From Lump to Luxury: Uncovering the Secrets of Mastering Hand-Building Techniques for Functional Ware

AMELIA: Welcome to our podcast, where we explore the world of ceramics and the incredible opportunities it has to offer. I'm your host, Amelia, and today, I'm excited to welcome Anthony, an expert in hand-building techniques and one of the instructors for our Advanced Certificate in Mastering Hand-Building Techniques for Functional Ware. Anthony, welcome to the show! ANTHONY: Thanks, Amelia. It's great to be here. I'm looking forward to sharing my passion for hand-building and the benefits of this advanced certificate program. AMELIA: So, let's dive right in. For those who may not be familiar, can you tell us a bit about the course and what students can expect to learn? ANTHONY: Absolutely. This program is designed to take students to the next level in their ceramics journey. We'll be exploring various hand-building techniques, including coiling, pinching, and slab construction, and applying them to create functional pieces that are both beautiful and useful. AMELIA: That sounds amazing. I know that many of our listeners are interested in pursuing a career in ceramics. Can you talk about the career opportunities that this course can lead to? ANTHONY: Definitely. With a strong foundation in hand-building, students can go on to become professional artists, teachers, or entrepreneurs. They can also work in related fields, such as design or conservation. The skills they learn in this program will give them the confidence and expertise to succeed in whatever path they choose. AMELIA: That's really exciting. I know that our listeners are also interested in the practical applications of the course. Can you give us some examples of the types of projects that students will be working on? ANTHONY: Of course. Throughout the program, students will be working on a variety of projects, from functional pieces like bowls and cups to more decorative items like vases and sculptures. They'll also have the opportunity to experiment with different materials and techniques, which will help them develop their own unique style. AMELIA: I love that. I know that one of the unique features of this program is the opportunity to showcase work in our annual exhibition. Can you tell us a bit more about that? ANTHONY: Yes, that's a great benefit of the program. Our annual exhibition is a fantastic way for students to gain exposure and recognition in the ceramics community. It's also a great opportunity for them to see their work in a professional setting and get feedback from peers and industry experts. AMELIA: That sounds like an incredible experience. Finally, what advice would you give to someone who's considering enrolling in this program? ANTHONY: I would say that this program is perfect for anyone who's passionate about ceramics and wants to take their skills to the next level. It's a challenging but rewarding program that will give you the expertise and confidence to succeed in your career. AMELIA: Thanks, Anthony, for sharing