Handbuilding with Slabs and Surface Embellishment

Enrol in an immersive and dynamic workshop that explores three-dimensional slab construction with terracotta clay. The emphasis is on developing experimental slab forms with an orientation towards vessel structures. An extensive variety of in-depth surface embellishment techniques will be explored. Julie Bartholomew provides demonstrations of slab construction and surface treatment techniques including brushwork, underglaze and slip application, mono print release, tissue transfer, sgraffito, stamping, sprigging and slip trailing.

Through hands-on exploration, students will gain insight into the innovative possibilities of slab-built ceramics while refining their decorative skills. Whether you are looking to expand your technical expertise or develop a more conceptual approach to ceramic form and surface, this workshop provides a supportive and inspiring environment to create. Selected pieces will be bisque fired in the NAS kilns after the workshop.

Glazing courses are offered at other times of year in the NAS Public Programs.

Please note, it may take up to four weeks after your course ends for works to be available for collection. We will notify you when they are ready for pick up.

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

* NAS Short Courses are open to students of ages 16 years and over. The NAS Art Club is open to students from ages 15 years and over.

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

Dr Julie Bartholomew is an artist, educator and writer, formally Head Ceramics at the University of South Australia and the Australian National University. Through her art practice Julie explores contemporary issues, social debates and recently environmentalism. Julie holds a Doctorate in Visual Arts, a Masters in Ceramics and is the recipient of five Australia Council for the Arts grants and numerous awards. She has participated in national and international art residencies and creates sculptural work using a wide range of ceramic techniques. Julie’s work is held in the collections of the Australian National Gallery, National Museum of Australia, Manly Art Gallery and Museum, Wollongong City Gallery, Shepparton Art Museum, Victoria, Yingge Ceramics Museum, Taiwan and Shanghai Arts and Crafts Museum, Shanghai, China.

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

• Towel
• Protective clothes (old shirt or apron) 
• Notebook and pencils/pens 
• Any ceramics tools that you may already have 
• Non-serrated knife
• Folk
• Metal ruler
• Green plastic garbage bags
• Lidded jar, approx. 500gm
• Scissors
• 2 sheets of flexible cardboard
• 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.