Gabbiano Studio Pottery – CERAMIC COURSE PROGRAM 2018
Gabbiano is a very beautiful place in the hills of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, with views of the Apennines, and when it is clear, of the Alps too. It is situated between the villages of Noceto, Fidenza and Medesano, about 20 miles from Parma, and can be easily reached from Collecchio. Other well-known, attractive places close by include Parco Fluviale del Taro, Parco dei Boschi di Carrega. Gabbiano is also on the ancient pilgrim route Via Francigena, and is close to the spa-towns of Salsomaggiore Terme and Tabiano.
Parma is a city well-known for its art, cultural events, and the surrounding countryside features many interesting places to visit and restaurants to try.
Some of our courses allow attendees to enjoy the surrounding countryside, either by visiting these places or by actively participating in other cultural visits.
“I was born in England and studied biology at London University. The need to express myself creatively lead to participation in various ceramics courses and workshops in the Maremma (Tuscany), Turin and Venice, with potters of international fame. Ruthanna Tudball, Sebastian Blackey, Takeshi Yasuda, Ian Curri, Giovanni Cimatti. In the 1997 I helped with the building of a wood fire kiln designed by Paul Stubbs for Micki Schloessingk. This led to the building in 1999 of my own wood fired kiln based on a Fred Olsen design modified by Joe Finch. My choice to wood fire came partly from his ten year experience of organic farming and the management of woodland, but mainly for the love of the unique warm toasted surface of unglazed wood fired stoneware. My choice to live and work at Gabbiano where my grandparents and mother lived is for the tranquillity of the place the unspoiled country side and the stunning view of the Po valley and the Alps on clear days. This is an ideal place to pot and draw inspiration from all around.” ROBERT CROSS
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N.1 “LARGE VESSELS ON THE WHEEL” Masterclass with DANIEL CAVEY Coiling and wheel techniques to assemble large ceramic pieces 4 – 5 – 6 MAY 2018
N.2 “HANDBUILDING POTTERY COURSE”
Different modeling techniques, textures, engravings 11 – 12 – 13 MAY 2018
N. 3 “FULL IMMERSION THROWING Course” Kneading, centering, throwing on the wheel 15 – 16 – 17 JUNE 2018
N. 4 “RAKU Ceramics Course” Modeling, construction and building small kiln for raku firing. 22 – 23 – 24 JUNE 2018
N. 5 “FULL IMMERSION THROWING Course” Kneading, centering, throwing on the wheel 13 – 14 – 15 July 2018
N. 6 “BEGINNERS’ THROWING full immersion course for boys and girls” Knead, center, model by hand and on the wheel (with possibility of being held in English) 20 – 21 – 22 JULY 2018
N. 7 “Course on glazes, slips, decorations and textures” Preparation of various glazes for high-temperature firing and various glazing techniques (a brush, immersion …) 27 – 28 – 29 JULY 2018
N. 8 “FULL IMMERSION THROWING Course” Kneading, centering, throwing on the wheel 3 – 4 – 5 AUGUST 2018 (possibility of continuation to the course following)
N. 9 “Woodfiring Course” Complete cycle: wheel, glazing and firing ceramic stoneware in a wood oven from 10 to 15 August 2018 (6 days).
N. 10 “Complete Ceramic Course with GAS firing” Complete cycle: wheel, glazing and firing ceramic stoneware with gas oven from 18 to 23 August 2018 (6 days).
MAY 2018
1. Title: “Masterclass LARGE VESSELS ON THE WHEEL”
Teacher: Daniel Cavey
Date: 4 – 5 – 6 MAY, 2018
Time: 9am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.00pm
Aimed at: Masterclass, max. 6 people, min. 4 people
Description: “Gabbiano Studio Pottery” kicks off its 2018 courses with Daniel Cavey, a young artist
American who studied at the M.I.C.A. (Maryland Institute College of Art) in Baltimore. The course is aimed at people who already know how to use the wheel and want to improve their large vessel throwing skills, such as for garden pots, jars, sculptures and shapes that range from classical to modern. Participants will learn throwing techniques, coiling, and slab building, which can then be altered, modified and decorated. (Glazing and firing will be excluded from this course. However, there is a possibility to fire or participate in following courses.)
Costs: (Costs include around 7 hours a day of teaching, the materials, firing as applicable, refreshments in the morning and afternoon, lunch exclusive)
Details: Surprising!
2. Title: “BEGINNERS’ HANDBUILDING COURSE”
Teacher: Robert Cross
Date: May 11 – 12 – 13, 2018
Time: 9am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.00pm
Aimed at: Adults of a beginner level, with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 participants
Description: This workshop is an invitation to begin experimenting in the art of ceramics, to get to know different types of clay, to learn how to knead, and to learn about the different ceramic techniques of pinching, coiling, slab-making, and moulding. Participants will be able to work on their pieces when they are leather hard by creatively making impressions wit leaves, string, or other simple materials and utensils. Before the firing, the pieces can also be decorated with slip or with terra sigilata.
(The glazing and the firing are not part of this course because of time restrictions, but the ceramic pieces that are produced can be finished and taken away at a later date).
Costs: (Costs include around 7 hours a day of teaching, the materials, firing as applicable, refreshments in the morning and afternoon, lunch exclusive)
Details: “To succeed, never give up!”
3. Title: Full immersion wheel throwing
Teacher: Robert Cross
Date: June 15,16, and 17, 2018
Time: 9am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.00pm
Aimed at: Adults of an intermediate or advanced level, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 6 participants
Description: To work on the pottery wheel is to immerse yourself in an ancient tradition. To make a lump of clay into a teapot or cups on the pottery wheel you will need a mixture of enthusiasm, patience, concentration and passion. After kneading and preparing the clay, you will need to centre it on the pottery wheel, from which you can make a variety of shapes and forms, such as vases, bowls. Other techniques – including the pulling of handles, the making of lids, the turning of bowls and mugs, and the assembling of teapots – will be taught. Some of the pieces that are produced on the course will be ready to be bisque fired and decorated with slip.
