Short Course

About the course 

Learn to create forms in clay using the techniques of coiling, slab building and pinching.

This workshop is suitable for both beginners and people with some experience. The course fosters observation, through an understanding of form, scale, and detail, while encouraging imagination. Students will analyse their understanding of what they see, and have imagined, and present a finished sculpture and a number of modelled sketches. The outcome will include a set of technical tasks and the developmental work towards the production of their individualised project.

In this workshop, your tutor will share their experience of modelling and tips and tricks for the successful building of an abstract or figurative sculpture. This course will address issues of structure and design as well as expression and appropriate texture. The ideas will be worked out by means of smaller models.

Participants are welcome to bring sketches for their own projects.

The class will be taught through demonstrations and through one-on-one teaching and conversations with each participant. The aim is to support each participant in the realisation of their own work. Each participant will finish one or more small- to medium-size forms that will be fired. There is also the chance to learn how to create a simple two-piece mould and plaster casting from one or more of the figures created. In this module, you can cast your handmade forms or even bring in unique objects – for example, an avocado. Mould making is also quite functional. Once you create a mould, you can make multiple casts from it. For example, imagine producing an army of penguins!

2025 intakes

We offer this course on a Thursday evening over eight weeks (6pm-8pm).

We offer one intake per term: 

It is only possible to enrol for one term at a time. There will be no classes on public holidays. 

Enrolments for the following term will open on the Wednesday before the current term starts, i.e. approximately 9 weeks before the start date of the next term you wish to enrol for.  

What if I want to attend the same course next term?

If you want to repeat this course, you will need to apply and pay for each term separately, via our Eventbrite platform (by clicking the link above).  

Course fees

$250 per term

Please note: Student loans are not available for short courses and night classes.

Learners under 16

• We welcome learners under 16 but they do need parental consent to take this night class. 
• If you are a learner under 16, please do the following:
  • ask your parent or guardian if it's okay for you to do this night class 
  • apply online and tick the box during the application process that says that you are under 16 
  • ask your parent or guardian to send an email to anca@op.ac.nz (Art Night Class Administration) letting us know that they're happy for you to take the night class.

Materials

Please come in wearing old clothes or have something to cover your clothes with, such as overalls. Covered footwear is required. Please bring in any ideas, images or artists that you would like to use as inspiration.

Students will need to bring cash for clay purchases. Clay is available for purchase on-site, prices from $30 for a 10kg bag.

Tutor

Classes will be presented by Eva Ding.

Eva Ding is currently studying for her MFA at Dunedin School of Art after graduating with a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours) in Ceramics and Sculpture. Her practice spans a variety of materials, with a particular focus on exploring the possibilities of ceramics in contemporary art. 

Directions

Classes are held in the Plaster Room, in the Sculpture Department at the Dunedin School of Art. Please click here for a map.

Go to the main entrance of the Dunedin School of Art at 19 Riego St (off the Anzac Avenue end of Albany St).

Refund information

For our 2024 enrolments you may be issued a full (except for Eventbrite fees) automatic refund up to 7 days before your event starts by requesting a refund through Eventbrite.

Refund requests after this date can be made by contacting anca@op.ac.nz (Art Night Class Administration). These will be accepted on a case-by-case basis when exceptional circumstances are present. No refunds will be accepted after the start date of the class.

Please note, classes are offered on the basis that enrolment is for the full course.

Got a question?

For enquiries, please email Artnightclass@op.ac.nz