Advanced Wheelthrowing Techniques

Led by Remy Pajaczkowski-Russell, students will be instructed in a variety of techniques including advanced coiling to create tall, vertical vessels as well as broad, low-profile pieces. Learn how to manage large amounts of clay and use your body effectively as you shape and manipulate forms, you will also be introduced to techniques for manipulating forms on the wheel to create slabs and ovoid pots. Ideal for students with a solid foundational understanding of throwing techniques, this course is designed to push your skills to the next level.

In a supportive studio environment, students will be guided through group demonstrations and receive one-on-one instruction as they refine their technical approach to creating ambitious ceramic pieces.

At the conclusion of this 5-day program, students will have gained a practical understanding of various advanced wheelthrowing techniques, increased their material understanding of clay, and have gained the skills necessary to continue experimenting with throwing large clay bodies independently.

All clay is provided. A selection of pieces will be bisque fired in the NAS kilns after the workshop. You will be notified by email when the works are ready to be collected. Short courses in glazing techniques are offered in the Terms 1 and 2 NAS Short Courses.

Course Schedule:

The following is an indicative course schedule only. The content and pace of the sessions may vary in response to the students in the program.

Day 1 – Plates & measuring
AM - Introduction in the NAS studio, lecturer demonstration on throwing plates and measuring.
PM - throwing small plates with a focus on consistency and measuring.

Day 2 – Larger amounts of clay
Lecturer demonstration of working with larger volumes of clay and how to use your body.

Days 3 – Coiling
Instruction and demonstration on how to heat forms and attach coils for throwing.

Days 4 – Throwing and Altering
Introduction to using the wheel for slab and ovoid forms.

Day 5 – Resolution & Presentation
Consolidation of techniques and skills learnt throughout the week. Finish trimming and select pieces and take to the kiln shed.


* The course fee incorporates the cost for materials such as clay.

* Short courses and weekend workshops are open to students of ages 16 years and over. The NAS Art Club is open to students between 15 - 17 years of age.

* What to bring? Please refer to the list of required materials in the Art Materials field below.

Students must supply their own art materials, please refer to the list below.

• Towel and protective clothes (old shirt or apron) 
• Notebook and pencils/pens 
• Standard ceramic tool kit including cutting wire, small knife, wooden/rubber/metal kidneys, small sponge
• All clay and other materials are provided 
• We recommend students bring a P2 KN95 disposable mask 
• Enclosed footwear is essential in all studios on campus. 

Remy Pajaczkowski-Russell is an artist working on Gadigal land where he produces a range of domestic ware as well as pieces for exhibition. His practice concerns itself with the ethical production of utilitarian pottery by repurposing waste materials into glazes and clays.

Remy studied ceramics at the National Art School. After completing his degree NAS in 2016, he undertook an apprenticeship in a traditional woodfired pottery studio in La Borne, France. It was here that he developed his passion for woodfired ceramics and expressive slip decoration. Since then, he has worked in commercial ceramic studios and community-run studios, furthering his understanding of ceramics across the craft and industrial production industries. His work is held in public and private collections including Broken Hill Regional Gallery, Cement Fondu, and in the restaurants Bush in Redfern and Karrikin in Yamba.