Sleeping Cats & Dogs Terracotta Sculpture Workshop
Schedule
Sat Jul 04 2026 at 10:00 am to 04:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Barnstaple Guildhall | Barnstaple, EN
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Tutor: Helen McCormickCome join Helen for a fun pottery workshop where you can create your own adorable terracotta sleeping dog or cat masterpiece!
This workshop is designed to be a relaxed, friendly space where you can meet new people and enjoy the opportunity to create, learn and have fun.
During the day, you’ll learn how to hand-build your own sleeping cat or dog sculpture using traditional techniques.
Helen will take you through each stage step by step and support you all the way. - no experience necessary.
All materials and equipment are provided.
The only thing you need to bring is an apron or wear old clothes if possible.
After the workshop, Helen will carefully take your sculpture home and fire it in her kiln. These sculptures are not glazed as the terracotta will age beautifully in your garden over time. Your sculpture will be ready to collect approximately 3-6 weeks after the workshop from St Anne’s. We will let you know the date and time.
Please follow Helen on Instagram and Facebook to see photographs of work made in previous workshops. Search for Helen McCormick Ceramics
Tea & Coffee available throughout the day for a small donation.
£60.00 +£10 for materials, firings, payable to the tutor on the day.
Book online or call The Box Office: 01805 624624 (f no reply, press Option 3 to leave a message for St Anne's, we will return your call ASAP).
If a workshop you'd like to do is fully booked ring Box Office (01805 624624) to be added to the waiting list, you might be lucky! This also helps us ascertain the demand for particular workshops when programming.
PARKING
The closest long term car parks (and the cheapest) can be found at:
Fair View, Barnstaple EX31 1JR
Pilton Causeway, Barnstaple EX32 7AA
About Helen
I am a Welsh ceramicist and art teacher living in Cullompton, Devon. My hand-built ceramic vessels are strongly influenced by the coast and my time living, teaching and travelling in South East Asia. My forms are inspired by my first-hand experience of bulbous and curvaceous shapes found in many of the countries I travelled through.
Each vessel is an exploration into the plasticity of the clay and the relationship between the maker and material. Beginning with a simple pinch pot, I build each piece over a few days so that there is time to reflect whilst the clay is drying and before adding the next coil. I then turn back the form by hand with a metal kidney, carving excess clay away, and using a mirror to help me achieve symmetry. I use stoneware clay, which I high bisque fire before applying very thin glaze. The surface is achieved by layering slip and barium glaze via pouring, dipping, spraying or brushing onto the vessel, layering the glaze. Each piece is a flux of blues and greens, reflecting the richness of the ocean.
I studied a BA in 3D Design at Exeter School of Art in 1996-1999 and a MA in Ceramics in Cardiff in 2003-2004. Having a desire to share my knowledge I completed a PGCE in Secondary Art and Design 2005-2006. I have taught in schools in Wales, England, Ghana, Thailand and Hungary for 16 years. I am now taking a leap of faith and focusing on sharing my skills via local community workshops and developing my studio practice; in my new life as an independent educator and studio potter.
I am a member of the Westcountry Potters Association and The Cullompton Arts House.
See here for all upcoming workshops with Helen McCormick.
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Where is it happening?
Barnstaple Guildhall, Butchers Row,Barnstaple, Devon, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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