What
7-week ceramics course
When
2 September – 14 October 2026
Wednesday evenings, 6:00 – 8:30pm
One Saturday session on 26 September
Where
DOT Workshops
27a Tasma St, North Hobart
(Final firing session venue TBA)
Cost
$650 per person
Description
Discover the ancient art of primitive firing in this unique 7-week ceramics course, where you'll create hand-built ceramic forms and experience the complete journey from raw clay to finished fired work.
Designed for beginners wanting to build confidence with clay, as well as those more experienced looking to expand their practice, this course explores traditional hand-building techniques including pinching, coiling and slab construction. Along the way, you'll learn how to refine surfaces through burnishing and prepare your work for alternative firing methods.
The course includes two exciting firing experiences. Firstly participants will work together to construct and fire a primitive kiln. For the second firing you'll prepare selected pieces for firing in an electric kiln using handmade saggars and natural materials to create rich, unpredictable surface effects.
By exploring both ancient and contemporary firing techniques, this course offers a rare opportunity to experience the transformative process of fire while developing a deeper understanding of clay, surface and atmosphere.
Please note: The primitive firing day will be held at an outdoor venue to be advised.
This workshop is for 18+ only.
Classes take place in DOT’s ceramics studio in North Hobart, — a working space shared by artists and designers.
One outdoor session-Saturday 26th Sept at a venue to be announced.
You’ll be guided by Ceramic artist Andrea Barker and supported by a small cohort of like-minded makers.
What you’ll learn
– The fundamentals of hand-building: coiling, slab building, pinching.
– Approaches to designing sculptural forms.
– An introduction to surface development using the ancient art of burnishing pottery.
– Practical studio skills: handling clay, using tools, safety, kiln building and primitive firing.
– Exploring further possibilities in surface mark marking using organic materials such as seaweed, wire, straw to achieve unexpected results from the firing.
What to bring
– Apron/T-shirt and an old towel
– Warm clothes, dot. is a large studio space and can be cold of an evening
– Non synthetic clothing for firing day including covered shoes/boots
Other things to know
– This course is for ages 18+
– Class sizes are capped to keep things focused and safe
– Please check all dates before booking as make-up classes aren’t available
Cancellation policy
Our cancellation and rescheduling terms are available here.
What
7-week ceramics course
When
2 September – 14 October 2026
Wednesday evenings, 6:00 – 8:30pm
One Saturday session on 26 September
Where
DOT Workshops
27a Tasma St, North Hobart
(Final firing session venue TBA)
Cost
$650 per person
Description
Discover the ancient art of primitive firing in this unique 7-week ceramics course, where you'll create hand-built ceramic forms and experience the complete journey from raw clay to finished fired work.
Designed for beginners wanting to build confidence with clay, as well as those more experienced looking to expand their practice, this course explores traditional hand-building techniques including pinching, coiling and slab construction. Along the way, you'll learn how to refine surfaces through burnishing and prepare your work for alternative firing methods.
The course includes two exciting firing experiences. Firstly participants will work together to construct and fire a primitive kiln. For the second firing you'll prepare selected pieces for firing in an electric kiln using handmade saggars and natural materials to create rich, unpredictable surface effects.
By exploring both ancient and contemporary firing techniques, this course offers a rare opportunity to experience the transformative process of fire while developing a deeper understanding of clay, surface and atmosphere.
Please note: The primitive firing day will be held at an outdoor venue to be advised.
This workshop is for 18+ only.
Classes take place in DOT’s ceramics studio in North Hobart, — a working space shared by artists and designers.
One outdoor session-Saturday 26th Sept at a venue to be announced.
You’ll be guided by Ceramic artist Andrea Barker and supported by a small cohort of like-minded makers.
What you’ll learn
– The fundamentals of hand-building: coiling, slab building, pinching.
– Approaches to designing sculptural forms.
– An introduction to surface development using the ancient art of burnishing pottery.
– Practical studio skills: handling clay, using tools, safety, kiln building and primitive firing.
– Exploring further possibilities in surface mark marking using organic materials such as seaweed, wire, straw to achieve unexpected results from the firing.
What to bring
– Apron/T-shirt and an old towel
– Warm clothes, dot. is a large studio space and can be cold of an evening
– Non synthetic clothing for firing day including covered shoes/boots
Other things to know
– This course is for ages 18+
– Class sizes are capped to keep things focused and safe
– Please check all dates before booking as make-up classes aren’t available
Cancellation policy
Our cancellation and rescheduling terms are available here.
