CCPS Term 2 2024 - Wheel Throwing Fri 9.30 am - 12.00 pm

Wheel Throwing - Lynn Treers

Friday 9.30 am - 12.00 pm

8 week course

Cost - $365

Minimum 7/ students per class

TEACHER PROFILE

Making things from clay has been an abiding interest of mine from childhood.

My formal pottery classes began in 1968 at the NSW Potters Society headquarters in Woolloomooloo, which I continued at TAFE after relocating to Inverell in 1980. Following these classes, I accepted the invitation to teach pottery to children and adult beginners. I relished the visits from the Queensland Flying Art School tutors who held workshops, introducing new and exciting aspects of working with clay for isolated country potters.

I came to live in Gosford in 1982 and joined the Central Coast Potters Society (CCPS) in 1983. Since then I have been heavily involved with CCPS, including being a pottery teacher to adults as well as children. In 2008 I was awarded a Life Membership for my consistent contribution.

There are many workshops and courses which I have attended since 1983, expanding my knowledge and proficiency in clay. Of particular note was a five-day workshop with Greg Daly, Japanese tea bowl making with Paul Davis and throwing with Cameron Williams. I continue to participate in many interesting and challenging ceramic workshops to broaden my skills, including Hornsby TAFE where I completed a number of qualifications.

COURSE OUTLINE

In this course students will gain experience in wedging clay, centring clay on the wheel and throwing simple forms. Additional skills will be incorporated into the course, such as weighing clay, trimming forms and bases, altering a rim to form a functional spout, pulling a handle.

Students will be encouraged to repeat shapes, cut them up and review outcomes, thereby gaining the skills to throw pots independently and confidently taking into consideration shape and proportion. Each student's best pieces will be selected each week for firing. Basic glazing and firing will be discussed, along with the use of slips, underglazes, decals, surface treatment and pot alteration.

Students of differing levels of expertise will be accommodated within this class, making their term of using clay an enjoyable experience.

WEEKLY PROGRAM

Week 1 Welcome + workshop tour

Work Health Safety / CCPS Rules / Emergency procedure & assembly area

• Refer to documents emailed to students

Getting to know clay

• clay properties explained, different firing temperatures
• pinching, coiling, surface texture, stamping etc.

Demonstration - wedging clay & clay preparation

Demonstration - tool making - students make a cutting ‘wire’

Demonstration - throwing techniques

• emphasis on cutting pieces to assess improvement

Clay preparation - students prepare clay for wheel work

Weeks 2-5 Student practice

• Wedge clay, centre clay on the wheel and throw simple forms
• Students will be encouraged to repeat shapes, cut them up and review outcomes, gaining the skills to throw pots independently and confidently.
• Students will be asked to consider shape and proportion of their pots.
• Basic glazing and firing discussed, as well as the use of slips, underglazes, decals, surface treatment and pot alteration.
• Pots selected for keeping each week will be stored in polystyrene boxes.

Demonstration - reclaiming clay from slops and turnings

Week 6 Completion of thrown pieces - final week for completing work to be bisqued

Week 7 Final glazing of work

Additional work made in this class will not be bisqued

Week 8 Review and collection of work

• Collection of work, discuss pros and cons of results
• Feedback about their class experience and outcomes

SKILLS OUTCOMES

On completing this course, students will have developed skills in:

• wedging clay;
• centring clay on the wheel;
• throwing simple forms - a vessel with a lid;
• measuring for and making a lid;
• trimming and turning thrown pieces;
• judging shape and proportion of their thrown pieces;
• a range of additional skills according to each student’s ability and progression;
• surface treatment including glazing;
• basic kiln & firing knowledge.

Clay Allocation

6 kg of stoneware clay is included in the class cost, as well as all firing and glazing required for this amount.

When members have used their clay allocation for the term, if further clay is required, members will need to supply any further clay(in line with workshop requirements) and firing must be put through the members shelves with regular firing fees and limits applying.

Non-members are able to purchase an extra 2 .5 kg for $35 which includes glazing and firing based on members rates.

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?

There is plenty of on and off-street parking. However, we are located near several schools and when they have events, there can sometimes be difficulty finding a park close by. Please ensure you park legally to avoid a Council parking infringement.

What can I bring into the event?

Please refer to the list in your welcome email.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

If you have any queries, please contact the Education Manager via education@ccpotters.org

What's the cancellation policy?

CCPS CANCELLATION POLICY

Central Coast Potters Society (CCPS) courses are subject to the CCPS Cancellation Policy.

Read the CCPS Cancellation Policy carefully, prior to making your booking.

When booking and paying for a course with CCPS, please consider the following:

1. It takes considerable preparation and organisation by unpaid CCPS volunteers, to present course options and process payments. Choose carefully;
2. Bookings are final and non-transferable to other dates;
3. Cancellations made up to 7 days prior to a course commencing can be made through Eventbrite by the attendee;
4. Cancellations made up to 4 days prior to a course commencing must be made by contacting the Education Manager via education@ccpotters.org. An administration charge of $60 will apply in this instance;
5. Cancellations made less than 2 days prior to a course commencing are non-refundable, unless another attendee can take your place;
6. Bookings may be transferred to a friend. It is your responsibility to transfer funds between yourself and your friend. Notify the Education Manager of this change via education@ccpotters.org, with the new attendee’s name, email address and phone number;
7. Partial or full non-attendance at a course will result in forfeiture of fees paid.

While CCPS recognises there are occasions when cancellation is unavoidable, requests for a full refund will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The CCPS Management Committee may consider a written appeal where extenuating circumstances exist. Such an appeal must be addressed to the Education Manager via education@ccpotters.org.

If CCPS must cancel a course, or move a course date, we will endeavour to notify enrolled attendees a minimum of 24 hours prior to the course commencing. Attendees affected will have the option of booking into a different course (course fees may vary), or a full refund.

Before committing to attend a course, CCPS requests that members & non-members carefully consider their commitment to attend.

CCPS Management Committee

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, you do not need it. We will have all the details.

Can I update my registration information?

Yes, you can update your contact details. Please email the Education Manager via education@ccpotters.org.

Is my registration fee or ticket transferable?

Yes, please refer to the CCPS Cancellation Policy above.

Is it OK if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

We would prefer you provide us with the correct attendee details.