Winter Solstice Goddess Pottery Sculpture Workshop
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Tutor: Helen McCormick
To celebrate the Winter Solstice, this workshop invites you to create your own Winter Goddess sculpture from stoneware clay.
I’ll guide you through traditional hand-building techniques to shape your figure and add beautiful floral and natural details that capture the spirit of the season.
No experience necessary — just come ready to relax, create, and enjoy.
Your finished sculpture will be left unglazed, allowing it to age naturally in your garden and blend with the elements over time.
All materials and equipment are provided.
Tea and coffee will be available throughout the day, for a small donation — please bring a packed lunch, an apron, and wear old clothes if possible.
After the workshop, I’ll take your sculpture home to be fired in my kiln. It will be ready to collect approximately six weeks later. We will let you know the time and date.
For wheelchair users, the Guildhall is wheelchair accessible through a side entrance with level access.
NB: We are happy to store your work for 6 months from the collection date, after which it will be donated to charity.
£60.00 +£10 for materials and firings, payable to the tutor on the day.
Book online or call The Box Office: 01805 624624
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.
To celebrate the Winter Solstice, this workshop invites you to create your own Winter Goddess sculpture from stoneware clay.
I’ll guide you through traditional hand-building techniques to shape your figure and add beautiful floral and natural details that capture the spirit of the season.
No experience necessary — just come ready to relax, create, and enjoy.
Your finished sculpture will be left unglazed, allowing it to age naturally in your garden and blend with the elements over time.
All materials and equipment are provided.
Tea and coffee will be available throughout the day, for a small donation — please bring a packed lunch, an apron, and wear old clothes if possible.
After the workshop, I’ll take your sculpture home to be fired in my kiln. It will be ready to collect approximately six weeks later. We will let you know the time and date.
For wheelchair users, the Guildhall is wheelchair accessible through a side entrance with level access.
NB: We are happy to store your work for 6 months from the collection date, after which it will be donated to charity.
£60.00 +£10 for materials and firings, payable to the tutor on the day.
Book online or call The Box Office: 01805 624624
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.
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Where is it happening?
Barnstaple Guildhall, Butchers Row,Barnstaple, Devon, United Kingdom
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherSt Anne's Arts & Community Centre, Barnstaple
