Pottery Beginners
Have you ever wanted to work with clay, but not known where to start? Come and learn a range of skills that you can later adapt to fulfil your creative ideas. This course, designed for beginners or relative beginners, teaches hand building skills in a structured way. It is essential to attend the first two evening classes or the first weekend day to learn foundational skills. Read below dates for more information.
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Sat 26 FebSat & Sun 10am - 4:30pm plus Saturday 10am - 1pm glazing session Selwyn College, Auckland. Matt McLean
- $260.00 incl. GST
Sessions
Session 1
Sat 26 Feb 10:00 - Sat 26 Feb 16:30Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 2
Sun 27 Feb 10:00 - Sun 27 Feb 16:30Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 3: Glazing session
Sat 19 Mar 10:00 - Sat 19 Mar 13:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Event is fullJoin waiting list -
Tue 03 May
- $260.00 incl. GST
Sessions
Session 1
Tue 03 May 19:00 - Tue 03 May 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 2
Tue 10 May 19:00 - Tue 10 May 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 3
Tue 17 May 19:00 - Tue 17 May 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 4
Tue 24 May 19:00 - Tue 24 May 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 5
Tue 31 May 19:00 - Tue 31 May 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 6
Tue 07 Jun 19:00 - Tue 07 Jun 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 7
Tue 14 Jun 19:00 - Tue 14 Jun 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 8
Tue 21 Jun 19:00 - Tue 21 Jun 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Event is fullJoin waiting list -
Wed 04 May
- $260.00 incl. GST
Sessions
Session 1
Wed 04 May 19:00 - Wed 04 May 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 2
Wed 11 May 19:00 - Wed 11 May 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 3
Wed 18 May 19:00 - Wed 18 May 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 4
Wed 25 May 19:00 - Wed 25 May 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 5
Wed 01 Jun 19:00 - Wed 01 Jun 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 6
Wed 08 Jun 19:00 - Wed 08 Jun 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 7
Wed 15 Jun 19:00 - Wed 15 Jun 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 8
Wed 22 Jun 19:00 - Wed 22 Jun 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Event is fullJoin waiting list
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Tue 26 Jul
- $260.00 incl. GST
Sessions
Session 1
Tue 26 Jul 19:00 - Tue 26 Jul 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 2
Tue 02 Aug 19:00 - Tue 02 Aug 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 3
Tue 09 Aug 19:00 - Tue 09 Aug 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 4
Tue 16 Aug 19:00 - Tue 16 Aug 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 5
Tue 23 Aug 19:00 - Tue 23 Aug 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 6
Tue 30 Aug 19:00 - Tue 30 Aug 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 7
Tue 06 Sep 19:00 - Tue 06 Sep 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 8
Tue 13 Sep 19:00 - Tue 13 Sep 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland. -
Wed 27 Jul
- $260.00 incl. GST
Sessions
Session 1
Wed 27 Jul 19:00 - Wed 27 Jul 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 2
Wed 03 Aug 19:00 - Wed 03 Aug 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 3
Wed 10 Aug 19:00 - Wed 10 Aug 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 4
Wed 17 Aug 19:00 - Wed 17 Aug 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 5
Wed 24 Aug 19:00 - Wed 24 Aug 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 6
Wed 31 Aug 19:00 - Wed 31 Aug 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 7
Wed 07 Sep 19:00 - Wed 07 Sep 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 8
Wed 14 Sep 19:00 - Wed 14 Sep 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland. -
Tue 18 Oct
- $260.00 incl. GST
Sessions
Session 1
Tue 18 Oct 19:00 - Tue 18 Oct 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 2
Tue 25 Oct 19:00 - Tue 25 Oct 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 3
Tue 01 Nov 19:00 - Tue 01 Nov 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 4
Tue 08 Nov 19:00 - Tue 08 Nov 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 5
Tue 15 Nov 19:00 - Tue 15 Nov 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 6
Tue 22 Nov 19:00 - Tue 22 Nov 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 7
Tue 29 Nov 19:00 - Tue 29 Nov 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 8
Tue 06 Dec 19:00 - Tue 06 Dec 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland. -
Wed 19 Oct
- $260.00 incl. GST
Sessions
Session 1
Wed 19 Oct 19:00 - Wed 19 Oct 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 2
Wed 26 Oct 19:00 - Wed 26 Oct 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 3
Wed 02 Nov 19:00 - Wed 02 Nov 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 4
Wed 09 Nov 19:00 - Wed 09 Nov 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 5
Wed 16 Nov 19:00 - Wed 16 Nov 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 6
Wed 23 Nov 19:00 - Wed 23 Nov 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 7
Wed 30 Nov 19:00 - Wed 30 Nov 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.Session 8
Wed 07 Dec 19:00 - Wed 07 Dec 21:00Selwyn College, Auckland.
