Introduction

Scaling up stands for progress on the wheel, both in skill, precision and scale of the work. In addition, there is a day devoted to glazing and glaze theory. The course can be booked individually but is also the ideal base for accessing Scaling up 2, uniquely focusing on methods for throwing large pots.

Techniques

The workshop consists of 6 days of throwing and trimming plus a day for glazing and glaze theory. We will start with a revision of wedging, centering, pulling up cylinders and making shapes derived from the cylinder. The most effective techniques are presented along with the study of a variety of shapes, and of those elegant finishing details that make each vase unique. Glazing will comprise the use of engobes and the affects you can obtain by overlapping glazes. The best pieces will be fired at high temperature in a reducing atmosphere to 1260 °

Teaching

The instructor has a long career on the wheel and continues the practice with great passion. Through practical demonstrations, he transmits an exhaustive amount of information. This, combined with individual attention leads to tangible progress in technique and skill. There will be plenty of room for questions and thanks to the availability of instructional videos, once back home the participants will be able to continue studying and deepening their skills.

Logistics

The course is taught in Italian and English. A  delicious lunch will be served every day and acommodation is included in the price. This course is designed for the intermediate and advanced level. The last kiln opening will be in the morning of Friday October 15th , plan your travels so to not leave La Meridiana before 9.30 am.

The Artist

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