Question 1

What is throwing?

Accepted Answer

When potters say throwing they mean shaping the clay on a spinning wheel. Think that scene from Ghost, although that is not how I would be teaching you!

Question 2

What is slab building, pinching and kurinuki?"

Accepted Answer

Slab building is a hand building technique where you roll out slabs of clay with a roller like you would for cake dough and then cutting out shapes from that slab and sticking them together. This is a good technique for when you want to make something angular and geometric shaped, though curved forms can also be made in this way. 
 
'Pinching' is a technique where you take a ball of clay, poke a hole (not all the way through) in the clay and then gradually pinch the clay thinner and thinner making the vessel bigger and bigger until you have a pot. 
 
'Kurinuki' is a traditional Japanese technique where a pot, usually a tea bowl, is made by cutting away clay from a solid form. Using tools, you hollow out a block of clay and faced the outside until you have your desired shape.

Question 3

How are ceramics made?

Accepted Answer

Ceramics are made by moulding clay into the desired shape and baking it in a kiln. The high temperature drives out all the water, and causes chemical reactions that make the clay stronger and harder.
 
To break down the steps to creating a finished piece of ceramics you would typically:
 
1. Mould the clay into shape; at this stage it's called 'greenware'
2. Let it dry out completely, also referred to as 'bone dry' 
3. Fire it in the kiln to about 900-1000 degrees celsius in a firing we call 'bisque firing'. This name comes from the french biscuit which (like the cookie) meaning it's hard and dry but still absorbent.
4. Apply glaze (chemicals suspended in water) to the bisqueware
5. Fire again to 1180-1250 degrees celsius, this will melt the glaze you applied onto the pot and hardens the ceramics further.

Question 4

What to wear to the class?

Accepted Answer

Please wear something you don't mind getting a little bit dirty. A shirt with short sleeves or sleeves you can roll up is convenient as well as a hairtie if you have long hair. If you're going to be throwing on the wheel it also helps if you have short nails.
 
If you haven't been fully vaccinated, then please also bring a mask to wear to class.

Question 5

Can I use my created piece of ceramics?

Accepted Answer

If you made something that needs to hold water or you want to drink or eat from, the interior of the pot should be fully glazed and then you should have no problem using your creation.
 
I would always recommend to be careful when cleaning a piece of ceramics, so perhaps handwashing over putting it in the dishwasher. Then again I put my own ceramics in the dishwasher daily and have had not much issue with doing so, just be careful things don't get knocked around or sit in water for a long time.
 
In the end the more you take care of your precious belongings the longer they will last.

Question 6

How long does it take for me to be able to pick up/receive my ceramics?

Accepted Answer

It will take between 4 and 6 weeks after your class for your creation to be finished. This is mostly due to the fact I fire my kiln only when I have a full kiln. That way it's most energy efficient.

Question 7

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If you can't make it to a class you've booked please contact me as soon as you can. We will try to reschedule your appointment for another day no longer than 8 weeks from your original appointment.
 
If you need to cancel without rebooking and you do so less than 48hrs before the class the deposit will be non-refundable.

Question 8

I want to do a different kind of class than what you offer on the website, is that possible?"

Accepted Answer

If you have a particular goal in mind that you need some coaching on and you want to get a bigger class package, or for any other particular requests please send me a message and we can discuss the possibillities.

Frequently asked questions