11AM-1PM
Mon - Fri
Assembly Hall
Potteries seek to counteract the industrialisation and standardisation of everyday forms. They are often located in areas of natural beauty, run by potters who want to embody craft’s belief in truth and beauty, in how they live and what they do. The activity can often inspire ideologies that attempt to push out these boundaries. To make work that is as beautiful as it is practical (Bernard Leach), challenge the institution of art perhaps (Troika), make objects that imbue the everyday with the creative conscience of the maker (Omega Workshop).
These principled approaches have shown in history to have limitations in how they function, sustain, and impact our bigger society. Can a commercial venture making functional-wares really have the capacity to inspire and influence us? The Ceramics Department seeks to develop a manifesto for a new school of ceramics that will use our environment as inspiration, our community as influence, and our immediate needs as the catalyst for what to make. All work produced over the week will involve the simple process of slab-building and coloured slip decoration. In 1 week can we devise and demonstrate a studio approach that reflects who we are and where we’re at?
Please see below for a breakdown of how each day is shaping up - please feel to sign up to as many workshops as you like - all welcome - you don’t need to be a GSA student to take part. You’re very welcome to sign up to them all but if you can only make a couple that’s totally fine!
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Monday - sign up
Write our manifesto / Develop working drawings / Build some simple forms and maquettes / Make the rules.
Tuesday - sign up
Start slab-building with clay exploring the material.
Wednesday - sign up
Continue working on clay as it goes from wet to dry state / Consider surface design and decoration / Break the rules if necessary.
Thursday - sign up
Continue to make slab pots and decorate them. / Begin to see our style emerging / Revise the manifesto.
Friday - sign up
Conclude making / Assemble unfired pots / Reflect on our manifesto / Make offerings to the Kiln Gods.
