29-2027 – Brian Dickenson and Zsófia Földvári – Summer Throwing

This course offers an immersion into throwing, finishing and glazing functional items. During two intensive weeks in the studio, participants develop technique, improve understanding of clay and glazes and cultivate visual vocabulary.

Techniques taught

Summer Throwing begins with the basics: preparing clay, centering and pulling cylinders. The primary focus for the two weeks is on throwing and trimming a range of different forms. Demonstrations cover a range of forms large and small: cylindrical, ovoid and spherical, including jugs, vases and lidded pots as well as open forms, such as plates and bowls. We also learn different ways to add handles, make spouts and fit lids to jars. We work with a stoneware clay chosen for throwing and bisque a selection of work. A related sequence of demonstrations covers decorative processes with slip and, of course, glazing. We will have several glazing days, where students can gain confidence in this important step. Pieces are finished using reduction glazes from La Meridiana`s range and reduction fired in the gas kiln to cone ten.

Teaching method

The instructors will hold daily group demonstrations covering a wide variety of domestic items, following a structured programme. After the demonstrations, participants settle into their own rhythm of work, practicing the topics of the day personalized to their level of experience by the instructors. We adapt a learning mindset, analyzing our techniques and improving from one lump of clay to the next. Brian and Zsofia will provide plenty of individual attention to each student to help everyone progress on their own speed. While at the school, students can also draw inspiration from the on-site ceramic gallery’s wide display of forms and styles.

Logistics

Students arrive on Sunday, July 18, and departure will be on Saturday,July 31, 2027.
On every class day a delicious lunch will be served. At booking, you may select your preferred room type, choosing between: standard lodging, single or shared room; upgraded accommodation; private apartment. Please note that depending on the availability, certain types at times may not be offered.
Last kiln opening will be on the Saturday morning. Please plan your departure no earlier than 9:30 am.
If you need help to take your work with you, we can assist with arranging shipment through a professional shipping company.

The instructors

Brian Dickenson attended the Throwers course at Derbyshire college of Higher Education and obtained a Research Diploma at Cardiff Institute of Higher Education, focusing on composition and firing of oriental glazes. He holds a MA Degree from Cardiff institute of Higher Education. He spent his journeyman period with Philip Wood and later with Seth and Ara Cardew at the Wenford Bridge Pottery focusing on raw production and repetition throwing. Since then, he has established four potteries and developed a particular interest in kiln building. In addition to making a broad range of functional ware and one off pieces, he teaches ceramics and regularly holds lectures at Clay College Stoke UK. Even after many years of working with clay, Brian remains fascinated by all aspects of ceramics. @ briandickensonceramics

Zsófia Földvári grew up in Hungary. She graduated as a scientist, but after discovering a strong passion for clay, she changed direction and studied ceramics in Norway and Italy. Since 2023 she has worked at La Meridiana as teaching assistant and later as an instructor on throwing courses, including several editions of the intensive courses “On Centre Fall” and “On Centre”. When not teaching, Zsófia focuses on developing her own collection of wheel-thrown pottery, combining elegant, quietly expressive forms with surface designs inspired by the surrounding flora. To see more of her work, visit: www.foldvarizsofia.com or @zsofiafoldvari.ceramics on Instagram.