Clay Foundations: Surface Decoration & Expression (4 week course)

$395.00

Surface can elevate a simple form into something resolved, expressive and distinctive.

This four-week course with Katrina Leske offers an immersive exploration of decorative processes, equipping you with a wide range of techniques that can transform the way you approach clay. Designed for students with previous experience, it’s an exceptional opportunity to broaden your surface language in a focused and supportive studio environment.

Date:	Thursday 28 May 2026
Time:	6.30pm - 9.30pm
Teacher(s):	Katrina Leske
Location:	Workshop Two

1 SPOTS LEFT

Description

Surface is where technical skill and visual voice meet. In this four-week course, Katrina Leske guides participants through a rich and varied exploration of decorative techniques, building both confidence and fluency across multiple processes.

Aimed at students with prior clay experience, the course combines structured weekly themes with the freedom to pursue your own interests. Each session introduces key demonstrations and practical exercises, alongside small set projects for those who would like clear direction. Participants are encouraged to work across multiple pieces, layering and testing approaches to see how materials interact and respond.

Week 1 – 28th May– Texture
Explore pre-firing textural techniques including carving, fluting, faceting, sgraffito, impressing and stamping. We will consider how surface mark-making interacts with light, glaze and the underlying form.

Week 2- 4th June – Types of Colour Additions
Develop a clear understanding of slips, underglazes, stains, oxides and carbonates. Learn how these materials behave and how to introduce colour with control and intention.

Week 3 -11th June – Applying Colour
Investigate varied application methods such as brushing, stenciling, slip trailing and stamping. Emphasis will be placed on layering, contrast and building depth within your surfaces.

(No class 18th June)

Week 4- 25th June – Additional Decorative Elements
Experiment with resist and glaze techniques including wax, latex, paper and tape, alongside additional approaches that encourage refinement and considered risk-taking.

By the end of the course, you will have developed a substantial decorative toolkit and a stronger understanding of timing, material behaviour and how surface decisions support and strengthen form.

A focused, skill-rich course for makers ready to expand what is possible in their work.

See more about Katrina Leske on her website

- Notes:
- This course is aimed at those with some experience eg. intermediate to advanced potters.
- Please Bring:
4-12 unfired pieces of greenware, ideally leather hard. Pieces can be handbuilt and/or thrown, ideally in a variety of shapes and sizes.
3-5 bisque-fired pieces for use in week 4. Pieces can be handbuilt and/or thrown, ideally in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Tools: Needle tool, metal rib, a medium-large soft paint brush, a range of smaller brushes, a sponge, and any additional tools or texture-making objects you would like to play with e.g. slip trailers, stamps, etc.
A notebook and pencil

Important Information

This course is aimed at those with some experience eg. intermediate to advanced potters.
Duration: Three hours per week for four weeks.
Fees: Includes tuition and studio access. Clay and firing costs are additional and are charged separately.
What to Bring:
4-12 unfired pieces of greenware, ideally leather hard. Pieces can be handbuilt and/or thrown, ideally in a variety of shapes and sizes.
3-5 bisque-fired pieces for use in week 4. Pieces can be handbuilt and/or thrown, ideally in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Tools: Needle tool, metal rib, a medium-large soft paint brush, a range of smaller brushes, a sponge, and any additional tools or texture-making objects you would like to play with e.g. slip trailers, stamps, etc.
A notebook and pencil
Wear sturdy, enclosed shoes, tie back long hair, and leave any precious jewellery at home for safety.
Studio Clean-Up: To maintain a safe and healthy environment, it is a requirement of class attendance that participants clean their workspaces and assist with the general clean-up of the workshop at the end of each class.

Terms and Conditions

Refund Policy – Classes & Short Courses:

Class fees will be refunded, less a 10% admin fee, if cancellation is notified more than 10 business days before the first class date.
If less than 10 business days’ notice is given then a refund, less 10%, will only be given if the place can be taken by another student otherwise the full fee is forfeited.
Please view your booking as a commitment to attend.
Classes cannot be transferred from one term to another or one year to another.
If a class is cancelled due to lack of enrolments, 100% of your class fee will be refunded.
All changes to bookings and refunds incur a 10% administration fee.
Canberra Potters will not issue refunds for missed classes or missed emails. Please ensure you have saved the following Canberra Potters emails to your contact list.
Canberra Potters is a teaching facility and students attend our classes to learn about pottery. Imperfect, broken and cracked items are part of the learning process. We do not provide refunds for work that cracks or breaks while drying, during firing or in general class activities.