We’re thrilled to welcome Oxford-based ceramic artist Lisa Ommanney to The Phoenix Studio for her debut course, An Introduction to Clay Tableware.
Lisa creates refined, hand-built pieces that balance function and sculpture, with a particular focus on tableware. Her work has graced the tables of Michelin-starred restaurants around the world from Hide (London) to Cycle (Tokyo) and many more. Her tableware has been featured in cookbooks and magazines alongside celebrated chefs such as (but not limited to) Yotam Ottolenghi, Jamie Oliver and Tom Kerridge.
Lisa studied Fine Art at London Guildhall University and brings a thoughtful, elegant sensibility to her ceramics. This course is a rare opportunity to learn from her distinctive approach to form, surface, and creative process. We’re delighted to have her join our teaching community and can’t wait to see the beautiful work that emerges.
What You’ll Learn
In this course, you’ll explore three foundational handbuilding techniques—pinching, coiling, and slab-building – each offering its own creative possibilities. You’ll learn how to approach a variety of forms through pinching, including how to scale up your work with confidence. Coiling will focus on crafting perfect coils and experimenting with different joining methods to create both straight and curved lines. Slab-building introduces freeform construction, working with molds, and joining slabs to shape dynamic pieces.
Alongside these practical skills, you’ll delve into the art of tableware design, considering both function and aesthetics. The aim of the course is to make 3-5 considered pieces, that reflect what look best appeals to you. Lisa will share her favourite tips and tricks to help you coax clay into doing exactly what you want, ensuring your ideas can take shape with clarity and flair.
The fourth day of this course will be held on Saturday 23rd May AND YOUR ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED as this is where you will glaze your creations. The the week prior, your work will be bisque fired in the kiln, making the pieces ready to glaze. Attendance on this day is very important – there will be no other days to glaze your work should you not be able to attend. The glazing day will also include a bonus making session – a session in the art of Kurinuki, a Japanese method of making a vessel by carving and hollowing a block of clay.
COURSE DETAILS
Day 1
Learn 3 handbuilding techniques: pinch, coil, slabs
Practise and refine the techniques
Day 2
Discuss tableware design, look at examples of different styles and approaches
Design a 3-5 piece group of tableware
Consider functional additions
Begin making the work
Day 3
Continue making
Consider decorative additions
Refine the work
Day 4
(NB at a later date of 23rd May)
A morning spent glazing your work
An afternoon, bonus Kurinuki workshop: look at examples, learn the technique, make a piece (these will be glazed for you)
What’s Included?
- Three full days of expert instruction (10 am – 4:30 pm)
- Step-by-step handbuilding demonstrations covering:
- Slab building
- Coiling
- Pinching
- The Kurinuki technique
- All materials: clay, firings, and glazes
- A separate glazing session after bisque firing on the 23rd May. ATTENDANCE ON THIS DATE IS ESSENTIAL if you wish to glaze your work
- Tea, coffee, biscuits and delicious homemade cakes
- Access to our purpose-built art studio and its equipment
- The serene countryside setting of the Phoenix Studio
Who Is This Course For?
This course is suitable for anyone aged 14+ (exceptions may apply—please contact us). No prior experience is needed. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned artist, you’ll find there’s plenty of inspiration and guidance.
This Course Is For You If
- You want to explore your creativity in a relaxed and supportive environment.
- You’re looking to experiment with clay and create your own functional tableware.
- You love sculpture and want to combine that with functionality.
- You’ve been inspired by the Great Pottery Throw Down and want to try it yourself!
Pre course prep:
- Lisa recommends short nails for this course if possible to prevent them digging into the clay while creating your forms.
- Look at some images of handbuilt tableware, consider specific objects you are interested in making, and/or particular aesthetics/styles that appeal to you.
- You will be sent an automated email on booking which prompts you towards documents that help you prepare for your time here. If this does not happen then please email James before the course.
This course is for you if:
- You love ceramics
- You want to learn how to create your own expressive functional tableware
- You want to develop the confidence and skills to create your own pieces at home
- You want to explore your creativity but lack the confidence to do so on your own
- You want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in a fun, creative environment
- You want to try a different medium to explore your creativity or artistic practice
Beyond The Course
Having completed a Phoenix Studio course many of our students choose to explore the medium further. They may come on another weekend course here at the Phoenix Studio, where we have an array of ceramic based courses to choose from.
Need accommodation?
If you are travelling from further afield and would like to stay in the area for your visit then have a look at our recommended list of local B&Bs and hotels.
ABOUT THE TUTOR
Lisa Ommanney
Lisa Ommanney is an Oxford based ceramic artist making functional and sculptural hand built pieces, with a focus on tableware. She studied Fine Art at London Guildhall University.
She works with Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe including Hide (London), Mirazur (France), Cycle (Tokyo), Moss (Iceland) and George V (Paris).
Her tableware has been included in multiple cookbooks and magazines. Chefs who have featured her work include Yotam Ottolenghi, Jamie Oliver, Meera Sodha, Anna Jones, Tom Kerridge, Mauro Colagreco and Ollie Dabbous.
“Ceramics is a deeply elemental and ancient craft – you are collaborating with earth, fire, air and water. Translating ideas from your imagination to the clay is by turns exciting, meditative, and can be truly transformative. Sharing this experience and supporting students in their own creative journeys is always a wonderful experience.”
Lisa Ommanney – Course Tutor
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