28A-2023 – Luca Tripaldi – Bizzarre Surfaces

Introduction

Traditionally, glossy and uniform surfaces have been the rule for the decoration of utilitarian pots. In recent years, however, many ceramists have broken from this tradition, creating works that defy those rules and even go in the entirely opposite direction. Cracks, exfoliations, and crawling of the glaze– traditionally seen as flaws in the firing– have become desired and appreciated effects. These bizarre surfaces can accentuate a piece and be used as a refined form of decoration.

Techniques

In this course, Luca Tripaldi will teach you a range of diverse techniques to obtain such bizarre surfaces. He will begin by demonstrating how to stretch a clay body in the soft stage to achieve decorative cracks on the surface of bowls and little pots. Then, you will learn how to stain clay bodies and how to prepare special slips in order to create rough textures as backgrounds on your pieces. Finally, you will study how to formulate and apply different kinds of crawling glazes, both dry and glossy. These glazes may be adjusted for both stoneware and porcelain bodies.

Method

In Bizarre Surfaces, well-developed information and material technology is communicated to students in a clear and competent manner. Building off of this solid foundation, once back in your  studio you will be able to experiment in various directions. At the course, you may hand-build your pieces or make them on the wheel if you are a thrower.  For future reference, you will also make samples on tiles to take home. The course is recommended for the intermediate level.

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. Currently 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