With the remodelled studios and the ample outside space, we are able to offer this course respecting the current safety standards. The number of participants is limited to eight.

The workshop

People throw, and always have, with a variety of intentions. Some focus on form and its surface, others focus on objects of function and yet others use thrown form as a support for graphic ideas – and, often, these three interests may overlap. The central focus of the course is throwing but a related focus is the range of ways thrown objects may be finished.

Techniques taught

Demos to the group will cover a wide range of forms – from flat to spherical, from fluidly curvaceous to austerely angular and from simple to complex – and a range of scale, from small to large. Teapots, jugs and the simplest of forms will all be shown. The course will use a finely grogged throwing clay of excellent working qualities, evolved in a programme of experiment at La Meridiana, ideally suitable both for beginners and more fluent throwers. The sequence of demonstrations on surface and mark making processes will cover a range of possibilities using clay, slip and glaze. There will be demos and adequate time for glazing, so that each participant may complete this final process with calm and confidence. Most of the dry work will be bisqued and a selection of this will be glazed and fired to high temperature. The practical work will be completed by a lesson about glazes and glaze materials.

Safety

La Meridiana is equipped to comply with the current safety standards, including social distancing between people in and outside the studio. The building is sanitized and 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.

• Body temperature will be checked before entering the building and sign the self-declaration at the entrance. Anyone with a temperature above 37.5 ° or any flu symptoms cannot enter and must contact a doctor.
• It is important to keep your hands always clean: everything you need will be available.
• everyone is responsible to follow the basic rules on social distancing and the use of masks.

The Artist

Franco Rampi was born in Domodossola. He started working as a potter in 1981. After an apprenticeship in England and a cycle of studies in Italy he opened his own studio in Tuscany.
He produces both functional objects in small series and one off pieces. He works mainly in stoneware, whilst continuing his research on clays, slips and forms.
For ten years he has been teaching and collaborating with La Meridiana, and assisting John Colbeck in throwing and long term courses. www.francorampi.it