Pottery lessons - Storrington, West Sussex
About us
James
Studio owner James produces work for sale but also loves to open his studio to introduce others to this very mindful and therapeutic art form.
In contrast to many other pottery lessons where people are taught in large groups and often given a lump of clay and 'left to get on with it', we only have a maximum of four at a time for wheel-throwing sessions. This means that you will have the tutor's attention throughout. The emphasis is on proper, attentive and focused tuition, and exploring a different, more gentle approach to throwing - working with the clay rather than against it. James enjoys passing on these techniques, especially to those who have previously been told they must 'wrestle' with the clay.
James is a qualified teacher so has an understanding of different learning styles and the need for a safe and encouraging learning environment - and whilst there is always plenty of time to play and experiment, you will be working to clear, specific objectives
- Sessions are conducted at the following times, please state your preferred days and times when making an enquiry, and please also note that Saturday sessions tend to involve booking a fair bit in advance -
Mondays - Thursdays 1000-1200, 1300-1500, 1800-2000
Saturdays - 1230-1430, 1500-1700
- Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring anything? - No, just short fingernails for throwing! You may wish to bring an apron, and please make sure that long hair, hoodie draw strings etc. are tied back and that jewellery is removed. You are welcome to 'bring a bottle' for date night sessions! **Short fingernails are extremely important - it's really frustrating to have to cancel a session when people arrive with long nails.**
How many pieces of pottery do I get to keep? - For introductory sessions and date nights, one piece of pottery (whichever is your favourite) will be glazed and fired to return to you. For courses, you will keep your favourite pieces of pottery made during the 5 sessions - usually this is around 6 - 8 pieces.
- How long will it take for my pottery to be fired? - Please be patient, we aim to have work turned around within a month, but it will sometimes be longer than that during periods of kiln maintenance.
- How long will you keep the finished pottery for? - Unless we are posting work back, we will keep finished pieces for 6 weeks after you have been informed that they are ready for collection. We will contact you via text message to let you know that they are ready. We are keen to get your finished work back to you and always willing to arrange postage, but if we don't hear from you, or your pots remain uncollected, we are unable to keep them after 6 weeks.
Do I get to choose which glaze for my pots? - Yes! - If you are doing a course, you will be able to choose whichever glazes are on the shelves during your fifth session. For date nights, introductory sessions and hand-building sessions, your work will be glazed in one of the studio glazes.
Is it suitable for children? - Younger children struggle with the pottery wheel and can become a bit frustrated, as it takes practice and coordination! It's probably best to wait until the age of around 14 years.
How many people will be at the session? - There are four wheels, so there will only be a maximum of four people at each throwing session. For one-to-one / private tuition, please click the relevant tab!
