Surface treatments, special slips and crawling glazes on stoneware and porcelain
Surface techniques. Intermediate
Traditionally, utilitarian pottery has been dominated by glossy and uniform surfaces. Cracks, exfoliations, craters and crawling of the glaze were seen as flaws in the firing. In recent years, however, many ceramists have moved beyond these conventions, creating work that defy the rules and lead in an entirely new direction. Bizarre surfaces – once considered firing faults — have become sought-after aesthetic choices, desired and appreciated effects. These unconventional surfaces can accentuate a piece and serve as a refined form of decoration.
Techniques taught
In Bizarre Surfaces, Luca Tripaldi introduces a wide range of diverse techniques to explore intriguing surfaces and colors. The course begins with demonstrations on how to stretch soft clay to achieve decorative cracks on the surface of bowls and other small vessels. In addition, participants will learn how to prepare special slips to create rough textures as backgrounds of pieces. Later we will move into exploring color: the group discovers how to stain clay bodies and formulate and apply different kinds of lava and crawling glazes. We will test both dry and glossy surfaces and fire our pieces both at cones 6 and 8, in an oxidizing atmosphere. Naturally, the methods and glazes demonstrated can be adapted to stoneware and porcelain bodies across various firing temperatures.
Teaching method
Bizarre Surfaces consists of demonstrations for the whole group and individual follow-up and support by the instructor. Students receive a wealth of practical advice and information on material technology in a clear and structured manner. This solid foundation enables them to confidently continue experimenting and exploring new directions once back to their home studio. Besides our pieces, we will also make samples on tiles to take home as a reference.
As our focus is on glazes and surfaces, we will primarily hand-build our pieces to explore a wide variety of shapes. Those who prefer using the wheel may do so, however they should note that this is not a throwing workshop and does not include demonstrations or follow-up on the wheel. Our studio will be furnished for handbuilding and glazing, with only two wheels available.
As the workshop involves a wide range of techniques and multiple firing cycles, we follow a well-planned program starting at 9:00 am and finishing at 5:00 pm each working day. The course is recommended for students of intermediate level.
Logistics
Students arrive on Sunday, August 1, and departure will be on Saturday, August 7, 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.
Teaching takes place from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm on weekdays.
The instructor
Luca Tripaldi lives in Florence where he has his studio. After training in graphic design, he worked for ten years as a sculptor and set designer, making masks and special effects for renowned opera houses like The Scala in Milan and The Arena of Verona. In 1998 he opened his own ceramic studio. He uses porcelain, preferring unglazed surfaces and is known for his Contemporary Art Jewelry. He conducts an intensive teaching activity, holding workshops throughout Europe and the United States. He never gets tired of experimenting and he dedicates particular attention to the pedagogical aspects, with the aim of making learning easier for his students. www.lucatripaldi.com@lucatripaldiporcelainandmore
The costs listed include both the workshop fee and the lodging:
15 MINUTES WALK FROM THE STUDIO
Standard accommodation in shared double room with shared bathroom. Final course cost: Euro 2210
Standard accommodation in single room with shared bathroom. Final course cost: Euro 2380
ON SITE
Upgraded accommodation in single room with shared bathroom and A/C. Final course cost: Euro 2490
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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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.
Luca Tripaldi lives in Florence where he has his studio. After training in graphic design, he worked for ten years as a sculptor and set designer, making masks and special effects for renowned opera houses like The Scala in Milan and The Arena of Verona. In 1998 he opened his own ceramic studio. He uses porcelain, preferring unglazed surfaces and is known for his Contemporary Art Jewelry. He conducts an intensive teaching activity, holding workshops throughout Europe and the United States. He never gets tired of experimenting and he dedicates particular attention to the pedagogical aspects, with the aim of making learning easier for his students. 
