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19-2026 – Simon Levin – Evocative
May 3 – 16 2026
Throwing and hand-building techniques for Expression
Woodfiring. Intermediate and advanced
Introduction
Evocative. Style is a hat you put on, it is an aesthetic you can choose to wear. Your voice though is uniquely your own. We see your voice in the cumulation of all the small decisions you make in your artwork. Your voice is your value system, and it transcends any style you choose. Let’s take some time to dig into what makes your work your own, and take some big steps forward into making personal ceramics.
Tecniques taught
In this class, we will seek to evoke your voice, alert you to assumptions and self-imposed limits and empower you to take ownership of all those small decisions. These two weeks will be a time to explore techniques, all in service to bringing alive work with which you are fully engaged and connected to. We will cover some advanced wheel throwing techniques, adding coils and throwing larger, and we will be hand-building using drape molds, coil-building techniques, and carving techniques.
In addition, we will be learning techniques specific to wood firing including loading theory and wadding decoration. We will also be using the gas kiln to explore accessible high temperature saggar atmospheres.
Firings
We will be using a gas kiln, and one wood firing to bring the work you make to completion.
Students should be ready for an intense and liberating workshop. We will be working out your conceptual muscles, removing limitations, and evoking meaningful work. This is a workshop of possibilities.
Logistics
A full meal will be served on every class day. A full day excursion to a Tuscan beauty spot and/or art city is included in the programme and will take place on the cooling day of the second week.
At booking, you may select your preferred room type, choosing between standard lodging, single room and/or upgraded accommodation. Please note that depending on the availability, certain types at times may not be offered. Students will arrive Sunday May 3 in the afternoon and leave Saturday May 16.
The artist
Simon Levin has been wood-firing since 1991, he has built kilns and taught workshops and exhibited around the world. His work is in several museums and featured in many books and publications. Recently a Director at Large for the National Council for the Education of the Ceramic Arts, Simon also is the founder of Cohorts.Art, an award winning small-batch mentorship program.
| Artist: | Simon Levin |
|---|---|
| Length of course | 10 working days in the studio |
| Technique | Handbuilding, Throwing |
| Level | Advanced, Intermediate |
| Workshop fee without lodging | Euro 3280 |
| Deposit for booking: | 900 |
Workshop fee & Lodging
The costs listed include both the workshop fee and the lodging.
15 MINUTES WALK FROM THE STUDIO
Standard accommodation in shared double room with shared bathroom: Final course cost Euro 3740
Standard accommodation in single room with shared bathroom: Final course cost Euro 4080
PRIVATE APARTMENT
Maximum 15 minutes walk from the studio, with one bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and outside space. Final course: Euro 4720
Course without lodging Euro 3280
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;
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.
Excursion
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.
Artist Statement
Clay is pervasive. It crosses almost all cultures and time. Clay is accessible, it is underfoot, it is in our homes, our industry, our daily lives. We discover pliable clay as children playing in the dirt, and we bring it to our lips as we drink from a cup in the morning. Clay is in our theologies and how we think about ourselves. Clay unites us in these ways and allows me as an artist to discuss universality.
Fire, earth, wind and water are the tools of every potter, and are the common experience of humanity. Firing with wood allows me to evoke colors from the raw earth, capture the path of flame as it travels on the wind of the kiln. In this way my work makes reference to elemental things we all know and see.
Making functional pottery offers me access to the home. I make recognizable ware for daily use, as well as objects that are for special occasions. I use crude marks in my work looking to avoid cultural specific symbols but rather invite personal connection. Circles and lines, the simple geography of a wheel or a square are clear evidence of my hand in the material. I seek to make work that is familiar and elicits a comfortably rich experience.
