Introduction

Structure, movement and colour to produce a beautiful, elegant and highly refined object. Martha will teach several techniques in addition to her method developed over the past 20 years of work. Students will learn to build three-dimensional surfaces with coloured porcelain with the goal to find a balance between technique, colour and emotion.

Techniques taught

In addition to the preparation of pigmented porcelain mixtures, the topics will include Neriage plus the unique techniques developed by the artist. Other topics will concern inlay techniques, colour layering, collage, precision cutting, finishing techniques, lamination of porcelain sheets and some precautions to avoid deformation or breakage and the method for a perfect firing.

Teaching method

Martha will start with a detailed description of the materials and tools and then demonstrate every day. In fact, she will show the complete construction of one of her sculptures, starting from the making of the model in paper or cardboard. Participants will prepare their own materials and patterns and will work towards their own project, giving space to creativity, ideas and emotion. Before making their own sculpture or series of small sculptures, students will make several tests to understand the construction, composition, the use of colour and Neriage. Then they will study the use of suitable supports for the firing. Each participant will have constant technical support from Martha, as well as her help in finding their own style. The last day will be dedicated to the theory on porcelain and related techniques and to the attention regarding firing, support and materials. Martha will present slides of her work.

Logistics

Participants will first make small test pieces, fired to 1250 ° C. The final piece, (a small sculpture or a series of sculptures) will be fired to 900 ° C and then, on the last day to 1250 ° C. Therefore, on the Saturday, do not plan to  leave before 9.30 am.

On every classday, a delicious meal will be served. Lodging is included as well. The workshop is suitable for all levels.

The Artist

Martha Pachon Rodriguez, an Italian-Colombian artist is known for her sculptures that express human eroticism and animal nature, and furthermore for her translucent light installations, which are the result of ethnographic investigations.

After graduating in Art Education and Fine Arts at the “Surcolombian” University of Neiva, Colombia, she specialized in the production of stoneware and porcelain in Faenza, Italy. In 30 years of working with clay Martha has elaborated a personal method that allows her to create works of extreme elegance, delicacy and resistance. She searches for colour, using the complex and ancient techniques of Asian porcelain. In addition, her cultural heritage leads her to a fusion of European and American influences. She has carried out artistic and architectural projects for museums, galleries, banks and private companies in Asia, Europe and America.

www.mprodriguez.com

@marthapachonrodriguez