Programme Goals
​
The workshop invites participants to explore the sculptural possibilities of clay by learning how to form elegant cylindrical shapes through the age-old coiling technique. This journey begins with the creation of a planter, where the slow, rhythmic stacking of coils builds a strong, tactile structure that is then brought to life with a 2D facial design, allowing the surface and form to interact in playful harmony. Building on these skills, the experience flows into an exploration of slab building, where smooth, hand-rolled sheets of clay are combined with coiling and delicate printing methods. Inspired by the textures and patterns of the natural world—leaves, petals, ripples of water—participants will craft jewellery trays that are both functional and poetic, celebrating the union of technique, imagination, and the organic beauty of clay.
1
Coiling
Coiling is one of the oldest and most versatile hand-building methods in pottery. It involves rolling clay into long, snake-like ropes or coils. Layering the coils one on top of the other to gradually build up the walls of a vessel — such as bowls, vases, or cylindrical forms. In the forst workshop, we will be building a planter through coiling and adding handles.
2
Mark Making & Colouring
Mark making is the act of leaving intentional patterns, textures, or impressions on the clay surface. This can be done while the clay is still damp or at the leather-hard stage, using tools or even natural objects like leaves, shells, or fabric.
It’s all about giving the piece character and a sense of storytelling. In our second workshop, we will look into the practical side of mark making, refining and colouring our pieces.
3
Slab Building & Printing
Slab building is a hand-building technique where flat sheets of clay are used as the building blocks for your piece. The slabs are made by rolling out clay evenly, like rolling dough with a rolling pin.These flat sheets can be cut, bent, or joined together to form walls, bases, and even sculptural shapes. Slab building is especially good for making geometric forms — such as boxes, trays, tiles, or architectural pieces — and for creating smooth, clean surfaces.
For example, in our workshop, we will explore building a jewellery tray project using slabs and coils and printing.
4
Refining & Coluring
Refining is all about perfecting the form and surface after the piece has been built but before it is fully dry. It’s usually done when the clay is leather-hard — firm but still carvable. in our workshop, we will look into several steps to demonstrate how to smooth surfaces, tidy up joints, trim edges, carve any decortaions and show you how we prepare for drying and firing.
Disclaimer
The Organiser reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to amend, substitute, or modify the subject matter, content, or structure of any workshop session. While every effort will be made to maintain the advertised programme, circumstances may require changes to ensure the quality and relevance of the workshop.
In the event of a significant change to the overall schedule or a full cancellation of the workshop, participants will be notified as soon as reasonably possible.
About
My name is Claudia Chircop
Claudia Chircop is a 2D animator and ceramic artist with a strong passion for storytelling and education. After earning a Fine Arts degree from MCAST and an MA in Character Animation from the University of the Arts London, she worked across animation, marketing, and arts education in Germany, the UK, and Malta. Her animated works, including the award-winning short film The Bench, have been showcased internationally, while her fine art has been exhibited locally. Since 2020, she has deepened her focus on both ceramics and animation, using these media to explore mood and narrative. She currently lectures at MCAST, and her work blends fantasy and nostalgia, using colour and form to craft evocative, playful stories.
