A Love of Teaching
Whether young or old, inexperienced or already creatively accomplished, there is nothing more rewarding than helping students exceed their expectations and create something that goes beyond what they thought themselves to be capable of. I teach in a few formats, maybe one of them would suit you!:
In Person Courses from the Phoenix Studio
To see my 2022 Phoenix Studio Course dates please click here!
Suitable for:
- Complete clay novices and beyond
Up until now I have taught two different classes from the Phoenix Studio – Clay Animals and Wire and Mixed Media. The Studio is in rural Oxfordshire, 30 mins east of Oxford and not far from London. People come from far and wide to attend these popular courses and there are a number of lovely accommodation providers near to the studio.
Due to the pandemic and it not being particularly safe to teach indoors over the winter months, I have decided not to run any in real life courses until May 2022. When they do return though, I will be running more courses than ever before and with new formats too!
Email james@phoenixstudio.co.uk to express your interest in attending one of my courses. By doing this you will be one of the first to know when the new dates are announced.
Do also sign up to the mailing list as well to keep up to date with James’ progress and Phoenix Studio life. Discover more about the Phoenix Studio, its other tutors, and courses here too.
Private One-to-One Clay Animal Zoom Sessions
Suitable for:
- Intermediate to experienced sculptors
- Those who have access to their own clay, sculpture materials, a kiln or who cannot physically get to the Phoenix Studio in Oxfordshire.
I do offer private 1-to-1 sculpture sessions online via zoom. I tend to not have students work directly alongside me on zoom as this would mean we both spend too long in front of the computer. Instead, what I offer is more of a demonstration where I give you an overview of my technique and walk you through the making of a ceramic animal (you can choose which animal I make!).
This session will last for two hours, will be nice and informal meaning that you are free to ask questions as we go. I will also be able to tailor the session to meet your specific needs. You are welcome to take notes and by the end of the session you should be armed with all the knowledge you need to have a go yourself. I will also email you a pdf copy of the comprehensive teaching notes I give out on my two day courses to act as a reminder and comfort blanket for when you are making!
After the session you are free to go off and have a go yourself. Once you have done this (ideally not more than a month later), we can meet for a 30 minute follow-up zoom critique session. Here you can show me your new sculpture and I can offer you advice and suggestions for you to take onboard for future creations.
The sessions can be arranged at a time that suits us both and the cost would be £180 (which is $226).
Email james@phoenixstudio.co.uk if you are keen.
Underglazing Clay Animals Video
Suitable for:
- Anyone who wants to hone their underglazing sculpture skills
I have filmed a tutorial on how to apply underglazes to ceramic sculpture. You will soon be able to download this and a visual PDF poster that summerises the key points to remember from the talk. It will be out shortly.
Email james@phoenixstudio.co.uk if you are interested and I will be in touch as soon as it is ready!
Schools & Other Organisations
Over my 11 years at the Phoenix Studio, I have had the great pleasure of working with a number of schools, charities, and community groups.
I have a proven track record of putting fun, creative, and visually striking art projects together, with each workshop being designed to fit the group’s needs. You can read about my past projects over on the Phoenix Studio website.
In the times of Covid, I have also been putting on zoom-based drawing sessions which have been a big hit.
I am always looking to work with new groups so do be in touch if you want to collaborate. Email james@phoenixstudio.co.uk to discuss ideas!