Teaching

A Love of Teaching

No matter your age or level of experience—whether you’re just starting out or already an accomplished creative— for me, there’s nothing more fulfilling than helping students surpass their own expectations and achieve something they never thought possible. I offer lessons in a variety of formats—perhaps one of them is the perfect fit for you!

In Person Courses from the Phoenix Studio

To see my 2025 Phoenix Studio Course dates please click here!

Suitable for:

  • Complete clay novices and beyond

I teach both Clay Animal and Wire and Mixed Media courses from the Phoenix Studio. 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.

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.

In Person Courses at other venues:

I am due to be teaching at a range of ceramic studios across the world. In 2025 I will be teaching here and all of these courses are suitable for beginners:

Stoka Studio, Australia – January 2025

La Meridiana, Italy – September 2025

The Ceramic Studio, UK – October 2025

Gaya Ceramic, Bali – November 2025

 

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 £250.

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 had a tutorial video on how to apply underglazes to ceramic sculpture made.

The recording takes you through the process of how to apply underglazes and get the most from adding colour to your creations. I have also created a downloadable, illustrated PDF poster that summerises the key points to remember from the demo. These are available to purchase for £40.

Email james@phoenixstudio.co.uk if you would like to buy a copy.

 

Schools & Other Organisations

Over my 15 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. 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!