The Phoenix Studio reviews

12 Mar 18'

Yvonne Cunnane reviewed: Clay portrait weekends with Karin Ort

"I am an experienced amateur sculptor. I have attended several sculpture courses at other venues. I thoroughly enjoyed the course- Clay portrait weekend taught by Karin Ort. She is friendly, knowledgeable and could cope with my desire to make a sculpted head at a different scale to everybody else with ease. Her tuition is very informative and she makes encouraging suggestions to improve your work. I learned a lot. Karin’s approach is an intuitive one rather than a measured ‘sight size’ approach. There are some really interesting, inspired pieces on site. The venue is an informal community delightful and friendly. Everything you need is provided."

22 Feb 18'

Caroline reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"Great weekend with a lovely mix of people. Fab tuition and well resourced with all kinds of bits and pieces. Just as good for beginners as for artists...always something new to learn. Great fun, great creativity, great cake!! Will be returning again and again and would recommend."

23 Dec 17'

Steph Woods reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"As a complete beginner, I had no idea whether I could do clay-modelling. I collected my piece of clay and thought, "what now?". But Karin patiently came to each of us, encouraging everyone and helping us really look from every angle. The course was in lovely surroundings and it was great chatting over teas and lunch. I was very pleased with what I achieved by the end of Sunday and look forward to collecting my (now fired) piece in the New Year. I will be back to do more!"

1 Dec 17'

Clay Animal Weekend reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Book it, book it, book it! You won't be disappointed. You will forget everything outside the studio and be totally immersed in learning new techniques and sculpting. I sculpt regularly anyway, but you never know it all. You can always learn new things and still be inspired. It's very refreshing to learn from a different angle and James and Alison are brilliant at what they do. It's also lovely to chat to others on the course and watch their creations come alive. If you fancy treating yourself or even someone else, just book a course. You will definitely have fun and enjoy yourselves."

26 Oct 17'

David MacQueen reviewed: Screenprinting weekend with Liam Biswell

"Superb weekend. First time I've been able to throw myself into a print project from start to finish since I was at secondary school. So many ideas now flowing, I want to get back into the studio again and create more. Would have loved to spend more time getting to know everyone, but we were all so engrossed in our creations that the weekend whizzed by. I'd do it again in a heartbeat......just need to find the time now. Highly recommended creative weekend!"

25 Oct 17'

caroline rossiter reviewed: Screenprinting weekend with Liam Biswell

"Thank you Liam for a great weekend of screen printing - Toby and I got such a lot out of the workshop. We now have the knowledge and knowhow to continue at home with lots of great ideas and renewed inspiration. Techniques were explained thoroughly and coherently, and you really offered up the chance to go for it and get creative. My lasting memory is of ten people busily printing, washing and experimenting - the time just flew by! Thanks again. Caroline and Toby."

4 Oct 17'

Ciara reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Had a really great time on the two day course with James and was amazed and very pleased at what I was able to produce as a newcomer. The turorials were inspiring and James and Alison were very patient and great fun to be around. Look forward to returning to finish the pieces. And such lovely surroundings at the studios - a perfect way to spend a weekend!"

4 Oct 17'

Esther reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Loved my two days at this workshop. James is so good at sharing his knowledge and demonstrating how to transform a lump of clay into a beautiful animal. I was pleased and surprised by my creations, having been helped and guided along the way by James and his, also very talented, helper Alison. Looking forward to my return visit for the painting and glazing session. I would really recommend this workshop to anyone, experienced or not, who is interested in making animals from clay."

20 Sep 17'

Josie Stewart reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"What a wonderful to spend a couple of days! James is an excellent teacher, brimming with ideas and enthusiasm but also very down to earth. I was not sure what to expect from the weekend except maybe to feel a little out of my depth. Other than junk modelling with the children (a long time ago) I have had absolutely no experience of art or craft classes. The class was incredibly relaxed and friendly, I found the whole weekend immensely rewarding and inspiring. I am sure everyone left feeling absolutely delighted with their ‘masterpieces’ , I certainly was. I really couldn’t recommend this course highly enough. Absolutely no experience required just a little self-belief and imagination. Will definitely go back."

19 Sep 17'

Leona reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"This course is partly about making the sculpture you had in mind when you walked into the studio and you certainly are well-supported in attaining this goal. But you also leave the course with new ideas and a road-map leading you to their creation. Having had no experience in working in three dimensions, I was amazed to find I had created a figure which bore a real resemblance to what it was supposed to represent! The Phoenix Studio where James Ort teaches his courses is incredibly conducive to creativity. You can sit, stand, walk about, drink tea etc. at will. You naturally tune in to the creative spirit which pervades the space. And it's fun! There is laughter and nurture in equal measure. I strongly recommend this course to anyone who would like to work with wire."

5 Sep 17'

Vida reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"An amazing 2 days. The minute you walk into James's studio you will be transported to another world. The studio is bright and sunny, overlooking a beautiful 'wild meadow' garden filled with James's work and friendly chickens. You cant help but leave behind all of your everyday stresses. I have little artistic skills. However James has a easy natural teaching style and is so encouraging that even I felt I could be successful. He started with a demo and together with his able assistant got everyone started individually. The remainder of the 2 days he was there guiding and helping every person with an boundless amount of energy and enthusiasm. Everyone in the group achieved an amazing sculpture and mine has taken pride of place at home outside my main window. It makes me smile every time I see it and I cant wait to make more pieces. It was a busy 2 days but I feel I have had a holiday. I cant wait to go back again. Forgot to say that in addition to being a talented artist, James is an amazing baker. His lemon drizzle cake was delicious."

