Paul SmithHand Building Animals
5th - 8th July 2027 | 4 Day Workshop | £850
Students will learn several different methods of hand building clay animal sculptures over this enjoyable weekend.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThe Course in Detail
Paul makes hand built ceramic figurative sculptures on the theme of our relationship with the animal world. His style is bold and semi-abstract, with graceful sweeping curves and simplified details. His inspiration comes from a love of nature and ancient art, especially cave paintings and pottery and sculpture from the Greek and Roman Worlds. Paul’s unique style captures the spirit of animals rather than every detail, less is more.
During this four-day workshop Paul will demonstrate his hand building techniques, using a framework method developed over 27 years. Students will build their clay animal sculptures using Paul’s ‘sculpture framework’ - an external armature comprising a system of rods to support the clay until it can take its own weight.
Paul will have some framework kits available to buy at the end of the course for any students who wish to purchase one.
As well as learning the ‘framework’ method, Paul will also demonstrate other hand building methods, which students will be using to make several sculptures over the four days. This will include a fast slab building technique and different ways to support the sculptures as the clay firms up.
No previous experience of sculpture is necessary as Paul’s simple approach to clay modelling is suitable for beginners or experienced studio ceramicists. The emphasis will be on learning new ways of handling clay together as a group, in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere.
Students will have the opportunity to experiment with decoration using slips and underglazes on some of the smaller pieces towards the end of the course.
This is predominantly a clay modelling workshop, at the end of the course Paul will talk about the possible different approaches to glazing and ceramic colours, and will give a Q&A session.
The larger pieces will be fired un-decorated, and all pieces will be ready for collection a few weeks later. Alternatively, students are welcome to take away their greenware (students must bring protective packaging when taking or collecting their pieces).
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Please see our Student Contract for details.
USEFUL INFOCourse Breakdown
Throughout the workshop Paul will assess the abilities of the group and will lead the workshop at a pace to suit everyone. This breakdown is therefore an approximation and may vary depending on what it appropriate for the partaking students.
Day 1 - AM: On day one Paul will begin with an introduction, demonstration and explanation about his ‘Sculpture Framework’. This will be followed by a playful exercise in quick clay ‘sketches’ to get the group started. Each student will be issued with their own sculpture framework to use and later in the morning students will start learning how to use them to create their piece.
PM: In the afternoon students will design their planned sculpture and Paul will discuss each student’s project on a one-to-one basis. Paul will then provide support and guidance to each student throughout the making process as students start creating their animal sculpture.
Day 2 - AM: On the second day of the workshop students will carry on to finish the animals they started on day one.
Paul will give a demonstration of another hand building method which involves creating a medium sized sculpture using slabs and props for support. Students will then start to create a second piece using this method.
PM: Students will continue to work on their piece and Paul will give further demonstrations on different building methods – the emphasis being on working fast and ‘loosening up’ a little – creating several smaller sculptures.
Day 3 - Paul will encourage students to choose from the different hand building methods they have used so far and scale them up to a larger animal sculpture. This might mean that there could be several of the techniques used, all in one sculpture.
Day 4 - AM: On the final day students will finish off the more ambitious piece started the previous day and, if time allows, make some smaller sculptures to practice the different methods learnt.
PM: Paul will lead a hands-on session decorating a few of the smaller pieces made over the last few days – using coloured slips and underglazes.
Once students have finished their pieces Paul will lead a Q&A and conclusion session.
Please note: Students will make a number of sculptures over the course of the workshop, and will have the opportunity to experiment with decoration using slips and stains on some of the smaller pieces. The larger pieces will be fired undecorated, and all pieces will be ready for collection a few weeks later.
There will be no specific kiln firing during the workshop, however, students’ animal sculptures will be fired and be ready for collection a few weeks later. Alternatively, students are welcome to take away their greenware (students must bring protective packaging when taking or collecting their pieces).
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Details of our firing charges can be found in our Student Contract. Please read our Student Contract.
Please also note, we do not offer a glazing service.
Key information
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DATE
Saturday 5th - 8th July 2027
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CLASS SIZE
Maximum 10 students
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LEVEL
All levels welcome including complete beginners
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CLAY TYPE
Crank Stoneware
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COST
£850 (flexible payment plans available)
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FOOD & DRINK
A two-course lunch will be provided each day
GUEST POTTER BIOAbout Paul
Paul graduated with a degree in Fine Art Sculpture at Leicester in 1983. After doing a variety of different jobs, he set up his own ceramics studio in 1998 and has made a full time living from his art ever since.
Paul has employed a variety of techniques to make his clay sculptures - press -moulding, ‘free’ hand-building with rough ‘slabs’ of clay, and also hand-building using an external armature with a system of rods to support the clay until it can take its own weight.
Paul developed this ‘Sculpting Framework’ system and sells it as a complete kit for making sculpted animals.
Paul decorates his work with a combination of slips, oxides, body stains and underglazes.
WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR
Level
Suitable for all levels
All levels are welcome including complete beginners.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECTThe Schedule
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Welcome Breakfast (from 9am - 10am). The session will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
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On the second day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
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On the third day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
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On the final day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 4pm.
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A two course lunch is provided everyday. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
A delicious home cooked two-course lunch will be provided each day
As well as refreshments throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Ceramic Studio is located on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, and there are lots of lovely surrounding towns and villages offering numerous places to stay.
We are happy to arrange transits to and from local accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. There may be a small fee for this depending on where you are staying. If you know you will require transits please contact us to enquire before booking your accommodation. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk.
To see examples of local accommodation, click here.
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· There is a small charge for fired work. Charges are as follows:
£5 per 500g for glazed work
£6 per 500g for glazed work with oxide
£10 per 500g for any glazed work over 30cm in height or width
£2 per 500g for work that is bisque fired but not glazed
· Please also note that The Ceramic Studio does not offer a glazing service.
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If you wish to return to the studio to glaze your pieces, please email us after the workshop to book this in. Glazing sessions are charged at the standard price of a studio session: £39.50
Please note that the glazing sessions are untutored.
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Yes! Morning and afternoon refreshments daily, including teas, coffees, sweet treats, and fresh fruit. A freshly cooked two-course lunch, prepared here in the studio, is also provided every day, with dietary requirements confirmed in advance.
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If we haven’t quite answered your question please click here to view our guest potter FAQs page or email us info@theceramicstudio.co.uk