Gluggle Jug Pottery Workshop

Tutor:  Helen McCormick

Come and join Helen for a fun day learning how to make your own beautiful Gluggle Jug using hand-building techniques… As seen on The Great Pottery Throw Down.

This workshop is designed for those who have some basic knowledge/experience of using clay.  If you are a complete beginner and have never touched clay and would love to have a go, then please do not be dissuaded.

Helen breaks down each step into simple instructions and will support you all the way. You just need to keep in mind that this will be an ambitious project and being kind to yourself and managing expectations will be important.

All ages welcome (14 yrs & under must be accompanied by an adult).

All materials and equipment will be provided.

Tea and Coffee will be available throughout the day.

10am-5pm.

If a workshop you'd like to do is fully booked ring Box Office (01805 624624) to be added to the waiting list, you might be lucky! This also helps us ascertain the demand for particular workshops when programming.

The only thing you need to bring is an apron and wear old clothes if possible.

After the workshop, Helen will carefully take your sculpture home and fire it in her kiln. These sculptures are not glazed as the terracotta will age beautifully in your garden over time. Your sculpture will be ready to collect approximately 4-6 weeks after the workshop. We will let you know the date and time.

PARKING

The closest long term car parks (and the cheapest) can be found at:

Fair View, Barnstaple EX31 1JR

Pilton Causeway, Barnstaple EX32 7AA

About Helen

I am a Welsh ceramicist and art teacher living in Cullompton, Devon. My hand-built ceramic vessels are strongly influenced by the coast and my time living, teaching and travelling in South East Asia. My forms are inspired by my first-hand experience of bulbous and curvaceous shapes found in many of the countries I travelled through. 

Each vessel is an exploration into the plasticity of the clay and the relationship between the maker and material. Beginning with a simple pinch pot, I build each piece over a few days so that there is time to reflect whilst the clay is drying and before adding the next coil. I then turn back the form by hand with a metal kidney, carving excess clay away, and using a mirror to help me achieve symmetry. I use stoneware clay, which I high bisque fire before applying very thin glaze. The surface is achieved by layering slip and barium glaze via pouring, dipping, spraying or brushing onto the vessel, layering the glaze. Each piece is a flux of blues and greens, reflecting the richness of the ocean.

I studied a BA in 3D Design at Exeter School of Art in 1996-1999 and a MA in Ceramics in Cardiff in 2003-2004. Having a desire to share my knowledge I completed a PGCE in Secondary Art and Design 2005-2006. I have taught in schools in Wales, England, Ghana, Thailand and Hungary for 16 years. I am now taking a leap of faith and focusing on sharing my skills via local community workshops and developing my studio practice; in my new life as an independent educator and studio potter.

I am a member of the Westcountry Potters Association and The Cullompton Arts House.