Introduction

The Ceramic Animal: In this workshop Andreas Hinder will share his wide experience of modelling the ceramic animal figure. Furthermore, tips and tricks for the successful building of an abstract or figurative sculpture are part of the topic as much as the search of a meaningful expression and of an appropriate surface design.

Techniques taught

How does a figure stand on its feet, being those two or four? Which static structure is at the base of the composition? Can we show posture, facial expression and movement of the ceramic animal?In which ways can we inspire the form with life? Which marks and textures do tell of skin, bristles or fur? These questions will be addressed and apropriate solutions shown. This is a workshop where Andreas Hinder will stimulate experimentation on various levels.

Teaching method

Participants are welcome to bring sketches for their own projects of a ceramic animal. The ideas will be worked out by means of smaller models / maquettes in two or three variations. Then the instructor will hold group demonstrations and, in one to one conversation with each participant, discuss the way of best realizing the projects. He will support each participant in the realization of their own work. Hinder will demonstrate his construction technique. first showing how a socket or the like is made and then build the figure from bottom to top, supporting the statics with temporary auxiliary walls. He will show how best joining parts to avoid future cracks and how to take off weight from the clay feet during the construction. Each participant will finish one or more small to medium size figures.

Furthermore, there will be information for building large, multi-part figures for outdoors, about the composition of engobes, firing curves, frost resistance, base solutions and many other questions that will arise during the workshop.

Logistics

On every classday, a delicious meal will be served. Lodging is included as well. The workshop will be taught in english. The last kiln opening will be in the morning of Saturday, therefore please plan your travels so to not leave La Meridiana before 9.30 am.

The artist

Andreas Hinder trained as a ceramicist and ceramic designer in Höhr Grenzhausen. Since 1994 he has his own studio where he works as a full time artist. His distinctive animal sculptures are built in stoneware, with a variety of surface structures and finishing. Small and large sculptures for indoors and frost prof sculptures for outdoors are found in many private and public collections. They fit into the tradition of the artistic representation of the animal that reflect human attitude, without depriving it of its dignity. www.andreas-hinder-keramik.de