9A-2024 – Sara Kirschen – Beauty of Porcelain
February 25th – March 3rd 2024
An overview and exploration of the best handbuilding and finishing techniques
Handbuilding. Some experience is desirable
Introduction
Porcelain is a fascinating material, which lends itself to a variety of techniques in making and finishing. The beauty of porcelain is the opportunity to explore many of these processes in one single course: handbuilding techniques, aesthetics and expressive possibilities, the addition of colour, surface decoration and finishing with or without glazes. The instructor will guide participants to become familiar with the peculiarities of the material and the students will make functional or decorative objects, according to their preferences.
Techniques
Pinching, slab building, coiling and casting: students will discover the features of each of these. The fine grain of porcelain allows for very detailed texture, therefore, attention will be paid to different surface treatments. The potential of colour, integral to the clay body or applied with slips and glazes will also be explored. Students will first experiment on tiles, testing the various techniques before applying them to their main projects. Some objects will be single-fired while others will be bisqued and glazed, then fired to high temperature.
Instruction
From handbuilding to finishing and decorating, to loading and firing the kiln, each step will be demonstrated and explained in detail. The duration of two weeks allows to work on each piece in several steps, understanding from practical experience the importance of timing, intervening when best: soft, at the leather hard stage or when completely dry. Drawing on her extensive experience, the instructor will answer questions and give each student personalized attention in the realization of their projects. The practical teaching will be completed by visual presentations.
Logistics
The course lasts ten full working days and at every lunch, a delicious meal is served. On the Sunday students may venture out to the surroundings to explore some of the beauty of Tuscany in an unusual season. The last kiln opening will be in the morning of Saturday, plan your travels so to not leave La Meridiana before 9.30 am.
The Artist
Sara Kirschen is a Studio Artist based in Rome. After earning a degree in sociology, in the early nineties she discovered a profound interest in the art of ceramics and is now a professional potter and teacher. In the past, she has attended workshops at La Meridiana, and assisted many artists, among others Susan Nemeth. Versatile with different techniques, porcelain has become her favourite means of expression. www.sarakirschen.it
| Artist: | Sara Kirschen |
|---|---|
| Date: | Sunday February 25th (arrival) – Saturday March 9th (departure) 2024 |
| Lenght of the Course | 10 working days in the studio |
| Technique: | Colaggio, Handbuilding, Porcelain, Surface techniques |
| Level of Course: | Some experience required |
| Cost: | Euro 2800 |
| Deposit: | Euro 800 |
AVAILABLE!
Additional Information
The workshop fee includes the following:
Tuition of 6 – 8 hours per day;
Studio open 11 hours per day;
All materials and firings;
Lodging in shared double room; single room on request at additional fee of 240 euros per week;
Shared kitchen facilities and shared bathroom.
Freshly prepared three course lunch with wine on all working days;
Welcome breakfast, Welcome and Final dinner;
Coffee break in the mornings and in the evenings.
Payment and Refund Policy
A deposit is required at registration. After submitting the registration form, you may proceed with the payment on-line. If you choose to pay by bank transfer, the registration will be confirmed once the deposit has been accredited in our banking account. The balance must be paid at the beginning of the course.
Cancellations
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 Italian consumer legislation, in accordance with the EU consumer protection legislation. In the event of disputes, the competent court is Florence. If the workshop cannot be hold because of an insufficient number of students, the deposit will be fully reimbursed.
Force Majeure
Students must know that cancellations may occur due to events beyond our control (e.g. pandemic, civil disorder, medical or family issues of the instructor). In such case, La Meridiana reserves the right to offer a voucher for a different workshop of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years. The deposit will be transferred to the workshop of choice.
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 daily maintenance of hygiene measures is guaranteed. Please note that participants will be required to follow the security protocol and to comply with some simple precautions.