Paul WearingHand Building and
Surface Texture
19th - 23rd July 2027 | 5 Day Workshop | £1,100
This course will provide students with the unique opportunity to gain the practical experience of hand building, glazing and other surface texture techniques that Paul uses in the creation of his distinctive Ellipse and Cylinder forms.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThe Course in Detail
Through demonstrations, group discussions and one-to-ones, Paul will share his knowledge and experience with students to help them develop their skills and experience in hand building and surface texture.
Paul will guide students through his processes, starting with an introduction to glazing and moving onto the planning and making of pieces. Students will learn the techniques of pinching and coiling, as well as complex glazing techniques, and will end the course with a small selection of beautiful vessels.
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Please see our Student Contract for details.
USEFUL INFOCourse Breakdown
Day 1:
Students will start with an introduction to glazing – students will learn what each glaze material contributes – glass former, flux, stabiliser etc and then go further in depth to understand Paul’s work and the glazes he uses – dry glazes, special effects glazes, volatile materials, texture etc. Students will carry out glaze tests using volcanic glaze, a crawl glaze, a barium glaze and slip. These will be fired at the end of the day, ready to assess results later in the course.
Day 2:
The workshop will involve drawing, photography and planning in preparation for clay work. Students will then make their first clay pinch pot to understand the technique and process, familiarising themselves with the material and using their hands as tools. After practicing pinch pots students will grow their forms from the base with coils. With one-to-one support and demonstrations from Paul, students will start to create their hand built vessels.
Day 3:
Students will be able to assess the results of their glaze test pieces from day one. Students will then start layering slips and glazes and experiment with alternative treatments to glazing. Students will work on larger test pieces to understand the layering process and these will be fired at the end of the day.
Day 4:
Students will continue their hand building work, considering their forms and learning how to realise the vessels and shapes they wish to achieve using pinch and coiled techniques. Students will consider how the glazed surface and glazing process will work with their form. Students may also wish to experiment with slabs and plaster moulds and Paul will guide students in the method they wish to pursue.
Day 5:
The final day will be a self-directed day with input and support from Paul and the group. Students may wish to experiment further with their glaze activities or continue with their hand building work.
Students will be able to return at a later date to glaze their finished pieces using the techniques they have learnt during the workshop.
Students’ final pieces will be fired and be ready for collection a few weeks later. Alternatively, students are welcome to take away their greenware (students must bring protective packaging when taking or collecting their pieces).
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Details of our firing charges can be found in our Student Contract.
Key information
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DATE
Monday 19th - Friday 23rd July 2027
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DURATION
5 day workshop
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CLASS SIZE
Maximum 10 students
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LEVEL
Suitable for all abilities.
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CLAY TYPE
Stoneware
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COST
£1,100 (Flexible payment plans)
GUEST POTTER BIOAbout Paul
Paul Wearing is an award winning ceramicist based in the vibrant Fireworks Clay Studios cooperative in Cardiff. He has two decades of experience as a practitioner and studio director, is a Selected Member of the Craft Potters Association of Great Britain, holding an elected position on their Governing Council 2018-22. He has been the recipient of numerous funding awards from the Arts Council of Wales and is represented on the Crafts Council Directory and Michelangelo Foundation Homo Faber Guide.
WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR
Level
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
This course is designed to support people primarily at beginner and intermediate levels of hand building and using layered/textured glazes. People with more advanced experience are also welcome for a more self-directed approach. The course is, however, designed so that all participants can benefit from guidance and support from Paul.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECTThe Schedule
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Welcome Breakfast (from 9am - 10am). The session will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
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On the second day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
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On the third day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
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On the fourth day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
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On the final day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 4pm.
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A two course lunch is provided everyday. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Ceramic Studio is located on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, and there are lots of lovely surrounding towns and villages offering numerous places to stay.
We are happy to arrange transits to and from your accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. Please get in touch to arrange this. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.life. To see examples of local accommodation, click here.
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We do not offer a glazing service so cannot glaze your work for you. It may, however, be possible for you to return to the studio to glaze your work by booking a glazing session. Please speak to a member of staff to discuss this before booking. You are welcome to take greenware away with should you wish to. Alternatively you can take your bisque fired work away with you to glaze elsewhere.
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We will usually bisque fire a small selection of pieces following a workshop. Each Guest Potter Workshop is different, however, so please refer to your individual Guest Potter Workshop page for the firing information for your course.
The following firing charges will apply:
£5 per 500g for glazed work
£6 per 500g for glazed work with oxide
£10 per 500g for any glazed work over 30cm in height or width
£2 per 500g for work that is bisque fired but not glazed
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Yes! During this Guest Potter Workshop, you’ll be treated to a Welcome Breakfast on the first day, plus morning and afternoon refreshments daily, including teas, coffees, sweet treats, and fresh fruit. A freshly cooked two-course lunch, prepared here in the studio, is also provided every day, with dietary requirements confirmed in advance.
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If we haven’t quite answered your question please click here to view our guest potter FAQs page or email us info@theceramicstudio.life