What is handbuilding? And what is it's appeal to artists?
Handbuilding is basically creating claywork with your hands. Our hands are remarkable tools, able to create everything from delicate pots to massive sculptures. The appeal of clay is the intimate and direct relationship the artist can develop with it. No other material is as malleable as clay. You can poke it, slap it, pinch it and the clay captures and holds not only the imprint of your fingers, but your creativity.
Not all ceramic programmes are the same. Find out why
Most begineers in claywork are baffled and confused with the wide range of ceramic techniques, working format and materials and tools required to bring out the best artistic outcome. When comparing prices, seperating the cost of instructions and materials often make it confusing for the student. Here are some factors to consider when buying ceramic programmes. 1. Technique taught and format of work
Some programmes such as jewellry making come in very standard formats. For example, the size of the bracelet cannot vary vastly. However, the learning of a clay technique can come in varies formats and sizes. For example, you can make learn the same technique of making a coiled pot with a lump of clay the size of a tennis ball or volleyball! Larger format of works allows for more sophisticated forms and details. Of course, larger works are more expensive to create in terms of material and firing cost. 2. Group size
Effective learning of ceramic art requires quality time between the trainer and the student. Student's artistic ideas and impulses are often executed between through discussion with experienced trainers. A small group size usually means higher fees. But with individual attention, the higher fees is often compensated with better artistic output. 3. Visual Aids and Training Resources
Besides class size, the quality of the programme is also dependent on the quality and quantity of visual references and training aids. All artists work from a source for the initial idea or inspiration. Do check with the art school the types and quality of reference materials. Another way to access the quality of the programme is through obtaining feedback from past customers. 4. Materials and Tools
To facilitate quality outcomes, clay programmes should be supported by the following items: a) Pre-prepared clay. The use of pre-extruded coils or slabs, at the appropriate thickness, consistency and quality, will cut creation time in half. This allows the students to spend more time on creating their masterpieces. If the student has to spend more than half the lesson time rolling coils, there will be much less time for creative input and finishing touches. Do check if your vendor can provide the necessary pre-prepared clay to maximise the efficiency of your students' artistic efforts (quantity and quality wise), unless of course you want students to spend all their time rolling coils and flattening slabs! b) Quantity of materials. Most cheap programmes provide minimum quantity of clay, inhibiting the creative process and retarding the developing of manipulative skills due the small amount of working material. The small scale of the work limits the variety and range of details that the student can work with. Do check with the vendor if the amount of clay provided meets your expectations. Smaller quantities of clay translates into savings in transportation and firing cost, but do not let it hamper your students' creativity. c) Quality of materials. Is the clay most suited for the project? Does the material allow for intricate details? Does the glazes comes in a large range with quality finish or are they standard 12 colour palette? d) Tools. A good variety and suitable tools for the project is essential to enable you to make your ideas into reality. Find out more about the variety of tools you have access to (such as hollowing tools of various sizes and texturing tools (such as sprigs and stamps) to help you explore possibilities in clay. Also, if you are learning how to build pots, is a proper banding wheel provided?
Course Outline for 10-session Hanbuilding Programme (A140/C140)
Programme Description
For the creative sparks with a keen interest in ceramic art, there is no better way to start then through a basic handbuilding programme. This programme is a sampler of the various basic techniques of forming clay pieces.
Our programmes are different from others. We provide a comprehensive range of pre-prepared clay such as pre-mold clay, coils and slabs. There is no time wasted in preparing your clay and you can spend all your time on building and perfecting your work.
You will learn basic hand-building skills such as pinching, coiling and slabbing and a range of ceramic decorating techniques such as incising, addition, reduction, sgraffito etc. As a bonus, we will also have a go at working with pre-formed clay and animal figurine sculpting!
Programme Outline
Lesson 1: Pinching technique: making fruits
Lesson 2: Modelling techniques: Creating with the pinched form. Making a organic-form teapot (eg gourd, large fruit)
Lesson 3: Modelling with pre-formed clay: Creating an animal figurine and decorating technique: using modelling tools and spriggs
Lesson 4: Coiling technique: Creating a wide cylindrical vessel and decorating techniques Additive method.
Lesson 5: Coiling technique: Creating a narrow cylindrical vessel and decorating technique: Deductive (carving) method.
Lesson 6: Glazing: Dip glazing and brush-on glazing
Lesson 7: Slabbing: Creating a jewellery box and incising technique
Lesson 8: Slabbing: Creating stationary sets and sc
Lesson 9: Creating tiles and surface decoration techniques
Lesson 10:Glazing
Teaching Method
Lesson will start with brief lecture of the use of the technique. Instructor will show how the work is planned and a detailed demonstration of technique will follow. Students will then proceed onto their project work using the illustrated technique. A brief discussion of finished works may follow.
Materials
For use at premise:
Mini banding wheel, wooden tools, hollowing tools, cutting tools, brushes, wooden workboards, plasterboards, packing materials and crates, training aids such as visuals and drawings.
Consumables:
15 kg of clay (pre-moulded and original packing form), 1 set of tools (7 pieces set with sponge and rib), lesson plans, glazes, packing materials and studio firing services.
Course Outline for Creative Large Plate Programme (A200/C200)
(Adult: 3 sessions x 3 hours: 2 projects)
(Child: 3 sessions x 2 hours: 2 projects) Lesson 1: Using slump mold
- Welcome.
- Introduction to the use of slump molds in creating symetrical plates.
