Juy 14 – 20 2024
Sand, gold and glaze for unusual objects
Handbuilding. For the intermediate level
Introduction
Precious Surface and Decors is a course to experiment with layering of glazes, sand, glass, gold and silver that will result in precious surfaces and decors, to be used in jewelry but not only.
Techniques
Students will learn how to make rings and small elements entirely in porcelain, on which experiment the different techniques at high and low temperatures. Firing the elements several times will produce stratifications, thus resulting in a unique and precious surface. The materials used will include glazes, sand, glass, silver and gold and the instructor will pay particular attention to the third firing, when applying gold. This is an ancient technique, revisited in a contemporary key. The focus of the course will be the application of the techniques for jewelry in porcelain, but the tecniques can be used with equally fine results on stoneware and on larger objects. The work will be fired in oxidizing atmosphere in the electric kiln.
Logistics
There are 5 full working days in the studio. The workshop is open and teaching ocurrs 9 am to 5 pm. On every classday, a delicious midday meal will be served. Lodging is included as well.
The artist
Luca Tripaldi was born in Turin, Italy. He lives in Florence where he has his studio. After training in graphic design, he worked for ten years in Mario Audello Studios as a sculptor, making masks and special effects for many opera houses like “Scala di Milano” and “Arena di Verona”. In 1998 he opened his own ceramics studio in Turin. He uses porcelain, preferring unglazed surfaces or only glazed in some parts with crystalline glazes and dry glazes, in order to get strong contrasts. The most part of his jewels are in black or white porcelain, decorated with ceramic transfers. He conducts an intensive teaching activitie, holding workshops throughout Europe and the United States. He writes a technical ceramic column for the Italian ceramic magazin ”La Ceramica in Italia e nel Mondo”. www.lucatripaldi.com