26-2024 – Brian Dickenson – Summer Throwing

Introduction

Summer throwing is an intensive throwing training, followed by  glazing and decorating. There will be much individual attention for each students.

Techniques taught

In Summer Throwing we will  approach the fundamental  techniques on the wheel. In throwing, the practice of different ways of manipulating clay, from preparation to throwing and finishing processes will expand familiarity with the medium. We will start with cylinders,  then make bowls, jugs and mugs. Adding handles and spouts will complete the methods taught. The throwing section will finish with a review of trimming skills. We will spend three full days with glazing, allowing for much calm in this final step of the making. Glazing will be introduced by an easy to understand lesson of theory, follwed by demos of various possibilities in applying glazes.

Teaching method

Starting with exhaustive demos, the participants will have ample time for training and making on the wheel. An important aspect will be to familiarize with the various glazes and the glazing process itself. In fact, in Summer Throwing, students will learn to perform the glazing process in a confident manner by dipping or pouring. We will use a stoneware clay and fire in the gas kiln in reduction atmosphere to cone ten. Most of the dry work will be bisqued and a selection of this will be glazed and fired.

Logistics

On every classday, a delicious meal will be served. Lodging is included as well. This class is suitable for all levels. On the day of departure (July 6th) students must plan to  leave the school not before 9:30 am, as there will be a last kiln opening.

The Artist

Brian Dickenson attended the Throwers course at Derbyshire college of Higher Education and obtained a Research Diploma at  Cardiff Institute of Higher Education, focusing on composition and  firing of oriental glazes. He holds a MA ceramics Degree from Cardiff institute of Higher Education. He sais of himself:
”I spent time with my Mentor Philip Wood producing standard interspersed with work placements in Ireland, concentrating on raw production and repetition throwing. During this extended period of journeyman activity I spent considerable time working under Seth and Ara Cardew at the celebrated Wenford Bridge Pottery.  Since this time, I have established four potteries of my own over a 30 year period. In addition to making a broad range of functional ware and one off pieces, I have developed a particular interest in kiln building. I have become involved increasingly in teaching ceramics and professional consultancy and as a regular lecturer at Clay College Stoke UK.”

“I remain fascinated by all aspects of ceramics”