Create, Learn, Connect
Small, intimate sculpture courses held in Jan's working studio in Somerset — from complete beginners to experienced makers. Maximum four people, hands-on from day one.
Hands-on, intimate,
at your own pace
For the past few years, Jan has been running small, hands-on summer sculpture courses in her working studio. Classes are intentionally intimate — just four people at a time — creating a relaxed and supportive environment where everyone can learn at their own pace.
Students come with a wonderful mix of experience, from complete beginners to more advanced makers, and that variety is part of what makes each course so rewarding. There is always something to learn from watching how others approach their work.
We begin with a simple owl sculpture, starting from a rolled "pancake" of grogged paper clay. This introduction helps everyone become familiar with the material while learning key hand-building techniques: shaping hollow forms, pushing from the inside, pressing from the outside, and gradually building character and detail. Every owl turns out completely unique.
Once confident with the clay, students are free to create their own sculptures using drawings or photographs of animals, abstract forms, or figures. Jan's approach is all about momentum and discovery — often the next sculpture is stronger, more confident, and requires less guidance than the last.
All sculptures can be fired, using a variety of supports such as newspaper, polystyrene, and clay props during the making process. There are also excellent B&Bs in the village for those travelling from further afield.
4-Day Mould Making Course
Jan also offers a specialist four-day mould making course — two days of sculpture followed by two days of mould making, wax pouring, and finishing. By learning to create your own mould and wax, you can significantly reduce foundry costs when casting in bronze, while gaining valuable insight into the casting process from start to finish.
- Small group tuition — maximum 4 people
- Friendly, creative studio atmosphere
- Lunch provided each day
- Materials charged at cost
- Finished clay pieces can be fired here or taken to a local school or pottery near you
- Plenty of reference images for inspiration throughout
"Come and enjoy the joy of making in a welcoming studio space — my approach is all about momentum and discovery. Often the next sculpture is stronger, more confident, and requires less guidance than the last."Jan Sweeney MRSS