Description
Masterclass with Jihyun Kim – 3D Model to Plaster Mould Making and Slip-Cast Ceramics
County Hall Pottery, London
Dates: 21, 28 September & 5,12 October (A four-day Masterclass)
Times: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Price: £350 per person
Join contemporary ceramic artist Jihyun Kim for a four-week practical course exploring the process of transforming drawings into 3D models, and then into plaster moulds and slip-cast ceramic objects. This course introduces a hybrid approach combining digital design with traditional ceramic techniques, focusing on mould-making and slip casting as accessible methods for producing refined ceramic forms.
Working across four sessions, participants will develop a personal cup design, translate it into a 3D model, and progress through plaster mould-making to final slip-cast pieces. Emphasis is placed on understanding process and material behaviour, while gaining hands-on experience at each stage.
Course Overview
This four-week course introduces the full process of creating ceramic objects, from initial design through to slip casting. Participants will begin by sketching and developing a form, which will then be translated into a 3D model and printed by the tutor.
No prior experience in 3D modelling or software is required. The course is open to beginners, as well as designers who are interested in bringing their digital ideas into ceramic form.
The course then moves into plaster mould-making, where participants will learn to construct one- or two-part moulds, understand undercuts, and safely mix and pour plaster. In the final stage, participants will use their moulds for slip casting and explore surface decoration techniques that Jihyun specialises in.
What You Can Expect
Week 1
- Artist talk: Introduction to Jihyun Kim and how she uses 3D modelling in ceramic practice
- Overview of 3D modelling, slip casting and mould-making processes
- Q&A session
- Design exercise: Sketching a cup and creating a line profile on graph paper
(3D modelling and printing of designs will be completed between sessions by teacher)
Week 2
- Introduction to two-part plaster mould-making
- Demonstrations: Preparing the model, identifying undercuts, and building mould walls
- Practical: Constructing mould walls and pouring the first stage of plaster
- Cleaning and studio reset
Week 3
- Demonstrations: Making second part of the mould
- Practical: Completing, opening, and refining plaster moulds
- Introduction to coloured slip and preparation for casting
(Moulds will dry for 5–6 days before the final session)
Week 4
- Demonstration: Slip casting process, Surface decoration methods
- Practical: Casting using plaster mould, Decorating pre-cast sample pieces
- Unmoulding cast forms
What You Will Learn
- The process of translating a 2D sketch into a 3D ceramic form
- Fundamentals of plaster mould-making
- Identifying and managing undercuts in mould design
- Mixing, pouring, and handling plaster safely
- Slip casting techniques and timing
- Surface decoration methods using coloured slip
What You Will Take Away
- A personalised cup design developed from sketch to final object
- A handmade plaster mould suitable for slip casting
- Foundational knowledge of integrating digital and ceramic processes
About the Teacher
Jihyun Kim (b.1997), a ceramic designer from South Korea, melds tradition with enchantment in her craft. Jihyun’s creations beautifully blend sculptural and functional elements, inspired by her cultural heritage and nature’s mystical aspects. Her exploration of organic forms, especially fungi, infuses her pieces with magical narratives, inviting viewers to discover magic in the mundane. With meticulous attention to detail and a fusion of artistic form and utility, Jihyun’s ceramics transcend the ordinary, embodying a harmonious blend of tradition and imagination.
Holding a Master of Arts in Ceramics and Glass from the Royal College of Art, her work is internationally recognized, and showcased at esteemed events like Collect Art Fair, Milan Design Week and the British Ceramic Biennale.
Jihyun’s practice combines digital processes with traditional making techniques. Her work explores the relationship between form, repetition, and material transformation through methods such as 3D modelling, plaster mould-making, slip casting and surface decorating.
Key Information / Practical Details
Duration: 4 weeks (one session per week)
Session Length: 3 hours per session
Level: Suitable for beginners and those with some prior ceramics experience
Materials: All basic materials provided; additional materials list will be shared prior to the course
Process Note: 3D printing and initial slip casting preparation will be completed between sessions
Firing: bisque and glaze firing included
All classes will take place in our pottery studio at: County Hall Pottery, Belvedere Road, Waterloo, SE1 7PB.
