Level 2 Masterclass | Wheel Thrown Plates with Kat Pino | Half Day
We're thrilled to welcome Kat Pino for a half-day masterclass happening Saturday 18th July from 11-14:30, dedicated entirely to one of the most rewarding and notoriously challenging shapes in ceramics: the plate.
Flatware demands a different kind of throwing. Spreading a large mass of clay across the wheel requires specific technique, precise body mechanics, and a thorough understanding of how clay behaves under centrifugal force. In this session, Kat demystifies the process and gives you the knowledge and hands-on practice to throw plates with confidence.
What You'll Learn
Through demonstration, discussion, and time at the wheel, the masterclass will cover:
- Throwing technique: how to flatten clay efficiently, harness the wheel's centrifugal force, and maintain control throughout.
- What makes a good plate: design principles, proportion, and what working chefs and restaurants actually look for.
- Common pitfalls: understanding the infamous S-crack, why it happens, and how to prevent it.
- Compression & drying: why these are critical to a successful plate, and how to get them right.
- Trimming: a full trimming demonstration to complete the form
- Advanced tips: Kat's own techniques for achieving clean, contemporary-style plate.
This masterclass is designed for Level 2 students who are comfortable centring 2kg of clay on the wheel and ready to push their practice further. This masterclass also includes a 2/5hr glaze class 4-6weeks later where you will glaze the pieces you made during the masterclass.
About Kat Pino
Kat Pino is a ceramicist originally from the Netherlands, based in Vancouver, Canada since 2016. She is a production potter with over 10 years of experience. Her studio specialises in collaborative design, creating custom ceramic collections for some of Canada’s most acclaimed, Michelin-starred and recommended restaurants.
Kat's work is rooted in functionality and simplicity, drawing on the clean lines and restrained forms of modern design, architecture, and interiors. She works closely with chefs and interior designers, driven by the belief that a well-made ceramic object has the power to shape experience - in a restaurant, a home, or a moment at the table.
Level 2 | Skill Development
For more information on our course levels see our Levels Guide
Course Contents
Cancellation Policy
To request a cancellation and refund, you must email refunds@throwingshapes.ie. Refunds requested more than two weeks prior to the first class are fully refundable. There will be no refunds after this point under any circumstance, nor can we transfer you to another class. Unfortunately we cannot be flexible on this policy for any reason. Should a class not fill sufficiently, we may cancel or reschedule it one week prior to the first class session.
FAQs
What is your cancellation policy?
To request a cancellation and refund, you must email refunds@throwingshapes.ie. Refunds requested more than two weeks prior to the first class are fully refundable. There will be no refunds after this point under any circumstance, nor can we transfer you to another class. Unfortunately we cannot be flexible on this policy for any reason. Should a class not fill sufficiently, we may cancel or reschedule it one week prior to the first class session.
What if I miss a day of my course?
If you miss a day you will not be able to make it back. you must be able to attend each week/day of the same course. You cannot transfer days or make up time. Please check you are available for every date before booking your course.
Are there any additional fees?
No - everything is included in your course. If you'd like to buy your own toolkit you can at checkout when purchasing your class, but tools will be provided either way.
Can I sign my kids up for classes?
No, all students must be 18+ to attend classes.
Can I gift a class to someone?
Of course! You can book them an available class and add their name on checkout, or purchase a gift card for them to decide on their own class.
Can I fire and glaze my own work?
For our taster classes you pick a glaze and we glaze the work for you.
For our 6 week courses you pick 5 of your favourite pieces and glaze them on your 6th week.
For our weekend 2-Day or 3-Day courses you will return 4 weeks later to glaze your own work. You will be notified of this date after you have booked the course.
If I don't see any classes available - when will they be added?
We add new blocks of classes three months in advance of classes starting.
Can I join a waiting list for classes?
Yes you can! Our waiting list works per date - so please go to a date or course you'd like to attend if it became available. You can sign up there and you will get notified if there are cancellations
Can I prebook classes for the next block before they are released?
No, classes are available on a first-come first-served basis and can not be prebooked.
Can I switch between a class our course if my availability changes?
This is subject to availability. You can email info@throwingshapes.ie to see if we have anything available to switch to. If we do not your spot will be cancelled according to our cancellation policy (above).
T&Cs
• All students must be 18+ to register for classes.
• You must read the levels description for your class and take the correct level for your abilities. We reserve the right to move you from a class you do not have enough experience for.
• 6-9 people per class. Should a class not fill sufficiently, we may cancel or reschedule it one week prior to the first class session.
• To request a cancellation and refund, you must email refunds@throwingshapes.ie. Refunds requested more than two weeks prior to the first class are fully refundable. There will be no refunds once the class begins in any circumstance, nor can we transfer you to another class.
• For multiple day courses, you must be able to attend each week of the same course. You cannot transfer days or make up time. Please check you are available for every date before booking your course.
• For courses or classes on Mondays - we run through bank holidays from the start date of the course unless otherwise stated.
• If you would like to gift a class you can enter the attendee's name at time of booking or send an email to gifts@throwingshapes.ie.