Description
Course formats
Evening courses run over eight weekly sessions. Courses are available on either Tuesday or Wednesday evenings 7 - 9pm. Weekend courses run over two weekends. The first part of each course runs on a Saturday and Sunday 10am - 4:30pm. Then a follow-up class will run on a Saturday 10am to 1pm to glaze your pieces.
Course dates for 2022
- Evening course: Tuesdays 7 - 9pm starting 15 February 2022 for eight weeks FULL
- Evening course: Wednesdays 7 - 9pm starting 16 February 2022 for eight weeks FULL
- Weekend course: 26 - 27 February 10am - 4:30pm plus glazing session 19 March 10am - 1pm
- Evening course: Tuesdays 7 - 9pm starting 3 May 2022 for eight weeks FULL
- Evening course: Wednesdays 7 - 9pm starting 4 May 2022 for eight weeks FULL
- Weekend course: May to be confirmed
- Evening course: Tuesdays 7 - 9pm starting 26 July 2022 for eight weeks
- Evening course: Wednesdays 7 - 9pm starting 27 July 2022 for eight weeks
- Weekend course: August to be confirmed
- Evening course: Tuesdays 7 - 9pm starting 18 October 2022 for eight weeks
- Evening course: Wednesdays 7 - 9pm starting 19 October 2022 for eight weeks
- Weekend course: October or November to be confirmed.
Weekend courses will be added by mid-December 2021.
Matt will discuss dates and times for collecting fired pieces.
About Pottery Beginners
Ideal for beginners or those relatively new to pottery, this course introduces a range of clay forming and decorating techniques that will equip you to work independently at home. A range of hand building approaches, wheel throwing, slip trailing and press moulding are covered.
This course is focused on learning technical skills which Matt teaches in a systematic way - usually demonstration first, then group practice. For most students it takes a full course to acquire these basic skills and you will produce some simple pieces as part of your learning. Once you have mastered the basics you are encouraged to pursue your own creative direction (in either a second term of classes or at home). It is important to attend the first two classes of your course as foundational skills are covered in this classes. Please enrol at a time when your schedule will permit this.
Maximum class size 11 students. We have three wheels available for most classes. Your fee covers basic clay and glazes as well as firing. Matt will have some tools available to share with the group (cutting wires, smoothing tools, texture tools, shaping tools, sponges etc). You are welcome to share the use of these tools or buy your own (a cheap kit is available at The Warehouse and Matt will talk about this in the first class).
Matt is one of New Zealand's top award-winning potters, and is a dedicated and patient teacher.
Expected learning outcomes:
On completion of the course it is expected that you will be able to:
- use a range of hand-building techniques
- form a simple vessel on the wheel (if you choose to learn the wheel)
- decorate with slips, oxides and stains
- apply glazes
Who should attend?
Those new to pottery wishing to learn hand forming techniques in a structured setting. Matt encourages students to attend the course twice if possible to practise learned techniques in a supported environment before crafting at home.
Testimonials
From 2019: "Hi Please pass on my thanks to Matt-thoroughly enjoyed these evening classes and the tolerance, generosity and humour that Matt brings to the lessons. Highly recommended. Kind regards Cheryl"
Feedback from 2018:
- 'The course is good with reasonable price and suitable class size. It's great that more people can know and join. Great fun!'
- 'I liked that it is not too structured - you're free to make what interests you but other tools and ideas are available if you want to branch out'
- 'Matt is very knowledgeable, clear in his explanation, patient and helpful - and friendly! This is my second time taking this course, I am happy I returned'
- 'Enjoyed everything! I attended this course along with 2 friends last year - this yer we all cam back and brought 2 more friends. I like the combination of practical skills and freedom given my the tutor to experiment. The course covers a great range of techniques so beginners can accomplish a variety, rather than feeling restricted by their newbie-ness. Matt is a great tutor, gives lots of good instructions, and feedback when needed. He's very knowledgeable, and great at one-on-one and group instruction. I'll probably be back for a 3rd run soon'
