During this two-week workshop, participants will refine their throwing skills to create shapes that become a canvas for decoration. Discovering a variety of techniques involving layered glazes and brushwork, students will build a rich decorative vocabulary. Using the beautiful late-spring Tuscan landscape as inspiration, participants will learn to transform patterns found in nature into personal expressions on clay.

Techniques taught

The course starts with creating forms that offer rich opportunities for surface decoration, both horizontal (trays, plates, flat bowls), and vertical (mugs, jugs, jars and vases). Rather than treating surface as an afterthought, we will from the beginning consider how the shape of a pot influences our decisions for glazing. Participants will collect inspiration from the beautiful Tuscan countryside by drawing and photographing plants and other natural forms. We will then use various techniques to translate our materials into original patterns and motifs: some freehand and some controlled. Relying on a carefully chosen selection of glazes from La Meridiana’s collection, students will turn to decoration. We will layer and inlay glazes, use various resist methods and explore brushwork with oxide washes. We pay attention to how a restrained palette can produce a variety of surfaces while helping to build coherence. We will reduction-fire our work, however, these techniques are relevant for potters working at all temperatures and atmospheres. To gain the most from the workshop, participants should feel comfortable throwing a cylinder approximately 15–20 cm high.

Teaching method

The workshop combines daily group demonstrations, individual guidance and ample amount of hands-on making. Slide presentations will support the practical work where we will study historical and contemporary ceramics to understand how decorative effects are achieved. Drawing on both her scientific background and ceramic practice, Zsofia creates a calm, supportive and collaborative studio environment. She encourages curiosity and experimentation, helping participants gain confidence and develop a more intentional approach to making.

Logistics

Students arrive on Sunday, May 30th, and departure will be on Saturday, June 12th, 2027.
On every class day a delicious lunch will be served. At booking, you may select your preferred room type, choosing between: standard lodging, single or shared room;  upgraded accommodation; private apartment. Please note that depending on the availability, certain types at times may not be offered. Last kiln opening will be on the Saturday morning. Please plan your departure no earlier than 9:30 am.
If you need help to take your work with you, we can assist with arranging shipment through a professional shipping company.

The instructor

Zsófia Földvári grew up in Hungary. She graduated as a scientist, but after discovering a strong passion for clay, she changed direction and studied ceramics in Norway and Italy. Since 2023 she has worked at La Meridiana as teaching assistant and later as an instructor on throwing courses, including several editions of the intensive courses “On Centre Fall” and “On Centre”. When not teaching, Zsófia focuses on developing her own collection of wheel-thrown pottery, combining elegant, quietly expressive forms with surface designs inspired by the surrounding flora. To see more of her work, visit: www.foldvarizsofia.com or @zsofiafoldvari.ceramics on Instagram.