Introduction to Coil Building

Course fee: $480 | Tickets managed through Humanitix.
→ Register and purchase tickets on Humanitix

Course Information

This hand-building workshop series is ideal for beginners and makers looking to build on existing skills. Participants will explore a range of coil-building approaches alongside basic glazing techniques to create a small collection of sculptural and/or functional ceramic objects. No prior experience is required, just curiosity and an interest in working with clay.

Time:
Thursdays: 5:30-8:30pm

Sessions:
6

Dates:
Thursdays: June 25 and July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

Skill Level:
Beginner

Materials included:
Clay, tools, glazes, and firing are included for up to 2 kg of clay. Additional clay, glazing and firing are available at the participant’s expense. BYO clay is optional; Jackson’s Drawing Supplies stocks a variety however, check with Em or Tahlia at Central Craft before purchasing to ensure you get the correct type.

What the Course Covers

Over six sessions, participants will work towards developing a small body of coil-built work, building skills and confidence with each class. The workshops balance structured guidance with space for individual creative exploration. This allows participants to work at their own pace and follow their interests, whether that is functional ware, sculptural forms, or something in between.

Sessions 1 focus areas:
Introduction to coil-building techniques, exploring how different approaches create varied forms. Planning, design development and clay preparation.

Sessions 2-4 focus areas:
Focused building sessions. Participants will develop coil-building skills while learning how to manage drying, refine form, change direction, and add elements such as handles, lids and decorative coils.

Sessions 5-6 focus areas:
Finishing and glazing. These sessions explore simple glazing and surface decoration techniques, considering how surface treatment enhances form. Work will then be prepared for final firing and will be ready for collection after the course concludes.

Facilitator

This course is led by Em Frank, a multidisciplinary artist with a core focus on ceramics. Em is currently a studio tenant at Jam Factory and a ceramics technician at Iwiri Arts.

Her practice spans throwing, slab work, coil building and non-traditional construction techniques. Em is an experienced educator, having taught at Charles Darwin University, Central Craft, Adelaide College of the Arts, Ernabella Arts, as well as in private studio settings. She brings warmth, clarity and deep technical knowledge to her teaching.

Please note: while Em Frank is the primary Facilitator for this course, alternate facilitators may lead some sessions if required.