- Demonstration
1) how to use pre-prepared slabs to create the basic form
2) how to use tools
3) how to create and join additional designs.
4) creating simple textures.
5) creating footings for plate. Project work: Student will plan and complete one large plate.
(Students can opt to create additional piece at $20 each) Note: When time permits, instructor will discuss the finished works. Lesson 2: Using press molds and drawing on clay
- Introduction to press molds.
- Discussion of varies forms: organic, ornate, simplified
- Demonstration
1) how to use press molds.
2) how to create relief designs on clay surfaces.
3) impressing techniques using organic objects and textures from nature and manufactured.
4) detailing techniques. Project work: Student will plan and complete one large plate.
(Students can opt to create additional piece at $20 each) Note: When time permits, instructor will discuss the finished works. Lesson 3: Glazing Techniques
- Introduction to glazing.
- Demonstration of glazing techniques: Dip and brush-on.
- to apply glazes on 2 plates (or more).
- End of programme. (feedback session) Materials/ Tools/ Equipment provided:
M: Clay, Fine quality glazes
T: Wooden tool, hollowing tool, needle, sponge
E: Slump and press molds Student to instructor ratio: 7: 1
Instructor: Hazel Wong, Jennifer Pang, Arun
Course outline for animal figurine sculpting programme (A200/C200) Programme Outline
(Adult: 3 sessions x 3 hours: 2 projects)
(Child: 3 sessions x 2 hours: 2 projects) Lesson 1:
- Welcome.
- Briefing on animal anatomy: How to look at bone structure and muscles.
- Defining the key characteristics and features of the animal.
- How to look at a simple posture.
- Demonstration
1) how to shape pre-moulded clay (in cylindrical form).
2) how to use tools
3) how to form, pinch and join. Simple Sculpting techniques. Project work: Student will plan and complete one figurine.
Note: When time permits, instructor will discuss the finished works. Lesson 2:
- Similar to lesson 1 with different subject or different posture. Additional Demonstration:
1) creating and detailing demonstration. Project work: Student will plan and complete one figurine.
Note: When time permits, instructor will discuss the finished works. Lesson 3:
- Introduction to glazing.
- Demonstration of glazing technique.
- to apply glaze on 2 figurines.
- End of programme. (feedback session) Materials/ Tools/ Equipment provided:
M: Sculpting Clay, Fine quality glazes
T: Wooden tool, hollowing tool, needle, sponge
E: Mini banding wheel for detailing use Student to instructor ratio: 7: 1
Instructor: Hazel Wong, Jennifer Pang
Course Outline for PrintART and China painting (A130/C130) (Adult: 3 sessions x 3 hours: 1 - 2 projects (4 tiles and 1 mug/plate) Lesson 1: Introduction to PrintART techniques
- Welcome.
- Introduction to the this media.
- Demonstration
1) how to plan your design.
2) cutting and pasting technique.
3) colours and effects
4) Practical tips
Project work: Student plan out the design and create the patterns and textures using printART papers.
Note: When time permits, instructor will discuss the finished works. Lesson 2: Using Onglaze/China paints
- Introduction to china paints
- Demonstration
1) how to use prepare the glazes. Tools and media for painting.
2) Mixing and painting techniques. washes, thick painting technique and creating tones.
3) Detailing techniques
Project work: Student will complete the works.
Note: When time permits, instructor will discuss the finished works. Lesson 3: Making a unique gift
- Introduction to expressive art.
- Demonstration
1) planning and create a bowl, mug or small container.
Project work: Student will use printART and china paint to create a unique gift. Materials/ Tools/ Equipment provided:
M: printART papers, solid and patterned papers. Scissors and tweezers and squeegee. On-glaze paints and appropriate brushes. Blanks: 4 tiles (20cmx 20cm) and a plate or mug is included. (other blanks are available at additional cost) Student to instructor ratio: 7: 1
Instructor: Hazel Wong, Jennifer Pang, Arun
Course outline for printART and Onglaze Painting (A310A) (Adult: 3 sessions x 3 hours: 1 - 2 projects (4 tiles and 1 mug/plate) Lesson 1: Introduction to PrintART techniques
- Welcome.
- Introduction to the this media.
- Demonstration
1) how to plan your design.
2) cutting and pasting technique.
3) colours and effects
4) Practical tips
Project work: Student plan out the design and create the patterns and textures using printART papers.
Note: When time permits, instructor will discuss the finished works. Lesson 2: Using On glaze/China paints
- Introduction to china paints
- Demonstration
1) how to use prepare the glazes. Tools and media for painting.
2) Mixing and painting techniques. washes, thick painting technique and creating tones.
3) Detailing techniques
Project work: Student will complete the works.
Note: When time permits, instructor will discuss the finished works. Lesson 3: Making a unique gift
- Introduction to expressive art.
- Demonstration
1) planning and create a bowl, mug or small container.
Project work: Student will use printART and china paint to create a unique gift. Materials/ Tools/ Equipment provided:
M: Sculpting Clay, Fine quality glazes
T: Wooden tool, hollowing tool, needle, sponge
E: Mini banding wheel for detailing use
Materials: printART papers, solid and patterned papers.
Tools: Scissors and tweezers and squeegee. On-glaze paints and appropriate brushes.
Equipment: dryer Consumables: 4 white tiles (20cmx 20cm) and a plate or mug is included.
(other blanks are available at additional cost) Student to instructor ratio: 7: 1
Instructor: Hazel Wong, Arun
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