15-2024 – Simon Levin – Evolution: Igniting and Developing without limits
April 7 – 20 2024
Throwing and hand-building techniques for Expression
Throwing or handbuilding, woodfiring. Intermediate and advanced
Introduction
Wheel throwing, hand building, carving, etc, are great tools to have in your toolbox, but what ideas excite you? What conversations are you having in your studio? What stories do your ceramics tell? Igniting and developing: in this class, we will seek to empower you with as many techniques as we can crowd-source from our class, all in service to bringing alive work with which you are fully engaged and connected to.
Tecniques taught
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. We will be using various firing techniques, gas, electric, and one wood firing to bring the work you make to completion.
Teaching Method
Some time will be spent exploring collaboration with our neighboring class led by world-class artist Virgil Ortiz. We will explore ideas and techniques that drive different collaborations, and discuss ways that the sum can be greater than the parts. How might discussion and the input of another artist help evolve your work?
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. Lodging is included int he cost.
The artist
Simon Levin has been woodfiring since 1990, he has built kilns and taught workshops around the world. Recently a Director at Large for the National Counsel for the Education of the Ceramic Arts, Simon also is the founders of Cohorts.Art a small batch Mentorship program. A full time studio potter since 1999, Simon started working with Virgil Ortiz in 2021. Saying yes to this process has lead to new firing techniques for both artists, and work previously inconceivable. Together their work has been exhibited on the cover of the Smithsonian Journal of the American Indian, Fragile Earth at Grounds for Sculpture, The New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary, and the Denver Musueum of Contemporary Art. www.simonlevin.com
| Artist: | Simon Levin |
|---|---|
| Date: | Sunday April 7 (arrival) – Saturday April 20 (departure) 2024 |
| Length of course | 10 working days in the studio |
| Technique: | Handbuilding, Throwing, Wood and/or soda firing |
| Level: | Advanced |
| Total cost: | Euro 3200 |
| Deposit for booking: | 900 |
AVAILABLE!
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.
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.