01-2023 – On Centre
January 8 – April 1 2023
Throwing, glazing and firing with a focus on functional ware
Application by written proposal
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
| Date: | January 8 – April 1 2023 |
|---|---|
| Technique | Throwing |
| Level | Some experience required |
| Total cost: | Please contact info@lameridiana.fi.it for information. |
Application
Application procedure for ON CENTRE
Prerequisites
On Centre is an in depth, twelve weeks experience on throwing, glazing, clay bodies and firing techniques for functional ceramics. To get the most out of this course demands a high level of commitment and sustained work. The only prerequisite is that you have sufficient experience of throwing (which may only be slight) to be certain you wish to undertake the programme. To get an understanding of the results to expect, you may visit the virtual show of a former edition.
The programme can accomodate a maximum of 9 students. In order to attend, application is required.
Application Procedure
Please send the following to claudia@lameridiana.fi.it
– CV, including a photo of yourself
– A brief letter stating your reasons for wanting to do the course.
– Six to ten images of your work.
Please do send these documents in PDF format.
Any interested people may wish to telephone to discuss their interest +39 3772709500 or email: claudia@lameridiana.fi.it
Deadline
Application is ongoing and and will be processed within one month of receiving the application.
Info
The workshop fee includes the following:
Tuition of 6 – 8 hours per day
Studio open 12 hours per day
All materials and firings
Lodging in single room with shared bathroom
Shared kitchen space
Freshly prepared three course lunch with wine on all working days
Coffee break in the mornings and in the evenings
Field trip to Faenza
Cancellation Policy
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 EU consumer protection legislation. However, if the vacant if the vacant spot can be filled by a new participant, La Meridiana will reimburse the deposits paid minus a 100 euros administration fee.
If La Meridiana cannot hold the course due to unforeseen events beyond our control, the deposit will be fully refunded.
If a you cannot participate to the course because of Covid19 related reasons, the deposit will be refunded minus an administration fee of 60 euros.
La Meridiana reserves the right to offer a different course with similar characteristics and, in case of your acceptance, the deposit will be transferred to the new course.
Safety
La Meridiana is equipped to comply with the current safety standards regarding Covid-19, including social distancing between people in and outside the studio. The building is sanitized and the daily maintenance of hygiene measures is guaranteed. To acess the courses, students need to be vaccinated against Covid- 19. Please note that participants will be required to follow the security protocol and to comply with some simple precautions.