaze drips, or you just don't like it, you are still required to pay the firing fee unless the fault is caused by us.
- Collection of fired pieces: Please understand that our storage capacity is extremely limited. Students will be notified via email when work is ready to be collected. Work will only be retained for two weeks following notification.
Regarding Kids Clay Club:
- We require all parents and carers to fill out an emergency contact form.
- It is your responsibility to clearly report in writing on the form, any illness, allergies or disability that may affect your child's involvement in the Clay Club activities and follow up verbally with the teachers and/or office administrator.
- You will be required to sign-in and sign-out your children at each class.
- Please respect our teacher's time and be prompt to arrive and to collect your children (within 5 minutes of class time)
- Children are expected to be mature enough to follow instructions, to work in a group together, to respect everyone's needs and differences and to be polite to everyone.
Have more questions about this class?
Simplexity with Steve Williams
Coming Soon: More classes in the works!
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