28A-2023 – Luca Tripaldi – Bizzarre Surfaces
July 9 – 15 2023
Surface treatments, special slips and crawling glazes on stoneware and porcelain
Surface techniques. For the intermediate level

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
Artist: | Luca Tripaldi |
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Date: | July 9 – 15 2023 |
Length of course | 5 working days in the studio |
Level | Some experience required |
Technique | Surface techniques |
Total cost: | € 1600,00 |
Deposit for booking: | Euro 500,00 |
THIS COURSE IS FULL
Payment and Refund 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.
Cancellations
You may withdraw within 14 days of registration without incurring in any penalties and will have the deposit fully refunded. No refund of deposits past 14 days of registration, pursuant to articles 53 and following of the EU consumer protection legislation.
If La Meridiana cannot hold the course due to unforeseen events beyond our control, La Meridiana reserves the right to offer a voucher for a different course of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years. The deposit will be transferred to the new course.
Safety
La Meridiana is equipped to comply with the current safety standards regarding Covid-19, including social distancing between people in and outside the studio. The daily maintenance of hygiene measures is guaranteed. Please note that participants will be required to follow the security protocol and to comply with some simple precautions.
Info
The workshop fee includes the following:
Tuition of 6 – 8 hours per day;
Studio open 11 hours per day;
All materials and firings;
Lodging in shared double room; single room on request at additional fee of 230 euros per week;
Shared kitchen facilities and shared bathroom.
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.