Blogger: Lauren Lucy Crowley
I recently spent the day at Kinsale Pottery and Arts centre… what a truly relaxing enjoyable experience it was! Surrounded by clay, pottery, paintbrushes and all sorts of other interesting artistic utensils, I was in my element as I got lost in my own creative, imaginative world for the day!
We started our workshop bright and early with Adrian, who taught us the basics to pottery making through very clear demonstration and instructions. One by one we ‘threw’ pottery on the wheel to make our very own bowls, and cups, as the rest of the group moulded and painted door hangers using a soft clay.Following this, we made life like clay sculptures using a variety of different techniques, all clearly demonstrated to us. It’s funny when you’re on the spot it always seems so difficult to think of something to make!
After a delicious lunch, and a tour of the gallery at the centre – (which had some absolutely gorgeous ceramics for sale all handmade at the centre) – we moved into the second studio for an afternoon of glass fusing! I wasn’t quite sure what this involved, but was rather fascinated at the process. We each received a mound of a white powdery substance which we decorated whatever way we liked using a range of different objects and stencils such as leaves, jewellery, sea shells, ever our hand prints. Once we were happy with our design a sheet of curved glass was placed neatly on top which we coloured using different shaded powders – this is a technique known as frit painting. Once we had this completed our work of art was put into a large kiln to create the finished piece – which turned out to be a beautiful stained glass stand up ornament.
Although none of our pieces were ready the same day to take home, it was pretty exciting taking a trip down to collect our works of art a week later! The centre has a very relaxed atmosphere, and artistic pieces hanging from every corner which combined will be sure to inspire you and get your creative juices flowing.
Along with pottery and glass fusing, the centre also offers millinery workshops, (which could prove very useful if you’re planning a trip to the races this summer), sewing/clothes making classes, jewellery making and mosaic making workshops. With a weekly range of morning and evening classes, and tailor made classes to facilitate hen parties, team bonding days, childrens birthday parties, and any other private events, you’ll be sure to find exactly what you’re looking for!
Sometimes in life we forget to make time for ourselves, time to let our creativity blossom… if your artistic skills and talents are feeling a little trapped up inside you… I highly recommend a trip to Kinsale pottery and arts centre to let your creativity shine!
Directions: From Kinsale, take the Old Bandon Rd., (R600) from past St. Multose Church and Fishy Fishy shop. Travel up the hill past Kinsale further college of education and hurling pitch (on your right). Approx. 400 m up this road the centre is signposted and situated on the left hand side. (If using a sat nav., Centre address is: Olcote, Ballinacurra, Kinsale, Co. Cork).
Any further information and steps to booking can be found on the website centre: www.kinsaleceramics.com
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life” – Picasso –
