Introduction

Form and surface are the topics of this two week long workshop. There will be the throwing with very specific techniques and the making and application of crystalline glazes. Participants will learn how to make suitable forms for crystalline glazes and what to consider in formulating the glazes plus a variety of textures for the surface.

Techniques taught

On the first week we will be concentrated on form, throwing pieces with different technique, using stoneware and porcelain. José will explain how he throws and centers the clay. Form includes shapes with long and thin necks, open pieces like moon jars, throwing small, throwing in two parts. Surface adresses the study of texture techniques and the macig of crystalline glazes. During the second week there is a practical part with the formulation and application of some basic glazes, then continued with a technical part to understand the process.  First glaze formulation, frits best suited for cristals and the the theory of crystallizatio then  temperatures, application and firing methods will be discussed. Furthermore, reduction and post-reduction, treatments with acids and the formulation for red backgrounds will be discussed.

Teaching Method

With tips and tricks out of his vast experience, José Mariscal will help participants to avoid typical errors, permitting to continue to explore the process successfully in the future.  He will help one by one to improve the throwing skills.The workshop is suitable for students with at least some throwing experience, meaning they should be able to throw at least bowls and fairly large cylinders. There will be three final firings: one oxidation firing, one reduction firing, one post reduction firing. Each student will be able to glaze fire at least four pieces but it is important to know that some work will be bisq fired only.

Logistics

On every classday, a delicious meal will be served. Lodging is included as well.The workshop is suitable for students with at least some throwing experience and will be taught in english.

The artist

José Mariscal is the son of a potter and learned to turn the potter’s wheel as a boy in his father’s workshop. In 1992 he started as a potter at Ceramicas Martinez in Vulpellac. He went from studio to studio and improved his throwing technique to perfection. In 2003 he opened his own workshop and began to experiment with different glazing techniques, to work with engobes, as well as with raku, naked raku and terra sigillata. In 2010, José Mariscal bought an electric kiln and started developing his crystal glazes. http://www.mariscal-ceramics.com