Improvers Ceramics Courses
Studio Etiquette
Please ensure that you arrive on time. The session starts promptly and will include introductory information.
Work tidily - ensure that you give yourself and others the maximum surface to get creative together.
Read the room - consider others with your tone and conversation.
I would like to politely remind potters to be considerate in their selection of work to fire. Your tutors will guide you make good decisions that will enable the shared kiln space to be used in a balanced and fair way.
What to Bring
Please bring your own apron, a notebook and pen and a small towel (used when throwing).
The amount of clay and materials included in your course is calculated based on the duration of your course. It is expected that most students will use 500g of clay and associated glazes and space in the kiln per 3 hr session.
Thank-you for choosing The Clay Yard for your creative focus. You will enjoy working with other like-minded people who value the processes and outcomes of ceramics. I am sure that you will be fully inspired by the course and those who work around you. Relax and enjoy.
Knowledge and Understanding
The Ongoing Intermediate course is led by Julia Toy and Alison Hannah with the Improvers course led by Verran Townsend. We are all experienced teachers and hope to bring to you the teaching styles that will engage and challenge your learning in the field of ceramics.
You will be encouraged to plan ahead, extend your understanding through wider reading and browsing and be thorough and disciplined with your note-taking in order that you can improve and develop your confidence and competency in ceramics. Use prototyping and note-taking to track your progress and record good outcomes so that you can repeat your making.
The Clay
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Function v's Form
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Construction
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Surface Decoration
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Firing
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Sustainable Practice
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The Clay 〰️ Function v's Form 〰️ Construction 〰️ Surface Decoration 〰️ Firing 〰️ Sustainable Practice 〰️
Getting Here
Public Transport
The Stagecoach Gold service stops outside the Seymour Vets other bus services stop at The Seven Stars. The mainline train service is a 25 minute walk from the station to the studio.
Parking
Steamer Quay car park charges from 8am to 6pm. Longmarsh Long Stay is recommended as it is a low-cost option. After 5.30pm you are welcome to park in spaces outside the studio.
Accessibility
The Clay Yard reserves one space for drivers with accessibility requirements. Please e-mail to book the space.
Feel an idea rise up and take shape. Allow the thought to break free and see what it does for itself.
Feel an idea rise up and take shape. Allow the thought to break free and see what it does for itself.
Meet the Tutors
Alison Hannah
Experienced teacher and practicing ceramic artist. Alison is a skilled thrower and hand-builder.
Alison’s work features artwork captured in and around beautiful parts of Devon, Cornwall and Ireland. Her work is influenced by both functionality and form.
Lucy Bell
Lucy currently teaches pottery at Landworks in Dartington. This project works to provide a supported route back into employment and the community for people in prison or at risk of going to prison. She has noticed the therapeutic benefit that clay has on these individuals. The pottery provides a place of calm and a creative outlet for their emotions.
Julia Toy
Julia’s work is an extension of her love for life and spiritual connection to the natural world; It is informed by a variety of people, places and experiences.
Her process is intuitive and spontaneous and she finds the very nature of working with clay to be slow, soothing and grounding. She enjoys using both the wheel and hand building techniques.
Your riverside clay experience awaits The Clay Yard
A clean, fresh, inspiring spot, full of natural queues to influence your creative journey.