Join us at Clay Shed for a focused two day handbuilding workshop with ceramic artist Nancy Fuller. The workshop introduces traditional making techniques learned through Nancy’s long term study with master potters across Asia. It is designed for intermediate-level makers who want to deepen their understanding of form and process.
‘This is a holistic course that considers not just the clay, but your body as an essential part of the practice. You’ll receive guidance on posture, stance and finding the clay consistency that best supports your way of working. We’ll begin by grounding you in the fundamentals through wedging and pinching - tuning into your energy and noticing how it shapes your making process. From there, I’ll guide you in controlling form and creating even walls using your hands as tools, paying close attention to how the clay responds to your touch. We’ll explore precise hand movements, the timing of each stage, and what I call “millimetre work”- the small, mindful adjustments that refine and elevate your forms. In my experience, it’s these subtle details that participants often find the most transformative in their practice.’
Participants will develop skills to:
Prepare and understand clay through wedging and pinching
Use hands as primary tools to control form and wall thickness
Refine vessels through precise hand movements and timing
Develop awareness of posture, pressure and clay response
Make small, considered adjustments (“millimetre work”) to improve form and finish
Build confidence working at a scale and style suited to their own practice
Day One: Focuses on grounding participants in fundamental handbuilding techniques. The day begins with clay preparation through wedging and pinching, followed by discussion around form and design. Participants will begin building the base of their vessel, learning how subtle changes in pressure and movement affect the developing form.
Day Two: Introduces paddling techniques and continues the development of the vessel. Participants will refine proportions and surface, paying close attention to rims and mouth openings, before completing a medium-sized form. Individual guidance throughout the day will support each participant’s technical and creative development.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have completed a medium-sized handbuilt vessel appropriate to their level of experience, along with the skills and confidence to continue developing this approach independently.
About Nancy Fuller:
Nancy Fuller graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design with a degree in Fine Art Printmaking and later completed an MA in the History of Art and Archaeology at SOAS, University of London. Born in Taiwan, she returned there on a Mandarin scholarship, where she discovered wood-firing. She later undertook a year-long apprenticeship with anagama master Suzuki Shigeji in Shigaraki, Japan, to design and build her own wood kiln in Scotland. Nancy has since undertaken residencies and participated in international symposiums across Europe, Australia, and the United States.
Class Size: Limited to ensure individual guidance and a focused, supportive learning environment.
Course Price: £340
Max Students: 8
Level: Suitable for intermediate-level participants with some prior experience working with clay.
Duration: 10.30am - 4.30pm each day
Includes: Materials, bisque firing, use of specialist tools and equipment, tea and coffee (dairy-free and herbal alternatives available), afternoon cake
Tutor: Nancy Fuller
Participants must be aged 18 years and over
Join us at Clay Shed for a focused two day handbuilding workshop with ceramic artist Nancy Fuller. The workshop introduces traditional making techniques learned through Nancy’s long term study with master potters across Asia. It is designed for intermediate-level makers who want to deepen their understanding of form and process.
‘This is a holistic course that considers not just the clay, but your body as an essential part of the practice. You’ll receive guidance on posture, stance and finding the clay consistency that best supports your way of working. We’ll begin by grounding you in the fundamentals through wedging and pinching - tuning into your energy and noticing how it shapes your making process. From there, I’ll guide you in controlling form and creating even walls using your hands as tools, paying close attention to how the clay responds to your touch. We’ll explore precise hand movements, the timing of each stage, and what I call “millimetre work”- the small, mindful adjustments that refine and elevate your forms. In my experience, it’s these subtle details that participants often find the most transformative in their practice.’
Participants will develop skills to:
Prepare and understand clay through wedging and pinching
Use hands as primary tools to control form and wall thickness
Refine vessels through precise hand movements and timing
Develop awareness of posture, pressure and clay response
Make small, considered adjustments (“millimetre work”) to improve form and finish
Build confidence working at a scale and style suited to their own practice
Day One: Focuses on grounding participants in fundamental handbuilding techniques. The day begins with clay preparation through wedging and pinching, followed by discussion around form and design. Participants will begin building the base of their vessel, learning how subtle changes in pressure and movement affect the developing form.
Day Two: Introduces paddling techniques and continues the development of the vessel. Participants will refine proportions and surface, paying close attention to rims and mouth openings, before completing a medium-sized form. Individual guidance throughout the day will support each participant’s technical and creative development.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have completed a medium-sized handbuilt vessel appropriate to their level of experience, along with the skills and confidence to continue developing this approach independently.
About Nancy Fuller:
Nancy Fuller graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design with a degree in Fine Art Printmaking and later completed an MA in the History of Art and Archaeology at SOAS, University of London. Born in Taiwan, she returned there on a Mandarin scholarship, where she discovered wood-firing. She later undertook a year-long apprenticeship with anagama master Suzuki Shigeji in Shigaraki, Japan, to design and build her own wood kiln in Scotland. Nancy has since undertaken residencies and participated in international symposiums across Europe, Australia, and the United States.
Class Size: Limited to ensure individual guidance and a focused, supportive learning environment.
Course Price: £340
Max Students: 8
Level: Suitable for intermediate-level participants with some prior experience working with clay.
Duration: 10.30am - 4.30pm each day
Includes: Materials, bisque firing, use of specialist tools and equipment, tea and coffee (dairy-free and herbal alternatives available), afternoon cake
Tutor: Nancy Fuller
Participants must be aged 18 years and over