2 Sep 17'

Jenny Tamblyn reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"I so look forward to James' courses! He and Alison are so enthusiastic and inspirational, and exceedingly patient. They work very hard and the preparation for each course is brilliant. Although we are all working hard on our sculptures, the venue is such that it lends itself to good comraderie, with the opportunity to lunch together (outside when the weather is good) and appreciate the wonderfully relaxing surroundings, with wonderful artistic gems dotted around. Truly inspirational and much appreciated, thank you."

2 Sep 17'

sarah Shorthouse reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"This is a really excellent course. James gives very clear demonstrations and he and Alison are very good in guiding participants in achieving fantastic sculptures at the end. I brought two children (teenagers) with me and they really gained a lot from the experience and grew in confidence."

29 Aug 17'

Fiona Cradduck reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"I thoroughly enjoyed the wire and mixed media course last week and I thought we were a great creative group. Phoenix studio is in a beautiful setting and James is a very good, encouraging teacher. James showed us how to use the wire and helped everyone with their individual needs, so by the end of the two days I had learnt a great deal and achieved a pleasing sculpture. I can not think of any way the course can be improved . For me personally I was pleased that the course was mid-week rather than during a weekend so maybe keep one course a year mid-week. A wonderful course, thank you Fiona"

25 Aug 17'

Barbara Miller reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"Again... Another great couple of days at The Phoenix Studio. Great tuition and support throughout the course. A beautiful setting and a great mix of people. You won't be dissapointed ! Thanks James:)"

10 Jul 17'

Irene reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"This has been one of the best courses i have attended. The studio setting is relaxing and nurturing and an ideal environment to explore your creative self and be inspired. James taught us basic techniques based on symmetry and allowing the wires to naturally flow. Over the two days we all created something special and something to be proud of. I will definitely be returning."

6 Jul 17'

Judith Harper reviewed: Screenprinting weekend with Liam Biswell

"Hello Liam, Thank you so very much for delivering such a wonderful printing course on the 10th and 11th June at The Phoenix Studio.You introduced so many printing options and explained the techniques thoroughly, with useful ideas on how to set up at home without incurring too much expense. It was very much a "hands on " experience with a practical emphasis.The group all achieved so much which was thanks to your leadership yet your manner was relaxed and informal.The Phoenix Studio also offers a great venue.I certainly learnt a great deal and, although I cannot attend your course in July, please keep me posted. Kind regards Judith Harper"

15 May 17'

Bonnie reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"My fourth trip to the Phoenix studios and I can honestly say I love going there. Karin and James are fantastic. Not only are they genuinely lovely people they are knowledgeable, patient and helpful! To be able to indulge in two days of total creativity is a treat amidst my busy teaching life. The time simply flies by. Thank Karin once more!"

23 Apr 17'

Rhianon reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"A really wonderful course! The teaching was clear and helpful whilst allowing you to express your own style. Everyone was really friendly. It's a wonderful light environment with everything that you need to get to grips with a new skill or improve on your existing ones. Thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in clay (or has ever been curious about it!)"

1 Apr 17'

Viv Mitchell reviewed: Clay portrait weekends with Karin Ort

"Clay portrait sculpting with Karin was a fantastic weekend. With zero confidence but lots of enthusiasm I created a presentable head in Clay thanks to Karin, James and the lovely model. The studio is wonderful and very relaxing, I met some fabulous people and now would like to develop further as a hobby. Highly recommend if you want to explore your creative side. Viv Mitchell March 2017 group."

29 Mar 17'

Kevin Dobson reviewed: Clay portrait weekends with Karin Ort

"The Portrait sculpture weekend course with Karin Ort was wonderful!! Very warm and welcoming, in the beautiful Phoenix Studio setting. Karin, our tutor was really helpful and attentive, but also left us alone when we wanted to get on and try things out for ourselves, and happy to review and offer guidance afterwards. The life model was really professional and worked hard both days. Having your finished piece fired as part of the course was also a brilliant finish to a wonderful weekend. I look forward to doing the next one again with Karin."

20 Mar 17'

Vicky reviewed: Clay portrait weekends with Karin Ort

"As a portrait painter I knew this sculpture course would help with my paintings, it didn't disappoint, the studio is gorgeous in an amazing location. Karin is an excellent teacher, passionate, patient and encouraging she helps you every step of the way, thank you I loved it and am thrilled with my sculpture. I am looking forward to the next one! X"

20 Mar 17'

Peter Fairman reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Just wanted to write to say a huge thanks to you and Alison for a great weekend course in your Phoenix Studio, such a pleasant venue. You and Alison are such patient teachers and were never too tired to answer any questions the group had. I can’t believe what I achieved with your demonstrations and the really helpful advice and tips given by you both throughout the course. Excellent stress buster too with the best nights sleep I have had for some time ! Thank you both so much and looking to another course soon."

19 Mar 17'

Fiona Morrison reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"James and his team (Alison) are talented, patient teachers, encouraging, inspirational, think way outside the box without losing you and are a lot of fun. They demonstrate each step before letting you loose but are always on hand if you need advice, ideas, or modelling help. Everyone worked at their own speed and produced animals of their own choice in very different styles. James could squeeze water out of a stone. He brings the creative side out in everyone.I will definitely be going back to that lovely large, light studio to have another go and - of course - recommend James' courses to anyone. Thank you James and Alison for a great weekend."

14 Mar 17'

Karen Bown reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Wow! What a fantastic weekend I've just had on this clay animal modelling course with James Ort, I can thoroughly recommend it. The weekend is a brilliant mix of demonstrations and practical, hands on modelling. We were talked through every step, from making an armature, applying clay and the firing process - and we were helped along the way by James and his lovely assistant Alison. We were made to feel very welcome and encouraged at every stage - I cant recommend this course highly enough! If I didn't live over 3 hours away, I'd be here all the time!!! Cant wait for the glazing session now!"