Sculpture Night Class - Ceramics
Visual Arts
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
An eight-week night class introducing hand-building techniques in clay, suitable for both beginners and those with some ceramics experience.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin School of Art, P Block, Dunedin
It will take a total of 8 weeks
This course requires 2 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Apply fundamental hand-building techniques
Students will be able to use pinching, coiling, and slab building to construct ceramic sculptures.
Plan and problem-solve ceramic designs
Learners will develop a design, create a maquette, and refine their sculpture concept before working in clay.
Experiment with clay types and finishes
Competence in selecting from grogged clay, paper clay, glaze, and non-traditional surface treatments for their work.
What You're Signing Up For
This course offers an opportunity to learn how to build forms and figures in clay using hand-building methods such as pinching, coiling, and slab building. Designed for beginners and those with some ceramics experience, it runs for eight weeks in termly intakes, with evening sessions held at the Dunedin School of Art. Classes are hands-on and led by an experienced tutor, Bronwyn Mohring. Students will progress from planning and making maquettes to constructing and finishing their own ceramic sculpture, including surface treatments and firing.
Course Content
- Hand-building techniques: pinching, coiling, slab building
- Ceramic sculpture design and problem-solving
- Introduction to types of clay: grogged clay, paper clay
- Glaze and alternative surface treatments
- Making forms: construction over several weeks
- Bisque firing
- Surface finishing techniques
- Studio health and safety
What you need to know first
Learners under 16 require parental consent
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Arts & Media
Visual Arts
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.