Home / 2027 Courses / 27A-2027 – Hélène Morbu – Textures on Slabs
27A-2027 – Hélène Morbu – Textures on Slabs
July 4 – 10 2027
Pattern, Rhythm and Geometry in Clay
Handbuilding. For all
This handbuilding workshop with Hélène Morbu explores the expressive potential of texture in slab-built ceramics. Participants will investigate how rhythmic patterns, repetition, and surface relief and form interact. Hélène shares her personal, experimental approach to developing sequences of texture impressed in the clay. Finally, students learn how textured slabs can be assembled into functional and sculptural objects.
Techniques taught
Over five days, we design and build textured pieces using a comb tool, a central element in Hélène’s studio practice. The initial phase of the course is dedicated to research and experimentation. Participants work with small slabs to explore mark-making and develop their own sequences of raised, incised, and impressed patterns. Later, we transform the textured slabs into three-dimensional forms. Hélène will demonstrate two different construction methods, guiding participants through the assembly of slab-built vases. Finally, we focus on glazing our pieces. Participants learn to use masking and resist techniques to emphasise relief, enhance depth, and highlight the texture. The pieces will be high fired in oxidation, however these techniques are adaptable to any clay body and firing atmosphere.
Teaching method
The course combines group demonstrations, independent work, and individual feedback. Group discussions and working alongside in the classroom encourage an open, exploratory mindset, key to creating textures without boundaries. Hélène supports each student in translating their personal patterns into slab-built forms, to achieve harmonious dialogue between form and texture.
Logistics
Students arrive on Sunday, July 4, and departure will be on Saturday, July 10, 2027.
On every class day a delicious lunch will be served. At booking, you may select your preferred room type, choosing between: standard lodging, single or shared room; upgraded accommodation; private apartment. Please note that depending on the availability, certain types at times may not be offered.
Last kiln opening will be on the Saturday morning. Please plan your departure no earlier than 9:30 am.
If you need help to take your work with you, we can assist with arranging shipment through a professional shipping company.
The instructor
Hélène Morbu is a French ceramic artist, trained at the Reims School of Art and Design and at ENSAAMA in Paris. After graduating, she established her ceramics studio in Nantes in 2008. Her work is deeply influenced by Art Deco and by a desire to reinvent traditional techniques using her own tools and methods. Her practice explores the boundaries between tradition and contemporary ceramic design. Currently, she develops collections of vases and containers that can be presented as sculptural installations. Her creative practice aims to combine simplicity of form, geometric precision, and complex textures. She received the Young Talent in Craftsmanship Award in 2016, followed by the Creator Award from the Ateliers d’Art de France Foundation in 2019.
The costs listed include both the workshop fee and the lodging:
15 MINUTES WALK FROM THE STUDIO
Standard accommodation in single room with shared bathroom. Final course cost: Euro 2380
ON SITE
Upgraded accommodation in single room with private bathroom and A/C. Final course cost: Euro 2580
Upgraded accommodation in single room with double bed and private bathroom and A/C. Final course cost: Euro 2630
PRIVATE APARTMENT
A maximum 15 minute-walk from the studio, with one bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and outside space. Final course: Euro 2700
Course without lodging: Euro 1980
Additional Information
The workshop fee includes the following:
Tuition of 6 – 8 hours per day;
Studio open 11 hours per day;
All materials and firings;
Freshly prepared three course lunch with wine on all working days;
Welcome breakfast, Welcome and Final dinner;
Coffee break in the mornings and in the evenings.
Payment and Cancellation Policy
A deposit is required at registration. After submitting the registration form, you may proceed with the payment on-line. If you choose to pay by bank transfer, the registration will be confirmed once the deposit has been accredited in our banking account. The balance must be paid at the beginning of the course.
Cancellation You may withdraw within 14 days of registration without incurring any penalties. In this case, the deposit will be fully refunded, in accordance with Articles 53 and following of the Italian Consumer Code and relevant EU consumer protection legislation. In the event of a dispute, the competent court is Florence, Italy. After the 14-day withdrawal period, no refund of the deposit will be issued. If you cancel more than 60 days prior to the course start date, you will receive a voucher for the deposit amount, minus a €50 administration fee. The voucher can be used for the current edition of the Programme or the edition held the following year.
Force majeure If a course cannot be held due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, the deposit will be fully refunded. If students must withdraw due to exceptional collective circumstances beyond their control, such as a pandemic or civil disorder, La Meridiana reserves the right to offer them a voucher for an alternative course. The deposit will be transferred to the new course.
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To provide the best experiences, we use technologies such as cookies to store and / or access device information. Consent to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent may adversely affect some features and functions.
Functional
Always active
Technical storage or access are strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of allowing the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. .
Technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
L'archiviazione tecnica o l'accesso sono necessari per lo scopo legittimo di memorizzare le preferenze che non sono richieste dall'abbonato o dall'utente.
Statistics
Technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.Technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Marketing
Technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or on different websites for similar marketing purposes.
Hélène Morbu is a French ceramic artist, trained at the Reims School of Art and Design and at ENSAAMA in Paris. After graduating, she established her ceramics studio in Nantes in 2008. Her work is deeply influenced by Art Deco and by a desire to reinvent traditional techniques using her own tools and methods. Her practice explores the boundaries between tradition and contemporary ceramic design. Currently, she develops collections of vases and containers that can be presented as sculptural installations. Her creative practice aims to combine simplicity of form, geometric precision, and complex textures. She received the Young Talent in Craftsmanship Award in 2016, followed by the Creator Award from the Ateliers d’Art de France Foundation in 2019.