A welcome email with further instructions about what to expect before your class is sent around a week before your class commences. This email will be sent to the email provided at booking.
Your instructor will meet you in the foyer of the main entrance to County Hall Pottery on Belvedere Road – you’ll know you’re in the right place if you’re standing on the beautiful mosaic floor! They will take you through to our studio space. If you are running late, please call the studio phone when you arrive as you will need to be escorted.
Please feel free to bring a sketchbook or notepad along to make notes during your workshop.
We really hope that you enjoy your workshop with us!
If you have any questions, please see our frequently asked questions page here or contact us at gallery@countyhallpottery.com.linux136.unoeuro-server.com.
Collection of Artwork
Your work will usually be ready for collection within 6 weeks, but times may vary depending on firing schedules. You will be notified by email when your pieces are ready for you to pick up from our gallery.
Shipping
You can arrange for your artwork to be delivered to you (for an additional fee) within one month of the original pick up email being sent out. If your pieces have not been collected or sent within this time-frame, then we regret that we will have to give them away to our local community, as we are limited on shelf space. While we follow best practices to protect all ceramic pieces during packaging, we cannot guarantee that damage will not occur in transit. Once your item leaves our gallery, we are not responsible for any breakage or loss that may happen during shipping.
In-person pickup is highly recommended for delicate or sentimental pieces.
Clay Allocation
A set amount of clay is included in the courses. Two kilograms of clay is included in a 3-hour class. Ten kilograms of dry clay work is included in a 6-week course. Additional clay is available to purchase at a cost of £2.50 per 500g of dry work. Work is weighed before the first firing.
Rescheduling, Cancellation And Refund Policy
* For one-day courses, when given 10 or more days’ notice we can either reschedule, refund or generate a gift code for rebooking your class.
* For one-day courses, when given 9 days or less notice for a cancellation for any reason, we regrettably are unable to reschedule or provide a refund. There are no exemptions. However, you can transfer your place to another individual. Please send us their name in advance.
* For courses longer than one-day, we regret we will not be able to replace or rearrange missed sessions. Please do not ask us to make exceptions.
* We can only accept one named individual to attend sessions for the duration of a course, individuals cannot transfer their place for any of their sessions.
* Gift Cards are non-refundable
* When an instructor is unable to teach a one-day class, for example due to illness, we will do our best to find an alternative. If that is not possible, you will receive a full refund. Notice of this will be given as soon as possible.
* If a teacher is unable to cover a session on a 6-week course, the session will be covered by an alternative and the class will continue as usual. Notice of this will be given as soon as possible.
Health And Safety Policy
* Pottery is a messy business, so it is advised that you wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. We provide aprons but you are welcome to bring your own.
* Please don’t wear loose clothing or jewellery that might catch and tie up long hair.
* Closed-toe shoes are preferable
* There is no eating inside the studio. Drinking is only permitted from a closed-top vessel. There is a kitchenette that adjoins the studio where eating and drinking are allowed.
* Please let us know if you have any allergies, health or accessibility requirements in good time before the class, by emailing gallery@countyhallpottery.com.linux136.unoeuro-server.com
* We aim to educate and inspire through fun workshops. In order for all participants to enjoy our classes, we retain the right to ask individuals to leave if their conduct is deemed unsafe or offensive.
Arrival And Lateness
* Due to our studio’s location in an historic building, please get in touch before the day of your class if you have any accessibility requirements at gallery@countyhallpottery.com.linux136.unoeuro-server.com
* You will need to meet your instructor at the main entrance of County Hall on Belvedere Road as the journey through the building to our studio is not straightforward! The class will gather in the foyer – you’ll know you’re in the right place if you’re standing on a beautiful mosaic floor! – and you will then be shown to our studio.
* If you are running late and the class has already left the foyer, a member of security will escort you to the studio. This may take some time – so please arrive early. You can enjoy our Gallery space while you wait!
Facilities
* Drinking water is provided in the studio, however if you require more sustenance throughout the class please feel free to bring items along.
* Our studio has a small kitchenette you can make use of and there is an array of cafes, restaurants and shops both within County Hall and the surrounding streets.
* Our gallery has a courtyard with tables and chairs that are free to use within gallery opening hours
* Toilets are available for use and adjoin the studio space
