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11A-2026 – John Dix – Loosen Up
March 8 – 21 2026
Techniques for making expressive work
Wheel and hand building, wood-firing. Some experience required
Introduction
The focus of Loosen Up will be to help students move beyond the symmetrical ‘Perfect’ pot; to free up their hands, and minds, to make more lively, vital work.
Techniques
John will introduce various techniques he has developed early in his life in America, and for the last 35 years, in Japan. Many pieces will start on the wheel, then move to hand building. Other pieces will start out hand built, then move to the wheel. Pieces will be stretched, carved and manipulated in ways to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces. Both functional pots, handles, spouts, lids, and more abstract vessel forms will be addressed. The work will then be wood-fired in the train kiln.
Teaching Method
During the making portion, John will give 1-2 hour demos each morning and afternoon. He will then work with the students as they try to apply these techniques to their own pots. During the loading, John will demonstrate various stacking methods to encourage a ‘Paint with Flame’ approach to surface development. Under his guidance, the students will load the kiln and work in shifts to stoke it up to temperature, over the 24 hours of firing. After the pots are unloaded, discussions on cleaning wood-fired work, along with critiques will be held.
Logistics
A full meal and two coffee breaks are served on each class day. A half day excursion to a Tuscan beauty spot or art city is included in the programme.
At booking, you may select your preferred room type, choosing between standard lodging, single room and/or upgraded accommodation. Please note that depending on the availability, certain types at times may not be offered.
The artist
John Dix has spent the last 35 of his 45 years with clay primarily in Japan.This has led to works that show a strong Japanese influence but still retain elements of his early training in the West. For the last 30 years, John has been based in the area of Japan known as Tamba, an ancient pottery region. There he has built a studio and two anagama style kilns, which he fires two or three times a year for up to 7 days a firing. John has been sharing his techniques through workshops around the world for many years.
| Artist | John Dix |
|---|---|
| Length of course | 10 working days in the studio |
| Technique | Handbuilding, Throwing, Wood and/or soda firing |
| Deposit for booking | Euro 900 |
| Workshop fee (without lodging) | Euro 2980 |
| Level | Some experience is desirable |
Workshop fee & Lodging
The costs listed include both the workshop fee and the lodging.
15 MINUTES WALK FROM THE STUDIO
Standard accommodation in shared double room with shared bathroom. Final course cost: Euro 3440
Standard accommodation in single room with shared bathroom. Final course cost: Euro 3780
Course without lodging Euro 2980
Additional information
The workshop fee includes the following:
Tuition of 6 – 8 hours per day;
Studio open 11 hours per day;
All materials and firings;
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;
Filed trip.
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 Italian consumer legislation, in accordance with the EU consumer protection legislation. In the event of disputes, the competent court is Florence. If the workshop cannot be hold because of an insufficient number of students, the deposit will be fully reimbursed.
Force Majeure
Students must know that cancellations may occur due to events beyond our control (e.g. pandemic, civil disorder, medical or family issues of the instructor). In such case, La Meridiana reserves the right to offer a voucher for a different workshop of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years. The deposit will be transferred to the workshop of choice.
