1st, 2nd, 3rd, August 2026 10am-4pm. Refreshments from 9.30am.
A three-day intensive wheel-throwing masterclass with Steph Buttle, exploring the theme of ‘Collection’.
Steph has been a member of the CA teaching team since moving to North Devon in 2023. Since graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2015, Steph has worked as an artist, maker and educator. Her teaching experience includes ceramic tutor and visiting artist posts at Morley college London and Central Saint Martins. Her teaching style and art practice are influenced by an eclectic artistic life as a dancer, actress and film maker. These experiences bring a dynamic experimental approach to her teaching. Steph has exhibited her work internationally including shows at Hauser & Wirth and Messums. Artist in residence posts include the 2019 British Ceramics Biennial.
This course is an invitation for throwers who have some prior experience. We will focus on the fundamentals of wheel technique, reinforcing strong foundations to your practice, including clay preparation, centering, controlling form and turning. The aim being, to enable confidence and control in your ongoing independent practice.
The idea of ‘Collection’: it’s a conversation towards bringing a balance and continuity within your practice and a visual structure to a body of work. This could be a group of objects, either functional or more artistic, such as sculptural forms. We will explore how a collection is brought together through materials and decoration, scale and form, function or meaning, thereby bringing a more considered understanding and confidence to the pieces that you make.
Each part of the throwing and turning process will be demonstrated by Steph throughout the three days. There will be space for questions and for any difficulties to be addressed and resolved within this exciting and challenging pottery process.
PRICE INCLUDES: a dedicated wheel for each student, all materials and bisque and glaze firing for up to five pots.
Non-studio members may choose either two hours of studio time to glaze their own work or glazing by our studio technicians using our in-house glazes. We aim to have your pieces fired and ready for collection approximately 6-8 weeks later. However, sometimes matters beyond our control happen and this may impact our firing schedule.
WHAT TO BRING: please bring your own apron and hand towel. All pottery tools will be provided, although you are welcome to bring any personal tools you enjoy working with. A light breakfast will be served on arrival from 9.30am, and refreshments will be available throughout the day. Please bring your own lunch; a microwave will be available for your use.