Introduction

Form and Decoration is a course dedicated to throwing and firing functional ceramics, with a strong focus on decoration techniques.

Techniques

Continuous practice coupled with one-on-one attention from the instructors enables the ability to translate ideas into three dimensional objects. Exercises will aim to enhance skill and awareness, allowing participants to improve their pots in form and finish. In decoration, exercises aim to encourage thoughtful and controlled application of glaze and cover a wide range of decorative possibilities from work done with clay immediately after throwing to work done with glaze, simple and more complex. The practical work of the course is complemented by a series of six visual talks covering historical and contemporary aspects of ceramics.

Teaching method

The teachers divide their time between demonstrations for the group and, as necessary, one-to-one assistance. Students have a generous working space at their disposal. They will stay and study in the supportive environment of La Meridiana, with logistics like lodging, transportation and lunch taken care of.

Application and cost

Application is by written proposal. Please write to info@lameridiana.fi.it to find out about the cost and more.

The artists

Two  ceramicists of wide experience tutor a group of maximum eight students.

Pietro Elia Maddalena studied ceramics at the West Surrey College of Art & Design in England. After two more years of work at Dartington Workshop, he returned to Italy where in 1980 he established a studio in Certaldo, near Florence. Pietro is the founder and director of the International School of Ceramics LA MERIDIANA located in Tuscany, Italy. Also instructor and maker he says of himself : “ I am totally and continuously interested in the process of making. I see the craft object as a projection of the human spirit and the culture in which it was nurtured. In elaborating concept, material and process, my ultimate goal is the expression of beauty through sophisticated and sensual forms”. www.pietro.net

Franco Rampi started working as a potter in 1981. After an apprenticeship in England and a cycle of studies in Italy, he went on to open his own studio in Tuscany. With his roots and training in wheel thrown production pottery, Franco’s personal works are individual in their form and idea, experimenting with unusual processes and combinations of clays and slips. He has been one of La Meridiana’s most treasured collaborators over the last decade. www.francorampi.it