Building on the potter's wheel

About the course

This course is designed to revive the traditional art of pottery as one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest crafts while reintroducing it through contemporary approaches that combine traditional craftsmanship with artistic innovation. 

Throughout the course, participants will progress through the essential stages of ceramic production, beginning with clay preparation and wedging, followed by wheel throwing techniques to create a variety of functional and artistic pottery pieces, and concluding with finishing, glazing, and firing processes. The course also develops precision, control, and artistic expression, enabling participants to produce high-quality ceramic works that balance functionality and aesthetics. Ultimately, the program supports professional skill development while contributing to the preservation and sustainable advancement of pottery craftsmanship in Saudi Arabia.
 

Outcomes

By the end of the course participants will be able to:

• Understand the traditional uses of pottery in Saudi society, explaining its properties, cultural significance, and the root causes of common shaping flaws such as cracking.
• Prepare clay specifically for wheel throwing following correct technical procedures, including hydration, wedging/kneading, and aging.
• Craft essential pottery pieces (such as cups, plates, and vases) using wheel-throwing techniques, taking into account aesthetic and functional standards.
• Apply trimming and glazing techniques using appropriate tools to remove excess clay, burnish pieces, and preserve the high quality of the final product.

Entry requirements 

• This course is open to all community members aged 18 years and above, who have a high school diploma or higher accreditation.