The Phoenix Studio reviews

27 Jan 16'

Pam Wilson reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"What a fantastic course, I wish it could have lasted for more than the two days! James is an inspirational teacher who helped all of us to achieve brilliant results - and I certainly came away with inspiration for many more wire sculptures that I want to do!"

8 Mar 15'

Sue Fish reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"Just come back from another wire and mixed media weekend course with James, its always such fun. He is not only very encouraging, but has a wonderful eye for anatomy, and comes up with amazing ideas for building the details of the sculptures. I thoroughly recommend his courses!"

8 Mar 15'

Sara Howard reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"Excellent teacher, lovely studio with a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Will definitely go again!"

6 Feb 15'

Tim Peacock reviewed: Screenprinting weekend with Liam Biswell

"I’ve done perhaps a handful of plates previously, in one hour taster sessions. Liam’s informal and encouraging approach was perfect for me, as was the level of personal attention allowed by the class size. He is experienced in many processes and took the time to find out what we were all interested in before the class convened. The processes and timing for the weekend were then adjusted accordingly. He was flexible throughout, and, for example, quite prepared to accommodate those who wanted to continue with one process instead of moving on with the rest of the class. He was also encouraging of experiment. A full two days isn’t nearly enough time, but is so much better than two-hour evening classes. To make the most of the time available I’d suggest coming well prepared with ideas and designs of the appropriate size (just ask). However, Liam came with a stack of print- and art- magazines which are a good source. The purpose built Phoenix studio is spacious and light, and Liam is very well organised with materials and equipment."

5 Feb 15'

Julia MacDougall reviewed: Screenprinting weekend with Liam Biswell

"I thoroughly enjoyed Liam's 2 day printmaking workshop. I was a complete beginner, but Liam guided us through the different processes and encouraged us in such a way that I had confidence to have a go and was rather pleased with my efforts! It was all very relaxed. Liam was well organised and all the equipment and materials we needed were readily to hand. The Phoenix Studio in Towersey was a pleasant and accommodating space to work in. I look forward to the next opportunity."

5 Feb 15'

Mike Rains reviewed: Screenprinting weekend with Liam Biswell

"My thanks go to Liam for a most informative and enjoyable course. I come away having learnt the basic principles and practices of three printmaking processes - Intaglio/Drypoint; Relief/Woodblock; and Screenprinting The information was delivered in a friendly and relaxed manner and exactly matched my reasons for joining the course – these processes are no longer a mystery to me! With only six other participants there was a good balance of personal attention and creative buzz throughout. I am now looking to put at least some of these processes to use from home. Once again many thanks. Mike Rains"

27 Jan 15'

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

"This course is brilliant. James is so inspirational and patient. He is able to rescue any potential disasters with such ease that everyone completes the weekend with amazing pieces. We so enjoyed the weekend that my friend and I booked ourselves on the next available course as soon as we got home."

27 Jan 15'

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

"James Ort`s clay sculpture course was the most attentive art course I`ve ever been on. His original and innovative away of working with clay was put across with boundless patience in the most comprehensive and patient way. I`ve never known a teacher work so hard to give so much. Everyone in the group produced lovely objects. Marvelous!! Thanks James, Val Powell."

23 Jan 15'

Angela Wilkes reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"I highly recommend this course and was amazed at what I went home with from the two weekends spent at Phoenix studios. James is an excellent teacher, who encourages and helps students to carry out their own ideas. The well equipped light studio looking onto the garden is a splendid place to work. I will definitely go again."

23 Jan 15'

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

"I really enjoyed this course. The Phoenix Studio is fabulous - lovely surroundings, inspirational art all around, fantastic friendly, supportive atmosphere, great facilities and plenty of tea breaks and biscuits. I went with three other members of my family, which was nice, but going on your own wouldn't be a problem as everyone gets involved with everyone elses efforts in a lovely, supportive way. I was amazed how much we got done in just one weekend. James has a talent for bringing out everyones creative side and encouraging them to acheive their best. As well as being pleased with my own efforts, it was a real pleasure seeing everyone elses, very varied creatures emerge. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone considering it."

20 Jan 15'

Claire Lynch reviewed: Screenprinting weekend with Liam Biswell

"Liam combines giving the freedom to use your own ideas with giving the confidence that solutions to problems can be resolved! His course has provided a great introduction to various techniques and instilled a desire to carry on and learn more. His classes are relaxed, informative and fun for everyone."

16 Jan 15'

Susan Kew reviewed: Screenprinting weekend with Liam Biswell

"We have used Liam for several workshops in the past few years. Our A Level girls were completely inspired by the screen printing workshop that he ran and enhanced all of their portfolios. We have been so impressed with Liam's workshops that have been very accessible and brilliantly resourced, so much so that we are investing in more print making equipment at our school. I would not hesitate in recommending anyone who wishes to explore print making in more depth, these are fantastic worshops!"

15 Jan 15'

Annie Wilkes reviewed: Screenprinting weekend with Liam Biswell

"Liam provided a clear and easy to follow introduction to screen printing and we all were inspired by seeing the wonderful variety in his own printmaking. Forty or so young people enjoyed creating their own photographic screen prints with very striking results. They were all excited and enthused by the experience. All the materials were very high quality providing rich prints on different colours, textures and weights of paper."

13 Jan 15'

Kelly caesar reviewed: Screenprinting weekend with Liam Biswell

"Great Printmaker! The workshops cover a wide range of printmaking techniques producing multiple quality pieces. I would highly recommend his workshops."

24 Oct 14'

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

"Would definitely recommend this course, a fun, creative and thoroughly enjoyable weekend with some lovely people. With his friendly and supportive style, James is a natural teacher and helps you create sculpture you can be proud of. Look forward to my next time at Phoenix."

23 Oct 14'

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

"James is an inspirational teacher, helpful & encouraging. When I first went to the Phoenix Studio I had no notion of being any good at ceramics: I was keeping my friend company on her course, but I continue to go back... I have developed my own style and ideas on how I want my pieces to appear; I'm still not very good but that's down to my essential lack of talent rather than anything else! It's always great there, and it doesn't matter whether you are good or bad at what you are doing as everyone's pieces have validity and indeed, artistic value - everyone is different, thank goodness. And the constant supply of tea and biccies helps the creativity flow as well!"

21 Oct 14'

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

"The course that I experienced has completely changed my approach to my own creativity. It's laughable now that I was so worried about my lack of artistic flair. James has perfected the balance of being inspirational but at the same time sitting back and allowing you to develop your own style. If you have any doubts about any stage of your work, he will 'chip in' and show you how to overcome the problem with his typical laid back style. I now attend one day a week and produce a steady flow of commissions thanks to James encouragement. There'll always be someone one stage ahead and one stage behind you and this gives you the perfect environment for creativity."