
Coral reefs are among the most breathtaking wonders of the natural world. These vibrant ecosystems are created through a symbiotic relationship between coral and algae, forming something far greater than the sum of their parts. In the same way, this course brings together two exceptional artists—Brandi Lee Cooper and James Ort—to guide you through a collaborative and creative experience like no other!
Brandi and James met at La Meridiana International Ceramic School in June 2024. Their shared interests in the natural world, conservation, and ceramics inspired the duo to create a stunning reef, complete with its own wild and whimsical inhabitants. The La Meridiana Reef is now on permanent display in Tuscany at the La Meridiana International Ceramic School (as shown in the banner image).
What You’ll Learn
In this workshop, you spend three immersive days learning to sculpt an intricate coral reef-inspired form and its aquatic inhabitants. American artist, Brandi Lee Cooper, will teach her paperclay hand-building techniques to create your coral gardens. UK artist, James Ort, will guide you in creating your reef’s inhabitants – fish, crabs, seahorses, moray eels or octopi. Once the pieces are fired, you’ll return for a glazing session with James (20th September – put the date in your diary!), to bring your creations to life with vibrant colour. You will then have your own aquatic diorma to take home and cherish!
COURSE OUTLINE
Days 1 & 2:
Sculpting Coral Reefs
Under Brandi’s guidance, you’ll will learn how to prepare and use porcelain paper clay in various hand-building construction methods including- making armatures, creating slip coatings over organic material and burning it out, slip trailing on to plaster molds, and drying the paper clay out and sculpting with it to create your coral species.
Day 3:
Creating Reef Inhabitants
James will teach you his slab-building technique, to create the aquatic life that will inhabit your coral forms. The possibilities are limitless, do you want to create a small shoal of fish, a crab, or perhaps something more unusual like a sea horse or moray eel – the choice is yours!
Day 4:
Glazing Day
Adding Colour to Your Reef
After your sculptures are bisque-fired, you’ll return on September 20th for a dedicated glazing session – put the date in your diary! James will teach you how to best apply colourful underglazes to your reefs and their inhabitants. Attendance on this exact date is required.
What’s Included?
- Informal, relaxed, and attentive guidance from Brandi Lee Cooper and James Ort
- Step-by-step demonstrations covering:
- How to construct a wall-mounted coral reef and its inhabitants
- Expert guidance in how to use a variety of clay-building techniques
- The firing process and how to prepare your work for glazing
- Tips on mounting and displaying your finished pieces at home
- All materials, including clay, glazes, and firings
- Three full days of expert tuition from two artists (10 AM – 4:30 PM daily)
- A separate glazing day, led by James, after your pieces have been bisque-fired
- Complimentary tea, coffee, biscuits, and cakes
- Access to our fully equipped, purpose-built art studio
- A peaceful countryside setting
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 try different building techniques.
- You love animals and want to capture their essence in sculpture.
- You’ve been inspired by the Great Pottery Throw Down and want to try it yourself!
What to Prepare
Before the course, you’ll need to collect reference images of your chosen animals and look at coral formations. After booking, you’ll receive an email with detailed preparation documents.
Need Accommodation?
If you’re travelling from afar, check out our list of recommended local B&Bs and hotels.
Beyond the Course
Many of our students continue exploring clay sculpting after completing a Phoenix Studio course. Whether you attend another class, join our Phoenix Art Club Zoom Sessions, or pursue sculpting independently, we’re here to support and guide your creative journey.
I am so excited to be welcoming Brandi to the Phoenix Studio! Our first ever international artists and one of the most inspiring, fun and talented people I know. If I was not teaching on this course, then I would 100% be enrolling on it. It is going to be such a great 4 days!
James Ort – Course Tutor
ABOUT THE TUTORS
Brandi Lee Cooper is an interdisciplinary artist that works at the intersection of Art and Ecology. Her work is greatly informed by her background in Zoology and her commitment to bridging disciplines to serve as a witness to humanity’s impact on the earth and advocate for urgent change. She holds a BS in Zoology from Northern Arizona University and an MFA in Ceramics from Arizona State University. BLC is the Lincoln Visiting Professor of Ceramics at Scripps College and the Claremont Graduate University, in Claremont, California. Apart from being bloody talented, she’s also an absolute superstar and incredibly inspiring to be around!
James Ort is an accomplished wildlife artist and international tutor with a lifelong passion for animals and art. Inspired by his late grandfather, renowned Ladybird Children’s Book illustrator Brian Price Thomas, James has channelled his love of wildlife into sculpture and ceramics.
In addition to his work as an artist, James has managed the Phoenix Studio for nearly 15 years. Before moving to Oxfordshire, he worked in conservation in Brighton and continues to draw inspiration from the natural world.
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