Introduction

Would you like to work with porcelain but do not want to use the wheel?  The beauty of porcelain is the opportunity to explore different handbuilding techniques  in one single course. Furthermore, aesthetics and expressive possibilities, the addition of colour, surface decoration and finishing with or without glazes are part of the programme. The instructor will guide participants to familiarize with the peculiarities of the material and the students will make functional or decorative objects, according to their preferences.

Techniques

Pinching, slab building, coiling and casting: students will discover the features of each of these. The fine grain of porcelain allows for very detailed texture, therefore, attention will be paid to different surface treatments. The potential of colour, integral to the clay body or applied with slips and glazes will also be explored. Students will first experiment on tiles, testing the various techniques before applying them to their main projects. Some objects will be single-fired while others will be bisqued and glazed, then fired to high temperature.

Instruction

From handbuilding to finishing and decorating, to loading and firing the kiln, each step will be demonstrated and explained in detail. The duration of two weeks allows to work on each piece in several steps, understanding from practical experience the importance of timing, intervening when best: soft, at the leather hard stage or when completely dry. Drawing on her extensive experience, the instructor will answer questions and give each student personalized attention in the realization of their projects. The practical teaching will be completed by visual presentations.

Logistics

The course lasts ten full working days and at every lunch, a delicious meal is served. On the Sunday students may venture out to the surroundings to explore some of the beauty of Tuscany in an unusual season. The last kiln opening will be in the morning of Saturday, plan your travels so to not leave La Meridiana before 9.30 am.

The Artist

Sara Kirschen was born in Rome in 1975. After taking a degree in sociology, in the early nineties she discovered a profound interest in the art of pottery- making. Self taught, she is now a professional potter and teacher. In the past, she has attended workshops at La Meridiana, and assisted many artists, among others Susan Nemeth. Versatile with different techniques, coloured porcelain has become her favourite means of expression. www.sarakirschen.it