The studio at La Meridiana International School of Ceramics in Tuscany

The Brush and the Soda Surface

Meet me in Tuscany for this late summer /early Fall workshop! In this 2 week course we will develop an understanding of pattern and how to express ideas with pattern and how those patterns can be made rich in the atmospheric soda kiln.

Through a series of exercises we will explore pattern making with stamps, incising, inlay, as well as the painted pattern with brushwork, wax resists, and flashing slips.

Through repetition we will gain insights and skills that will help develop a personal pattern language.

Pattern is all around us! 

How do we pay tribute to the beauty of nature and its inspiring patterns? How do we translate that beauty into our pottery? In this intensive, two-week workshop we will set out on this quest in the Tuscan countryside and bring its inspiration to our pots!

Techniques taught

At the wheel, we’ll make a variety of functional forms large and small, as well as plates and platters, a natural canvas for a potter.

All the while, we’ll practice brushwork through individual and group painting exercises and so that we can translate those marks onto our pots with resists, underglaze, and flashing slips. To bring a personal touch, we’ll make our own brushes, and learn basic brush techniques using wax resists and flashing slips for the soda kiln, paying special attention to the way patterns can enhance form, and how the finished soda glaze surface can enhance function and food presentation.

Teaching Method

We will seek to recognize the joy in creativity and will gain a better understanding of how the surface and form can come together to make the complete pot full of passion and personality.
We will take the opportunity to let us inspire by the surrounding beauty. A field-trip to the Chianti countryside with wine and tastings is part of the course.
A basic knowledge of throwing or hand-building techniques is required