Learn all the basic techniques - slab building, press moulding, coiling, and wheel work. Glazing and simple yet effective decoration techniques covered. Fee includes clay and glazes.

Pottery for Beginners

Course Description

Discover the joy of working with clay in this hands-on introduction to pottery making. Whether you're a complete beginner or simply looking to explore a new creative outlet, this course will guide you through the foundational techniques of pottery. 

You’ll learn about the properties and stages of clay, and how to prepare it for use. With expert demonstrations and plenty of time to practice, you'll explore various hand-building methods including pinch pots, coil building, and soft slab construction. You’ll also get an introductory experience with wheel throwing, offering a well-rounded entry into the world of pottery.

As you build your skills, you’ll also delve into surface decoration techniques, glazing, and the firing process. The course is designed to be approachable and enjoyable, allowing you to create a small collection of your own unique pieces to take home. 

With a balance of guidance and creative freedom, you'll leave with both practical skills and the confidence to continue your pottery journey – whether independently or through further study.

The course fee includes all clay and glazes, and use of equipment and tools.

Course Structure

The course will cover the following topics with demonstrations and ample opportunity to practice each technique:

• What is clay? 
• Earthenware clay properties
• Clay preparation
• Pinch pots
• Wheel work
• Coil work, additions and building
• Slab work: slump mould and drape mould
• Decoration
• Bisque firing
• Glazing
• Glaze firing

Course Learning Outcomes

By completing this course students will:

• Understand the properties and preparation of earthenware clay
• Create pottery using basic hand-building techniques: pinch, coil, and slab
• Gain introductory experience in wheel throwing
• Apply decorative techniques and glaze your work
• Understand the bisque and glaze firing processes
• Leave with a small collection of finished pieces
• Identify appropriate next steps for continued exploration in pottery.

This course is taught by either

Rachel Petchkovsky

Rachel Petchkovsky has been teaching at WEA since 2022. 

Rachel completed a Diploma of Ceramics in New South Wales in 2000. She is a practicing artist, pottery teacher and early childhood educator. 

In her practice she works with clay, textiles, natural dyeing, leather, glass and natural fibres and materials. She has a special interest in raku firing techniques and post firing reduction.

Bridget Saville

Bridget Saville has been teaching at WEA since July 2022. 

Bridget is a ceramicist and designer creating functional and sculptural objects through wheel throwing and hand building techniques. A graduate of Interior Design from RMIT University, Bridget’s work explores the relationship between architectural forms and the human body.

Working with clay since 2015, Bridget has been an Associate at the JamFactory in Adelaide since 2023, where she has the opportunity to explore her practice and develop her skills.