Introduction

Ninety percent of the earth’s crust is made of materials useful for the potter. This fascinating fact underlies Winter Stokers and Wild Clay, a workshop that revolves around the research, study and preparation of wild clays and glazes. The course is completed by making and firing in the train kiln.

Wild Clay

Winter Stokers will start with a panoramic excursion to collect wild clays and rocks. Guided by the indications of Luigi Pullini, first we will  learn to study the maps and then to observe the territory in order to identify places where we can find promising material. Once back at La Meridiana, we will start a complete journey into the process of making pottery. First comes the preparation of high temperature clay bodies with the materials collected during the field trip. Then, several steps and tests will reveal the physical qualities and aesthetic possibilities of the materials. During the second week there will be a further excursion around La Meridiana, to collect wood ashes and local low temperature clay that will be used for glazes.

In the studio

In the studio, we will have three to four full days for working either on the wheel or with handbuilding in order to make pieces to be once-fired in the train kiln. There will be demonstrations on the wheel, on altering, on raw glazing and on handbuilding, and by appliyng these methods each participant will create objects suitable for the wood firing.

The firing

Firing will occur in the  “Orient Express”, La Meridiana’s trainkiln. It is conceived in the wake of the tradition of the Japanese “Anagama” kilns that enhance the effects of flames and ashes on the clay surface. As has been done for centuries, we will do a single firing of the raw clay and raw glazed pots and learn as much as possible about the various firing stages of the clay.

Various factors may influence the results and have to be taken into consideration. We will study the different kinds of  wood and the importance of woading and supports. During loading, we will pay specific attention to the placing of the pots and preview an estimate of the flame path and ashes. The firing will last 40 hours with everyone participating. In a collective effort, the Winter Stokers will alternate shifts in small teams. Then, cooling will allow for some rest and when unloading there will be much observation and reflection. Sharing the results will be a moment of great joy for all.

Logistics

Of the actual course days, one and half  is dedicated to the research of wild clay, seven and half days to preparing clay bodies and working  in the studio, three days  to firing, and one to unloading and analysing the results for a total of 13 working days. Lodging, lunchtime meals, and twice daily coffee breaks are included.

The artist

Luigi Pullini graduated from the Art School of Grottaglie in “Ceramic Design” in 2016. He is specialized in the research and use of wild clay, the production of clay bodies from materials found in nature and in the buliding and firing of of gas and wood kilns. In 2019, he started teaching courses and since 2022, he collaborates with La Meridiana. @pulligiluiniceramica

@pulligiluiniceramica