University – Robert Gordon University
University Discipline – Creative Arts and Design
About the role
Cyan Clayworks is a ceramic studio and Community Interest Company. It provides workspace for artists Chris Donnelly and Fiona Thompson, tuition and workspace hire for temporary projects.
Some of Laura’s duties included preparing for/assisting with classes and workshops;loading kilns; mixing glaze and slip; recycling clay; mould making/casting; assisting the other studio members (co-directors) and assisting with any external projects ie fairs/events.
Laura’s Internship Experience
“Ever since graduating in Three Dimensional Design, I had been struggling to find work related to my degree. I was over joyed to find a 3 month paid internship in a ceramic workshop through Adopt an Intern. I knew these opportunities were rare and when I was offered the position I felt incredibly lucky. I found the experience very beneficial both for my confidence and for refocusing my goals on what career path to follow. I learnt a great deal about myself and the kind of work I enjoy doing.
It was great to get the chance to work in a familiar environment again and put my knowledge from my studies to the test. On top of this, I greatly appreciated having the chance to have a more hands on approach with the materials and with the processes for maintaining the supplies. I was also able to further develop my skills such as making glazes, wheel throwing and mould making. I got to see first-hand how established ceramicists worked and ran their business and also gain perspective on the challenges they faced.
Through Cyan Clayworks, I was able to meet fellow artists and designers from various backgrounds and build on my network of contacts. I was given good advice about supporting organisations and groups in my local area I could use to further work out my options. Although the internship was for a short time, it helped me realise that I missed working in a social environment and knew that was a factor I had to incorporate into my job search for the future. I have now decided to peruse Art Therapy and would like to go into further study to achieve this.”
Laura Williams
AAI Alumni
Studio Workshop Assistant at Cyan Clayworks
