Bengali-inspired tiles: mythology, flora, and life

About this course

Participants will develop ceramic tile designs from visual research into Bengali art, mythology, natural forms and daily life. They will sketch ideas, create repeating patterns and narrative compositions, then shape clay by hand into consistent tile forms. Teaching combines presentations, demonstrations, discussion, individual guidance and peer critique. Surface techniques include carving, incising and relief, with slips and underglazes used to develop layered imagery and colour. The course also introduces how surface treatments change during firing, while learners receive ongoing feedback on their individual projects.

What you'll learn

• Translate visual research into ceramic surface decoration
• Shape and refine tiles using hand-building techniques
• Apply carving, incising and relief to create textured imagery
• Use slips and underglazes to develop pattern and narrative detail

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners as well as experienced ceramicists interested in developing surface design through mythology, flora and storytelling. Learners work at their own pace on individual projects, with tutor guidance, written and verbal feedback, and opportunities to discuss and critique work with the group.

• Suitable for learners developing individual ceramic projects
• Includes group discussion and peer critique
• Progress is reviewed through ongoing feedback rather than formal assessment

Before you go

• There is no formal homework, although learners may choose to continue developing projects independently.
• Students must follow ceramics workshop health and safety procedures, keep their workspace clean and safe, and tidy tools and equipment after use.
• Lesson resources are available electronically for reference outside class.