Pottery & Ceramics
Foraged and found materials for ceramics
A beginner-level ceramics course on identifying, preparing and testing foraged or found materials through demonstrations, discussions, and individual and group studio projects.
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Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
The course explores how natural and found resources can be incorporated into ceramic practice. Learners investigate local clays, rocks, minerals, ash and recycled objects, considering their properties and how they can be tested, refined and used in ceramic work. Teaching combines studio demonstrations, presentations, discussions, practical group and individual projects, and ongoing feedback. Activities cover hand-building, throwing and glazing, alongside ethical and legal considerations for foraging, health and safety with raw or unknown materials, and case studies of contemporary ceramicists. Learners also document and review their material tests and results.
What you'll learn
- Identify and responsibly collect basic foraged materials suitable for ceramics
- Process and incorporate found resources into clay bodies, slips, engobes and glazes
- Develop and test slips and glazes using local materials
- Document material research, tests and results for future reference
- Produce ceramic pieces using foraged or found materials
Is this course right for you?
The course is aimed at ceramics students with some basic experience, while also welcoming beginners with a strong interest in exploring materials. The Beginner label suggests an introductory level, but the source does not state that previous experience is required. Learners should be able to use numbers and carry out simple measurements and calculations. Participation includes individual work, group projects, discussions and self-review.
- Beginners with a strong interest in materials exploration are welcome
- Basic numerical skills are needed for simple measurements and calculations
- Teaching includes group projects and discussions as well as individual work
Before you go
- Closed shoes are required, such as shoes that are not open-toed sandals
- Department tools are available for use, although learners may bring or purchase their own
- Learners are encouraged to bring found materials for experimentation
- Workshop practice and health and safety guidelines must be followed