TALISMAN: ceramic sculpture workshop with Pascal Nichols

£220 (Discount available for those receiving U.C.)

8 places available

Day 1: Saturday 22nd August, 11am-5pm

Day 2: Saturday 22nd August, 11am-5pm

All levels workshop: Suitable for those with some clay experience, though confident beginners are welcome.

Talisman is an immersive two-day workshop exploring the processes and techniques behind modular ceramic figure-making.

Led by practising artist Pascal Nichols, the workshop offers participants the opportunity to develop expressive sculptural forms through handbuilding, mould-making, assembly, and surface treatment.

Pascal has worked in ceramics for over 25 years and makes and exhibits both functional pottery and figurative ceramic sculpture.

Drawing from his own studio practice, he will share a range of approaches to constructing ceramic figures, alongside historical and contemporary references that have informed and inspired his work.

Participants will also have the opportunity to view and discuss a selection of his own sculptures throughout the weekend.

Day One:

The first day focuses on creating modular components and figurative elements using a range of handbuilding techniques, including:

● Carving and using sprig moulds

● Extrusion

● Slab construction

● Creating repeatable forms and sculptural details

Participants will spend the day building a visual vocabulary of parts and forms ready for assembly.

Day Two:

The second day centres on assembling and refining sculptural figures using the components created on day one. Techniques explored will include:

● Figure construction and composition

● Modelled relief

● Carving, fettling, and surface refinement

● Texture and surface decoration By the end of the workshop, participants will have completed one or more ceramic sculptures and gained insight into a flexible and experimental approach to figurative ceramics.

Included :

● All materials

● Firing and glazing for up to two medium-sized sculptures (approximately 8 inches tall), or several smaller works.

Finished pieces may either be taken away unfired at the end of the workshop or left for firing and glazing. Extra pieces may be fired and glazed for a small fee to cover materials and firing costs.

Further information:

Please bring a packed lunch (there is also a Co-op nearby) and wear comfortable clay clothes!

There will be a break for lunch. Tea & coffee plus light refreshments will be provided.

Free parking is available outside the studio, or we are a short walk from Cornbrook tram stop.

There will be a studio dog in the pottery so please consider if that is something you are comfortable with!

By booking you agree to our T&C’s.