Slow Clay Centre specialises in ceramic art and pottery education and offers a developmental pathway from total beginners to advanced professionals. Within a carefully structured curriculum our framework of creative enquiry and explorative education encourages an individual approach whist catering for requisite knowledge and technical development.
We offer an extensive variety of classes and workshops throughout the year. Classes are offered on a weekly basis by the term, weekend intensives, summer and winter school for advanced students, private mentoring, corporate, team building and short workshops. We pride ourselves on offering a strong connection to professional artists through a rich variety of guest artist workshops, educational forums and panel discussions for the higher level student. We cater mostly for adults, but are also committed to our popular children’s after school and holiday classes so everyone can start young and learn the art of working with clay!
Weekly classes: We offer three foundational courses at a weekly level by the term, 4 terms per year. Our unique Slow Clay method ™ for teaching the pottery wheel; our established Form & Surface course for teaching hand-building; and our seductive Porcelain Small Objects course for experiencing porcelain. These are developmental and continuing students are given priority to book for the next term. Students can dive deep and stay for a few years or move between the classes so they get a broad experience.
Our Slow Clay Method ™ for teaching use of the pottery wheel was developed by centre director and established ceramic artist Jane Sawyer. Based on the Japanese techniques Jane studied as a young apprentice in Japan, the Slow Clay Method offers ergonomic best-practice and provides a solid foundation for personal expression and confidence with clay. This method been taught and refined over thirty years. Jane also provides teaching training to new teachers in this method and all Slow Clay Centre teachers of the wheel are trained in the method to ensure continuity. See under teachers bios below for more specific info about our teachers.
Based in a purpose-designed, intimate and welcoming inner-city location in Collingwood, Melbourne, Australia, the Slow Clay team includes a range of professional ceramic artists and experienced graduate teachers, many recognised leaders in their field. Together they create a vibrant community of enthusiasts.
Welcome to Slow Clay Centre where you can set your own pace, explore widely and develop deeply!
We invite you join our monthly to keep up to date with enrolment options and to share our passion for and addiction to clay!
“The thing I love most about Slow Clay is the wonderful opportunity to work alongside practicing Ceramic artists who are so willing to share their own knowledge and experience with students. Slow Clay operates with excellent studio practice in terms of cleanliness, quality clays and timely and efficient firings. Thank you all!” (name supplied)
Weekly courses: please note we open for new enrolments for each forthcoming term approximately half way through a current term. The enrolment date will be publicised on each booking page. We give priority to existing students to hold their place each term so we sometimes do not have many spots to offer. We apologise if you miss out but we encourage you to keep trying because we want to welcome you!
