This course offers the opportunity to build large-scale vases or sculptures. These could be figurative, abstract or very classic. A large and complete scale of construction techniques will be made available. Participants will learn how to handle large clay slabs, coils, work starting from the solid block and combining all these procedures. The possibilities of finishing will be explored: different media of scraping, filing, beating, brushing, polishing, application of slips or engobes. We will discuss ways to add color with slips, oxides and various firing possibilities and the use of cold glaze. We will start from the demonstration and illustration of large-scale constructions. And later, the participants will be asked to bring a model or a sketch of an individual project and the teacher will evaluate and assist during the construction process. The strong point of this course lies in conveying an open use of clay.

Martin McWilliam Sculptor of great international recognition, with pieces awarded in museums and galleries around the world. He uses traditional methods and firings to create sculptures of great impact, not only for their beauty and technical virtuosity. And his very particular way of dealing with the construction of an object, the vase, breaking down the shape and also working with space, creating a sort of "Trompe-l'œil" of the inverted vase. For 40 years, creativity in ceramics has been part of Martin's daily life. He likes the challenges he is exposed to in workshops around the world, as solutions are sought to realize the ideas of the participants.

The 28-hour workshop lasts from 9.00 to 17.00 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and from 9.00 to 16.00 on Sunday.

To confirm your inscription you have to make a bank transfer of a deposit or the total amount.

Reproducing a shape for large or small productions, but also creating unique objects from a casting or pressure mould, simplifying the working processes; this is the dream of many ceramists. The teacher Marco Malavolti will present in an effective, simple and creative way an intensive programme on the basic techniques needed to make multi-part moulds for casting and pressure moulding. Participants will work on objects provided by the organisation on which the moulds will be made. The objects are designed to see different complexities and moulding techniques.

The 20-hour workshop lasts from 9.00 to 17.00 on Friday and Saturday and from 9.00 to 16.00 on Sunday.

To confirm your inscription you have to make a bank transfer of a deposit or the total amount.

Sweet Raku is an idea that Giovanni Cimatti came up with in the late 1990s and which differs from so-called Raku in that it has reduced fumigation and the use of chamotte-free clays.

Giovanni Cimatti's sweet raku in some of its declinations. During the course, forms will be made that simultaneously and in a single firing will have the orange colour of 'sealed earths', the transparencies of copper and non-copper crystallines, the lustres in copper reduction in gas kiln firing and the black of Raku smoke.

The 14-hour course starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. on Saturday and starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

14 hours of teaching | the materials needed for the course | the firings | 2 brunch meals (breakfast and lunch) | a gift box (with samples of the materials used during the course)