Form & Movement: Black & White

Using dramatic black clay encounter simple press mould approaches to create a shape of a platter

Across this two-hour workshop become acquainted with the hand-built pieces of Janet Leach. Using dramatic black clay encounter simple press mould approaches to create a shape of a platter. Participants then make their own set of experimental pottery tools using natural materials. Once the ceramic forms have been adapted to participants then introduce quick and bold decoration to the surfaces using their handmade tools.
No previous pottery skills are required. Tea coffee and cake are on offer across the workshop which aims to have a relaxed and friendly feel.
Janet Leach (1918-1997) work’s can be defined by her rough organic and earthy textures, never shying away from natural shapes. Often bold in her simple decorative approaches, she would use black clay and white slips and glazes which were either poured or quickly sketched on to the surfaces of the raw clay. Janet trained in Japan and therefore her approach holds onto the balance and style of Japanese pottery while nodding towards the more traditional country pottery styles of England. Janet Leach is widely credited for preserving the Leach Pottery and protecting it from developments and was Director of the pottery after her husband, Bernard Leach’s, death in 1979.

Outcomes from the workshop will either be posted back to the makers or available for collection. Please note this may take up to 12 weeks from the start of the workshop . Pieces will be fired but, in keeping with the inspiration routes , no glazing will be used . Outcomes are decorative and will have a footprint no larger than 20 by 20 by 20 centimetres.
16 people will be in the workshop and the workshop will be supported by two leaders.
We are fortunate to use the beautiful core learning space at St Ives community orchard.