Which Ceramics Class Should I Take?

Which Ceramics Class Should I Take?

When deciding which ceramics class to take, consider 3 things: what you want to create, what your experience level is, and what inspires you. If you’d like to learn how to make different kinds of vessels, then a wheel throwing class may be best for you. On the other hand, hand building courses are great for making more creative pieces like coil pots, weaved pieces, or pinch pots (among other things). Before doing your research on which ceramics course is best for you, take some time to consider what your goals are for your next ceramics course, then decide which will help you reach those goals! In the next section we will discuss the different techniques and practices you may encounter in different kinds of ceramics courses!

Deciding which Ceramics Class to take

Hand Building

Hand building courses provide a range of course structures, including studies on pinch pots, coils and coil pots, creating forms in molds, and other hand building techniques. If you are a beginner, it may be helpful to take a beginner hand building course before progressing to other courses, as these basics will help you to become familiar with a range of techniques when using clay, like scoring and manipulating the clay. This class will help you learn basic ceramic skills and help you to become familiar with how to manipulate the clay by hand.

Wheel Throwing

Wheel throwing courses can take some time to get used to, but with good instruction, you can make items to take home in your first few weeks, even if you are new to ceramics. In a wheel throwing class you’ll lean to make different kinds of vessels including bowls and cups, large dishes, vases, and even butter dishes. It may be worth taking a hand building course or a one-off ceramics course to become familiar with the clay if ceramics is new medium for you. But beginner classes are easy enough to find and you should have no trouble finding one if you are dead set on this type of instruction. It is so rewarding to create your own mug or bowl and use it for years and years to come!

One-Off Courses

One-off courses can be great fun! Many studios hold seasonal classes to make things like candle holders, ceramic pumpkins or Christmas trees, or more traditional courses like wheel throwing or hand building meant to help you become familiar with ceramics in a single session. The great thing about these courses is that you’ll typically learn to create one thing with clear step by step instructions. One-off courses can be great if you are busy and don’t have time to take a full-length course, or if you want to dabble in different practices before dedicating yourself to one or two areas to focus on.

Sculpture

Sculpture can come in a range of shapes and sizes, literally! Some classes cover certain parts of the human anatomy, like learning to sculpt hands, feet or the human head. While other courses focus on sculpting small details, specific items, and other creations. Like hand building, much of sculpture is focused on manipulating the clay by hand and with your tools. This can be a great choice to help express yourself with clay, as the physical and mental emotions that go into sculpture are both meditative and stimulating.

Conclusion

Dabbling in one-off courses can be great when deciding which class to take, but if you already know what you are most interested in, start your search for a studio near you and get started (Check out this post on how to find Ceramics Classes!) You can also do some research on YouTube, Pinterest, or Instagram to see what inspires you and what other artists are making. You may find something different from your original motivation to take a ceramics course and instead of taking a wheel throwing class, take a sculpture class instead! Explore, and enjoy the process of creating art. We hope you enjoy this post, and let us know what class you plan to take!