April 21 – May 18 2024
One month on the wheel plus glazing.
For all!
Introduction
On the wheel is an intensive course that offers an opportunity for further development in throwing and finishing techniques. Firstly, the continued studio time of one month, secondly, the specific exercises, and furthermore the effectiveness of the demonstrations and the focussed critique will open a perspective for substantial progress.
Techniques taught in Throwing on the Wheel
Throughout the programme there will be demonstrations on the wheel of different forms including bowls, cups, plates, vases, teapots, pitchers, boxes and lidded forms. We will talk about timing! Considering when to add spouts and handles, when to trim and when to alter. Demonstrations with decoration will include modelling and clay additions to the form, fluting, facetting and carving, application of slip and various slip processes, application of glaze and various glaze processes. We will use a stoneware clay to make pottery forms both for functional and decorative uses and the students will quickly see the wide range of possibilities provided throughout the course.
Teaching method
Teaching is based on demonstrations and much individual attention. A programme of technical and visual talks will complete the demos and the practical work. Students will receive handouts that sum up the technical information about clay, materials and glazes plus video clips for individual repetition of all techniques shown. Throughout the course, there will be aesthetic considerations that will help participants to make choices. There will be the participation of Pietro Maddalena, to further enrich the depth of discussion about aesthetics and techniques.
Logistics
This intensive course is open to all levels but some previous experience with clay may be an advantage. A delicious mid day meal is included on all working days.
The Artist and instructor of Throwing on the Wheel
Franco Rampi started working as a potter in 1978. After an apprenticeship in England and a cycle of studies in Italy he opened his own studio in Tuscany where he produces both functional objects in small series and one off pieces. He works mainly in stoneware, whilst continuing his research on clays, slips and forms. He has taught workshops on throwing and glazing for many years, collaborating with La Meridiana since 2010. www.francorampi.it