Introduction

On Centre intensive  is a twelve weeks in depth experience on throwing, glazing, clay bodies and firing techniques for functional ceramics. It is aimed at committed people who wish to develop in-depth skills through focused training and qualified instruction.

Aims of On Centre intensive

The primary aim of the  On Centre intensive course is to help participants achieve confidence and fluency, which comes from the ability to efficiently throw items in quantity. Secondly, participants will explore the possibilities  of high fire materials, so that they can select, adapt and use them with competence.  Through continuous training, work in a small group of eight participants and one-on-one attention from the instructors, students will achieve consistent progress at an individual pace. Furthermore, the exchange  of information and the discussion within the group will contribute to the active learning environment.

The programme

The course will cover the throwing and trimming of both repeated and unique wheel made objects, the compounding and alteration of high temperature clay bodies, slips and glazesand the firing of gas and wood kilns. Oxidised and reduced firings will both be undertaken.

The second part of the course will give time for more personal growth. In developing skill participants will glaze and fire a considerable body of work so that fluency of making is matched by knowledge and fluency in finishing work. With dedication, relative beginners are just as likely to benefit fully from the course as those with more experience. Work of previous participants may be seen here.

Logistics

Students will stay and study in the supportive environment of La Meridiana, with logistics like lodging, transportation and lunch taken care of. They will have a generous working space at their disposal. On every working day, a delicious lunch will be served. A  foremost ceramicists of wide experience will tutor the selected group of eight students.

The artist and instructor of On Centre intensive

Pietro Elia Maddalena studied ceramics at the West Surrey College of Art & Design in England. After two more years of work at Dartington Workshop, he returned to Italy where in 1980 he established a studio in Certaldo, near Florence. Pietro is the founder and director of the International School of Ceramics LA MERIDIANA located in Tuscany, Italy. Also instructor and maker he says of himself : “ I am totally and continuously interested in the process of making. I see the craft object as a projection of the human spirit and the culture in which it was nurtured. In elaborating concept, material and process, my ultimate goal is the expression of beauty through sophisticated and sensual forms”.www.pietro.net