This course is suited to beginners and experienced ceramicists, who are interested in developing their surface design skills, as well as artists looking to explore mythology and flora themes in clay. It will appeal to those with an interest in pattern, illustration, and storytelling in ceramics, and to anyone curious about Bengali art and symbolism.

You will learn to:

- Translate visual research into ceramic surface decoration
- Create and refine ceramic tiles using hand-building techniques
- Apply carving and relief methods to produce detailed imagery
- Use slips or underglazes to enhance pattern and storytelling


You will leave the course with a collection of finished or fired tiles that demonstrate your exploration of narrative, pattern, and cultural inspiration in ceramics.

The course is delivered through a combination of tutor presentations, practical demonstrations, discussion, knowledge sharing amongst learners, and one-to-one support. You will be working at your own pace and be given verbal and written feedback on your progress. You will be introduced to new approaches while building on your prior learning. Sessions are designed to be engaging and appropriately challenging, helping you to refine your skills and confidence.

Learning will take place on each student's own terms at his or her own pace. Interest in each other's work will be encouraged by means of a group discussion and critique at the end of each session.

At the end of the course, the tutor will assess your progress and advise you on the next step.

Resources used within each lesson are available electronically for you to revisit outside of class.

There is no formal homework; however, your tutor may discuss ideas with you individually to help extend your study and for ongoing independent projects and research. You will also be signposted to useful suppliers, resources, and websites to enrich your study. Your tutor will also recommend exhibitions, films and websites for you to visit to enrich your study.

Students are expected to follow good studio practice and comply with WM College health and safety procedures to manage the risks inherent in a ceramics workshop (e.g. dust, spills). This includes maintaining a clean and safe working environment, promptly tidying your workspace, tools and equipment, and contributing to a positive, respectful studio culture that values inclusivity and celebrates diversity.

There is no formal assessment for this course. Instead, you will work with your tutor to identify and review your personal aims, focusing on developing your individual projects. You will receive ongoing one-to-one feedback, with opportunities to reflect on and share your work with peers. Your tutor will also support you in evaluating your progress and planning next steps for your practice. There is no expectation to complete work outside of class, though you may choose to continue developing your projects independently.

By the end of the course, you will have deepened your understanding of ceramic processes, refined your technical skills, and gained greater confidence and independence in using specialist tools, materials and equipment.

After the course, you may wish to enrol for a further term to continue developing your skills, explore more complex techniques, or undertake more ambitious pottery projects. For more information, please visit our website or contact the 3D Art and Crafts Curriculum Manager at ArtsSchool@wmcollege.ac.uk.