32-2019 – John Colbeck – Stoneware Throwing

People throw, and always have, with a variety of intentions. Some focus on form and its surface, others focus on objects of function and yet others use thrown form as a support for graphic ideas – and, often, these three interests may overlap. The central focus of the course is throwing but a related focus is the range of ways thrown objects may be finished.
Our aim is that, within the framework of the course, the distinct needs of different interests, and differing levels of experience, from complete beginners through to advanced students, will be met through individual and group teaching.
Each morning and afternoon session will begin with a demonstration to the group. Participants may then work in relation to those demonstrations or pursue their particular interests – in both cases with the attention and support of the teacher.
The sequence of throwing demonstrations will cover a wide range of forms -from flat to spherical, from fluidly curvaceous to austerely angular and from simple to complex – and a range of scale, from small to large. Teapots, jugs and the simplest of forms will all be shown. The course will use a finely grogged throwing clay of excellent working qualities, evolved in a programme of experiment at La Meridiana, ideally suitable both for beginners and more fluent throwers. The sequence of demonstrations on surface and mark making processes will cover a range of possibilities using clay, slip and glaze. Work will be finished in the gas reduction kilns at 1285C (2345F) (Cone 10). On request, a detailed day-by-day programme of demonstrations will be sent by email.
The practical work of the course will be complemented by two illustrated talks about the variety of visual and material qualities evident in contemporary and historical ceramics, and by one illustrated technical talk on stoneware glazes and firing.

John Colbeck has taught full and part time at Ceramics degree courses in the UK throughout his working life and was for many years Head of Ceramics at Bath Academy of Art and, in addition, has taught many short courses and given lectures and seminars in the UK and abroad.
He is author of “Pottery, the Technique of Throwing” (1969), “Pottery, Techniques of Decoration” (1983) (both of these still available as Classic reprints from Axner Supplies USA) and “Pottery Materials” (1988).
He produces unglazed, polished thrown forms in stoneware and porcelain.