36B-2023 – Michael Martino – Kintsugi Basics

Introduction

Kintsugi repair has been used in Japan for centuries, but little known to the rest of the world until recently, and is now enjoying a rennaisance of sorts. However, there are drawbacks to traditional kintsugi, namely the difficulty and expense of acquiring Urushi (the toxic lacquer from the lacquer tree), and the difficulties in handling and properly curing Urushi. Kintsugi Basics will introduce participants to kintsugi techniques using an alternative material: Polyurethane resin, which is much easier to handle and cure properly, and speeds the kintsugi process considerably.

Tecniques

In Kintsugi Basics participants will learn how to  fix broken and chipped ceramics. They will learn the proper way to fill a crack line for maximum strength of repair and how to  fill chipped areas. Techniques for adding color to repairs,  gold or other materials to a repaired crack line or chip will be shown. Furthermore, Michael Martino will show  the essentials to  cure the repair for maximum strength and safety.

Methods

Kintsugi Basics will be fully hands on, with participants doing all of their own repairs under the direction of instructor Michael Martino. They will be guided through the entire process from start to finish.  Firstly by properly measuring and mixing resin, then assembling broken pieces, filling cracks and sanding surfaces. Then, adding pigments to resin to adjust viscosity and color. Lastly, particpants will  fill the cracks, curing the resin fills, applying resin line over repaired areas, and applying a final layer of gold powder or other material.

If you wish to know more about Kintsugi, find here an article  that appeared in New Ceramics.

Logistics

* All participants should bring 2-5 of their own work. (Small to medium sized cups, bowls, or plates with simple breaks and without missing pieces are best) for repair.
On every classday, a delicious meal will be served. Lodging is included as well. The workshop is suitable for all levels.

The Artist

Michael Martino grew up in rural New Mexico and urban Texas, USA. His interest in pots came from being exposed to a multitude of pot shards and stone tools discovered while playing as a child in the hills of northern New Mexico. Michael first moved to Japan in 1990, and has been steeped in the ceramic tradition of Karatsu since 2002 when he began an informal apprenticeship with veteran Karatsu potter Tsuruta Yoshihisa, his mentor in both ceramics and kintsugi. He established his studio in 2007 in Taku, Japan, and built his anagama style wood kiln in 2011, dedicating himself to making beautiful (mostly) functional ceramics out of local wild clay, stone, and ash.

http://www.karatsupots.com

https://karatsupots.indiemade.com

http://karatsupots.com/wordpress