Intermediate Wheel Throwing Course
What does the intermediate-level wheel throwing course offer? Designed for those already familiar with the basics, this course deepens control on the wheel and explores more complex, balanced forms.
Students should already be able to center at least 1.5 kg of clay and confidently make simple shapes with precision and control. This is not a beginner course: we focus on refining technique, pushing your limits, and opening new possibilities.
Objectives: The main goal is to take each student to a higher level of technical autonomy and creative freedom. By the end of the five days, you’ll have the tools to throw with greater awareness, taller, thinner, more complex, or small-batch series forms, and you’ll be able to design and make functional or experimental pieces with better control of material and proportions.
The course is centered on learning rather than production. However, every participant may select four pieces to glaze and take home as a tangible memento of their journey.
You’ll learn to:
- Refine fundamentals such as lifting taller, thinner cylinders, controlling wall thickness, and working with larger volumes of clay.
- Build more complex shapes like closed vessels, bottles with necks, and lidded containers.
- Produce small series of similar objects using measuring tools and practical tricks for repeatability.
- Experiment: you’ll be encouraged to design new forms you haven’t tried before and to build coherent sets, working carefully on proportions.
Course Schedule
Classes run Monday to Friday: 4 hours of classes in the morning and 3 hours of free practice in the afternoon. On Saturday morning, there will be a guided tour of Palermo with a expert guide.
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM → Lesson time (with a coffee break)
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM → Lunch Break
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM → Free Practice
Day 1 – Technique & Control
We start with a review of core techniques, focusing on lifting taller cylinders using 2 kg of clay. Emphasis on thickness control, precise profiles, and managing forces throughout the throwing process. The day closes with a guided demonstration on bottle forms and open studio time with individual feedback.
Day 2 – Complex Forms
We tackle more articulated shapes: closed forms, narrow-neck bottles, and sharper profiles. Work on thin walls, managing the limits of form and gravity. Students will make at least two complex pieces, balancing technique with aesthetic exploration.
Day 3 – Repetition & Series
This day is dedicated to consistency. We practice repeating similar forms in series, developing tools and techniques to achieve three or more pieces of the same size, thrown off the hump (from a single mound of clay). We use calipers and compasses, and we reflect on what “the same” really means in ceramics. The day ends with a group review.
Day 4 – Lids & Combined Forms
A day focused on lids and two-part objects. Learn techniques for flanged (gallery) or press-fit lids and functional closures. Return to leather-hard pieces to refine, clean, and prepare them for possible glazing. Each student selects their best pieces to complete.
Day 5 – Finishing
Finally, there will be a free practice session during which the teacher will suggest some exercises to consolidate what has been learned in the morning session. After a comprehensive review of the techniques learned, we assess all the work produced and choose four pieces to glaze. The day concludes with a moment of sharing, discussion, and reflection on the week’s progress.




