Ceramics Course – Level One

Professional development course
Upon completion, participants receive a certificate recognized by public offices and institutions. The course fee is exempt from VAT under Article 43, Paragraph 1, Point 29 of the VAT Act.

We cordially invite you to a five-day introductory course to the world of ceramics, running Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM! Learn techniques, materials, and the secrets of working with clay and gain a solid foundation for creative activity.

During 5 sessions (25 workshop hours in total), you will work under the guidance of an instructor with over 20 years of experience in ceramics and 5 years of practice running a commercial studio. The course covers both artistic and functional ceramic object creation.

In addition to learning ceramic techniques, you will learn how to organize a studio, operate tools and equipment, and understand the properties of various ceramic masses.

Course Program

1. Ceramic Studio Organization

• Ergonomics and occupational health and safety (OHS) principles.
• Overview of tools and equipment: pottery wheel, ceramic kiln, modeling and rolling tools.
• Organization of the ceramic production process in a small studio.

2. Ceramic Bodies

• Types of ceramic bodies: stoneware, porcelain, grog clay, and their applications.
• Selecting clay for different types of work.
• Clay preparation techniques.

3. Hand-building Techniques

• Pinch Pot – forming vessels from a ball of clay.
• Coil building – constructing forms by joining coils with slip and smoothing.
• Solid modeling – basics of ceramic sculpture and creating artistic forms.

4. Ceramic Decoration Techniques

• Underglaze paints and engobes: European materials and paints from the USA.
• Creating your own slips for decoration.
• Decorative techniques: sgraffito, underglaze decals, and other decorating methods.

5. Glazing and Firing Ceramics

• Types of glazes: food-safe glazes, firing temperature ranges, European and American products (Amaco, Mayco, Spectrum).
• Glazing techniques: pouring, dipping, spraying, brush painting.
• Preparing pieces for firing.

6. Introduction to Ceramic Sculpture

• Modeling solid and hollow forms.
• Creating stable structures and sculptural details.

Course Outcomes

Upon completing the course, you will:

• Acquire skills in hand-building, modeling, and decorating ceramics.
• Learn to operate tools and organize a ceramic studio.
• Create your own decorated vessels and small sculptures, ready for use after firing.
• Understand the basics of ceramic firing and experimenting with various glaze effects.

A lunch break is scheduled during the classes (included in the price). Hot beverages will also be available on-site.

When purchasing two courses at once (Level I and II), a -10% discount applies to the order.

About the Instructor

The course is led by Alicja Kędzierska – founder of AliKe studio, a ceramist with over 20 years of experience in creating ceramics, including over 5 years of practice running a commercial studio. Alicja specializes in sculpture, wheel-throwing, creating unique forms, and utilizing advanced glazing techniques.

She developed her skills in Poland, including with the esteemed ceramic artist Mr. Tworzydło and at the Ceramiq studio. She also expanded her knowledge abroad, gaining international experience that translates into the originality and unique character of her work.

Alicja's passion for ceramics and her ability to impart knowledge make the workshops she leads inspiring and highly professional.