The Art of Throwing

During this 5-day course you will learn the skills required to reproduce the same form on the potter’s wheel, over and over again. Throughout the week, you will try techniques such as ‘throwing off the hump’, measuring for replication, and how to use different tools to ensure consistency across forms. Central to this course is how to use the wheel efficiently, revealed through Remy’s group demonstrations as well as his one-on-one guidance, in a supportive studio environment. He will help you create an individual aesthetic with clay by using the wheel as a tool to further your visual language and interests. 

This course is ideal for students who have a good base understanding of throwing clay and are looking to upskill and breakthrough to the next level of knowledge and practice. All clay is provided and selected pieces will be bisque fired in the NAS kilns after the workshop. You’ll be notified when they are ready for picking up. Glazing courses are offered at other times of year in the NAS Public Programs.

* 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.

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.

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

• Notebook to jot down notes and ideas
• Old towel
• Protective clothing (such as old shirt or apron) and covered footwear
• Any ceramic tools that you may already have
• We recommend students bring a P2 KN95 disposable mask
• All clay and other materials are provided
• Enclosed footwear is essential in all studios on campus.