copia 40A-2023 – Hillary Kane – A Conversation with Fire
October 1 – 14 2023
Texture & Flame
Firing in the train kiln. For all levels
Introduction
Awakening the spirit of communion with raw elements, these two weeks promise to be an experience of personal metamorphosis akin to the alchemical transformation the ceramic wares will undergo during their journey through the fire. The slender length of La Meridiana’s train kiln offers a diversity of “areas” within its single chamber: the perfect forum for a varied conversation between clay and flame.
The making
Students may employ the wheel and/or numerous hand-building approaches. Hillary will explore surface texture, and vessel shape as design factors influencing the subtle and dramatic effects of natural ash surfaces. Double-walled vessels, slab structures, faceted faces, kurinuki sculptural and functional forms will all be approached. Special emphasis will be placed on the spontaneous texturing of soft clay to find form and surface alike. Hence, tearing, ripping, pummeling, swiping, hammering, faceting, slicing, expanding. Participants will be encouraged toward explorative making, allowing discoveries to arise by virtue of letting go.
The firing
During loading, specific attention will be paid to creative intelligence in the positioning of wares. Estimative reading of the flame path, projections on areas of greatest ash or soda accumulation, consequential placement of certain forms, “tumble” stacking, and selective use of wad sizes, shapes, and materials are all choices that will play an essential role in the painting of the wares.
As a collective, the workshop team will fire the kiln, every member of the group participating. A day of cooling will allow us a pause for reflection and recuperation. And finally, the unloading–when all will be revealed and we will behold the full process of transmutation, upon our wares and upon ourselves.
Logistics
This workshop is open to all levels of experience. On every classday, a delicious meal will be served. Lodging is included as well.
The artist
For Hillary Kane, place is of essence. She has lived widely in the world and those experiences have left significant marks in her making practice. New England cradled her in painting and illustration; France etched print-making into her heart; Cameroon triggered her gut-pull to the medium of clay; New Mexico initiated her passion for wood-firing in particular– and Bali coalesced her love of teaching and hosting and making into one when she co-founded Gaya Ceramic Arts Center there in 2010.
Her creative process is focused around the alchemy of the anagama for firing functional, sculptural and figurative works, as well as the making of large-format paper-clay paintings–and most saliently, the journey of raising twin daughters. At very present, she lives a bi-hemispheric lifestyle, splitting time between the lush y tropical backdrop of her island life and the cyclical seasons of her New England upbringing; embracing the duality of home in two disparate worlds. With her artwork she is searching for a fluency between them. https://www.hkane.studio
| Accommodation | WITH ACCOMMODATION, WITHOUT ACCOMMODATION |
|---|---|
| Technique | Surface techniques, Wood and/or soda firing |
| Level | For all levels |
| Total cost: | Euro 2700,00 – 2240,00 |
| Deposit for booking: | Euro 800,00 – 600,00 |
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 EU consumer protection legislation.
If La Meridiana cannot hold the course due to unforeseen events beyond our control, La Meridiana reserves the right to offer a voucher for a different course of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years. The deposit will be transferred to the new course.
Info
The workshop fee includes the following:
Tuition of 6 – 8 hours per day;
Studio open 11 hours per day;
All materials and firings;
Lodging in shared double room; single room on request at additional fee of 230 euros per week;
Shared kitchen facilities and shared bathroom.
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.
Safety
La Meridiana is equipped to comply with the current safety standards regarding Covid-19, including social distancing between people in and outside the studio. The daily maintenance of hygiene measures is guaranteed. Please note that participants will be required to follow the security protocol and to comply with some simple precautions.