The Masterclass will concentrate on surface decoration techniques, from working with soft clays through to glazed surfaces. The aim is not the making of objects, but the exploration of the surface - either purely as a new learning process or as an expansion of each participant’s current work styles."

Peter Beard Participants will experiment with an unusually wide range of techniques for decorating clay surfaces. You will cover exciting ways of creating pattern and texture at different stages in the making process, both before and after firing. You will leave with a ‘visual library’ of examples of surface decoration techniques with which to enhance and improve your own work. You will learn to squeeze, squash, tear, stretch, carve and manipulate clay in a wide variety of ways, creating texture and pattern. Stoneware clay will be used, worked in its soft, leatherhard and dry state. Man-made and found objects will also be used along with the familiar, as well as new, pottery tools. Glaze will also be explored to create both texture and colour, as you develop your skill and control with these processes. A firing of glazed work will take place overnight on the second full day of the course.

There are 12 places available for this Masterclass.
It will be held at the University of Ulster Studios, York Street, Belfast.

Fee: £300 (including all materials)
Reservations: Kelly Gordon, k.gordon@ulster.ac.uk 028 9026 7285