Whale Shark Wall Sculpture Workshop

Create your own Whale Shark ceramic wall sculpture in this immersive two-part workshop. Learn ceramic sculpture techniques including construction, texture, pattern development, and surface decoration while creating a marine-inspired ceramic artwork for the wall. Suitable for beginners and intermediate makers.

Session One: Saturday 7 November 2026
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm

Session Two: Saturday 28 November 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Workshop Description

The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean, recognised by its distinctive patterning and gentle presence beneath the water's surface. In this two-part ceramic sculpture workshop, you'll create your own Whale Shark wall sculpture while learning the foundations of ceramic sculpture for the wall.

Guided by ceramic artist Christie Lange, you'll learn how to construct a strong ceramic form, develop texture and pattern, and create a finished artwork designed for display. Throughout the workshop, Christie will share the sculptural techniques she uses within her own practice, helping participants gain confidence in translating natural forms into ceramic sculpture.

During Session One, participants will create a slightly stylised Whale Shark wall sculpture approximately 25–30cm in length. You'll learn how to develop form, create movement within the composition, refine surface detail, and incorporate a keyhole hanging system into the reverse of the piece.

Particular attention will be given to the characteristic spot patterning of whale sharks and how texture, mark making, and surface treatment can bring a sculpture to life.

After drying and bisque firing, participants will return for Session Two to explore colour and pattern using underglazes. A transparent glaze will then be applied before the final firing to enhance and protect the finished artwork.

While the workshop centres on a whale shark, the skills learned extend far beyond a single project. Participants will gain practical experience in ceramic wall sculpture, pattern development, and surface decoration that can be applied to future sculptural work.

Limited to just five participants, this immersive workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn ceramic sculpture techniques in an intimate studio setting while creating a substantial finished artwork.

What You'll Make

Participants will create:

• One Whale Shark ceramic wall sculpture

• Approximately 25–30cm in length

• Integrated keyhole hanging system

• Characteristic whale shark spot patterning

• Hand-painted underglaze decoration

• A finished ceramic artwork ready to hang and display

What You'll Learn

During this workshop you'll learn:

• Foundations of ceramic wall sculpture

• Designing sculptures for wall display

• Building strong ceramic forms

• Creating movement and visual flow

• Developing texture and pattern

• Surface decoration using underglazes

• Integrating hanging systems into ceramic work

• Ceramic glazing and firing processes

• Techniques used in contemporary ceramic sculpture

Who Is This Workshop For?

• Beginners welcome

• Suitable for beginners and intermediate makers

• No previous sculpture experience required

• Ideal for nature lovers, ocean enthusiasts, creatives, and anyone interested in learning ceramic sculpture

What's Included?

• Stoneware/earthenware clay

• Use of studio tools and equipment

• Bisque firing

• Underglazes

• Transparent glaze

• Final glaze firing

• Expert tuition across two workshop sessions

• One finished Whale Shark wall sculpture

The Details

Session One: Saturday 7 November 2026
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm

Session Two: Saturday 28 November 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Location: Christie Lange Ceramics Studio, Binalong Bay, Tasmania

Class Size: Maximum 5 participants

Skill Level: Beginners and intermediate makers

Cost: $445 per person

Collection: Finished artworks will be available for collection following the final glaze firing. Participants will be notified when works are ready. Approximately 4 weeks.

Why Two Sessions?

Creating a successful ceramic sculpture takes time.

Between sessions, sculptures will slowly dry before being bisque fired in preparation for surface decoration. Returning for a second session allows participants to develop colour, pattern, and detail while gaining a deeper understanding of the complete ceramic process from raw clay to finished artwork.