5 Day Intensive Hand Building with Iona Matheson

Join artist and ceramicist Iona Matheson for five days of hands on exploration into the possibilities of hand building with clay.

This workshop is an opportunity to develop your confidence and skills while creating your own sculptural or functional forms. Throughout the week, Iona will introduce and explore a range of hand building techniques including slab, coil and pinch construction, alongside different approaches to shaping and developing three dimensional forms.

Students will be encouraged to experiment and think creatively about scale, form and surface. Depending on the scale of your work, you may create several smaller pieces or focus on developing one larger sculptural form.

The week will also cover surface decoration techniques including stamping, texturing and adding or removing clay, as well as the use of slips, oxides and glazes. There will be opportunities to discuss firing options and ask questions about taking your work further.

The workshop is suitable for anyone wanting to explore hand building with clay in a supportive and creative environment. No matter your experience level, the focus is on learning, experimentation and developing your own ideas through making.

Monday 10 May | 10am – 4pm

Introduction & Sculpting

• Welcome and introduction to the workshop
• Overview of hand building techniques
• Clay wedging
• Design considerations
• Introduction to sculpting and developing forms
• Time to begin your own work

Tuesday 11 May | 10am – 4pm

Coiling & Sculpting

• Exploring coil building in greater technical detail
• Demonstrations and practical guidance
• Developing and refining sculptural forms
• Continued independent making time

Wednesday 12 May | 10am – 4pm

Slab & Pinch Techniques

• Introduction to slab building and pinch techniques
• Exploring how these methods can be used to develop sculptural forms
• Applying new techniques to your own work
• Continued sculpting and experimentation

Thursday 13 May | 10am – 4pm

Surface & Texture

• Exploring surface decoration
• Stamping and texturing techniques
• Adding and subtracting clay to create surface detail
• Developing and refining the surface of your sculptures

Friday 14 May | 10am – 4pm

Finishing & Firing

• Completing final details and refining your work
• Decoration using slips and oxides
• Introduction to glazing
• Discussion around firing options
• Final questions and Q&A

By the end of the five days, you will have developed a stronger understanding of hand building with clay and gained practical experience across a range of techniques. You’ll leave with greater confidence in creating three dimensional forms, along with new ideas and approaches to continue developing your own practice.

The workshop price includes 1 x bag of white Raku clay and bisque firing of one 30cm x 30cm piece. 

Postage is not included in the course fee, but can be organised at an extra cost.

Please bring: comfortable clothes and closed toe shoes. You may also bring your own tools and sketch pad and pencils if preferred.

* Accommodation is not available on site or included in the price . Please refer to accommodation booking sites for different options or email us to ask for recommendations.