Ceramic lessons from the best

TALENTED and long-time ceramic artist Ruby Pilven recently kicked off some creative online lessons, showing intermediate potters new and varied techniques.

Hosted by The Ceramic School, Pilven’s online workshops aim to guide those who already have some materials and a kiln to their disposal but want to learn more from one of the best in Ballarat.

“I was invited to participate in The Ceramic School International Congress Korea by friend and fellow ceramic artist Vipoo Srivilasa who has an exhibition currently on show at the Art Gallery,” Pilven said.

“In this workshop I cover; how to make your own coloured clay, how to use your coloured clay to make these beautiful decorative ceramic jewellery, how to make a variety of porcelain jewellery from your coloured clay including beaded and pendant necklaces, earrings, rings and bangles.

“I also touch on how to clean up and glaze your jewellery and how to add the fixings to your jewellery to make them functional.”

With the workshops being pre-recorded, once participants have watched through once, they can return to the recording, or download it, and check it out whenever they like to brush up on their skills.

“Since this workshop is aimed at skilled potters who already have their own kiln and materials, I am also thinking of creating my own basic workshops held at my studio in Smythes Creek,” Pilven said.

“I would offer basic hand building, wheel throwing and more, so for anyone interested, please sign up to my mailing list by going to my website.

“If you don’t have any ceramics experience or materials or equipment that’s ok, just subscribe to my mailing list and I’ll be contact.”

For more experienced ceramicists who have the appropriate equipment to their disposal and would like to get involved, you can buy the online course at links.ceramic.school/rubypilven.