32A-2025 – Luca Tripaldi – Bizarre Surfaces

August 3 – 9  2025

Surface treatments, special slips and crawling glazes on stoneware and porcelain

Surface techniques. For the intermediate level

Bizzarre surfaces on two yellow vases. Superficie bizzarre su vasi gialli

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 may go in the entirely opposite direction. Bizarre surfaces, 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 Bizarre Surfaces, Luca Tripaldi will teach you a range of diverse techniques. 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. At booking, you may select your preferred room type, choosing between standard lodging, single room and/or upgraded accommodation. Please note that depending on the availability, certain types at times may not be offered.

The artist

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
Instagram @lucatripaldiporcelainandmore

Artist

Luca Tripaldi
Length of course

5 working days in the studio
Level

Intermediate
Technique

Surface techniques
Workshop fee (without lodging)

Euro 1900
Deposit for booking

Euro 500
Bizzarre surfaces on two yellow vases. Superficie bizzarre su vasi gialli
Ciotola Brina di Luca Tripaldi
Gialla e Bianca. Luca Tripaldi
Tazza Gialla
Ciotola Grumi bianchi di Luca Tripaldi
Mezzo Cervello Turchese di Luca Tripaldi
Tazza Coagulo. Luca Tripaldi

Workshop and lodging

The costs listed include both: the workshop fee and the lodging.
Standard accommodation in shared double room, at 15 minutes walking distance from La Meridiana – Final course cost: Euro 2120
Standard accommodation in single room, at 15 minutes walking distance from La Meridiana – Final course cost: Euro 2300
Upgraded accommodation in shared double room with air condition, 15 minutes walking distance from La Meridiana : Final course cost Euro 2280
Upgraded accommodation in single room with air condition, 15 minutes walking distance from La Meridiana: Final course cost: Euro 2480
Private apartment with air condition, at maximum 15 minutes walking distance from La Meridiana. Final course cost: Euro 2600
Course without lodging Euro 1900

Artist statement

I have experimented with different materials and various firing techniques, both at low and high temperature. My interest is focussed on high temperature and porcelain processing techniques; porcelain is the clay I use for sculpture, decorative objects and jewellery. I mostly glaze only parts with crystalline or dry glazes, in order to get strong contrasts. I like my Contemporary Art Jewellery black or white, decorated with ceramic transfers. Although porcelain remains my favourite material, in recent years I have become passionate about resins, brass and electroforming, which I love to integrate into porcelain creations.

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 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 Italian consumer legislation, in accordance with the EU consumer protection legislation. In the event of disputes, the competent court is Florence. If the workshop cannot be hold because of an insufficient number of students, the deposit will be fully reimbursed.
Force Majeure
Students must know that cancellations may occur due to events beyond our control (e.g. pandemic, civil disorder, medical or family issues of the instructor). In such case, La Meridiana reserves the right to offer a voucher for a different workshop of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years. The deposit will be transferred to the workshop of choice.