Porcelain provides a unique working experience, a brighter glaze response, and fluidity that captures movement and gesture. During the workshop Fluid Form: Exploring Porcelain, participants explore the possibilities of this versatile material through wheel-throwing and form development. Leah is a potter and educator with extensive experience working with porcelain. Her practice emphasizes elegant forms, attention to detail, and a balance between functional ware and special-occasion pieces.

Techniques taught

Over two immersive weeks participants develop technical skills and strengthen creative thinking through hands-on practice. Students will work with the wheel to craft diverse and dynamic forms, focusing on cultivating their personal ideas in porcelain. Daily demonstrations will offer insights into various functional forms. Besides a wealth of shapes, Leah will introduce participants to a variety of decorative techniques well-suited for porcelain, including use of colored slips, slip trailing, carving. Students will become familiar with the basics of glazing and also with firing in a reducing atmosphere.

Teaching method

This course focuses on using the wheel as a starting point for creative exploration. We will modify wheel-thrown components and view the wheel as a tool for making parts of the pieces rather than limiting ourselves to conventional forms. As always, Leah will give special attention to strategies that demystify porcelain and boost confidence in working with it. She will pair demonstrations with hands-on practice, group discussions, and visual references to inspire the development of form and surface.

Logistics

Students arrive on Sunday, August 8, and departure will be on Saturday, August 21, 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.
If you need help to take your work with you, we can assist with arranging shipment through a professional shipping company.

The Instructor

Leah Leitson is a ceramic artist and Professor Emerita at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina. She earned her MFA in Ceramics from Louisiana State University and her BFA in Ceramics from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. She has completed artist residencies at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana; the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Alberta, Canada; Guldagergaard International Ceramic Research Center in Denmark; and Township 10 in North Carolina. She teaches workshops both nationally and internationally, including at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Penland School of Crafts in Penland, North Carolina, and has taught in Italy and Israel. Her work has been extensively exhibited and featured in publications, museums, and public and private collections worldwide. To see more of her work, visit www.leahleitson.com or follow @leahleitson