Costs: (Costs include around 7 hours a day of teaching, the materials, firing as applicable, refreshments in the morning and afternoon, lunch exclusive)
Details: Every participant has his/her own wheel
(The glazing and firing will be excluded from the course. Participants are able to do this in following courses)
4. Raku workshop
Teacher: Robert Cross
Date: May 22, 23 and 24, 2018
Time: 9am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.00pm
Aimed at: Adults of a beginner level, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 6 participants
Description: “Raku” means happiness, and it originated as a fast-firing technique in Japan in the 16th century. It involves a fast-firing and cooling technique, and it is meant to create a strong thermic shock. This workshop will involve the firing of a maximum of three ceramic pieces, made either by coiling, slabs, or moulding. After the first bisque firing in an electric kiln, the pieces will glazed and decorated for the raku firing, through which heat, smoke, and the cooling in water will create some fantastic effects on your pieces.
Costs: (Costs include around 7 hours a day of teaching, the materials, firing as applicable, refreshments in the morning and afternoon, lunch exclusive)
Details: Every participant has his/her own wheel
(The glazing and firing will be excluded from the course. Participants are able to do this in following courses)
5. Title: Full immersion wheel throwing
Teacher: Robert Cross
Date: July 13,14, and 15, 2018
Time: 9am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.00pm
Aimed at: Adults of an intermediate or advanced level, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 6 participants
Description: To work on the pottery wheel is to immerse yourself in an ancient tradition. To make a lump of clay into a teapot or cups on the pottery wheel you will need a mixture of enthusiasm, patience, concentration and passion. After kneading and preparing the clay, you will need to centre it on the pottery wheel, from which you can make a variety of shapes and forms, such as vases, bowls. Other techniques – including the pulling of handles, the making of lids, the turning of bowls and mugs, and the assembling of teapots – will be taught. Some of the pieces that are produced on the course will be ready to be bisque fired and decorated with slip.
Costs: (Costs include around 7 hours a day of teaching, the materials, firing as applicable, refreshments in the morning and afternoon, lunch exclusive)
Details: Every participant has his/her own wheel
(The glazing and firing will be excluded from the course. Participants are able to do this in following courses)
6. Title: Beginners’ ceramics on wheel and full immersion for boys and girls
Teacher: Robert Cross
Date: July 20,21 and 22, 2018
Time: 9am – 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 7pm
Aimed at: boys and girls aged between around 12 and 18, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 7 participants
Description: This workshop involves trying out the art of ceramics, expressing your creativity, getting to know the different types of clay, learning to knead, and starting to learn about different ceramic techniques, including pinching, tiles, coiling, slab-building, and the pottery wheel. When the pieces are leather-hard, participants can create different textures on the clay by using leaves, string, or other simple tools, as well as making incisions and cuts with other tools.
Costs: (Costs include around 7 hours a day of teaching, the materials, firing as applicable, refreshments in the morning and afternoon, lunch exclusive)
Details: This course could be taugh in English.
(The glazing and the firing are not part of this course because of time restrictions, but the ceramic pieces that are produced can be finished and taken away at a later date).
7. Title: Course on glazes, slips and decoration
Teacher: Robert Cross
Date: July 27,28 and 29
Aimed at: Adults of a medium or high level, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 7 participants
Time: 9am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.00pm
Description: The brief workshop is aimed at people who already have a sound knowledge of ceramics, and would like to deepen and improve their glazing and decoration skills. You will learn how to mix up glazes for high-temperature firings. In particular, you will learn how to research new glazes on their own or in mixtures, and how to make new combinations with natural ingredients such as wood ash. You will be taught several glazing techniques, including with brushes, dipping, or with a spray pump. You will then learn how to load and fire a gas kiln, and you will enjoy the results at the end. During the kiln cooling, you will be taught various pottery techniques, such as assembly and trimming, and you can also take walks around the surrounding countryside or to nearby “sister” locations.
Costs: (Costs include around 7 hours a day of teaching, the materials, firing as applicable, refreshments in the morning and afternoon, lunch exclusive)
Details: Day 1. Glazing and kiln loading, Day 2. Further research into glazes and wheel demonstations, Day 3. Demonstrations, glaze preparations and kiln opening.
8. Title: Full immersion wheel throwing
Teacher: Robert Cross
Date: August 3, 4, 5, 2018
Time: 9am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.00pm
Aimed at: Adults of an intermediate or advanced level, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 6 participants
Description: To work on the pottery wheel is to immerse yourself in an ancient tradition. To make a lump of clay into a teapot or cups on the pottery wheel you will need a mixture of enthusiasm, patience, concentration and passion. After kneading and preparing the clay, you will need to centre it on the pottery wheel, from which you can make a variety of shapes and forms, such as vases, bowls. Other techniques – including the pulling of handles, the making of lids, the turning of bowls and mugs, and the assembling of teapots – will be taught. Some of the pieces that are produced on the course will be ready to be bisque fired and decorated with slip.
Costs: (Costs include around 7 hours a day of teaching, the materials, firing as applicable, refreshments in the morning and afternoon, lunch exclusive)
Details: Every participant has his/her own wheel
(The glazing and firing will be excluded from the course. Participants are able to do this in following courses)
9. Full cycle course: Working on the wheel, glazes and firing in high-temperature wood kiln
Date: August 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 2018
Time: 9am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.00pm but flexible
Aimed at: Adults of an intermediate or advanced level, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 6 participants
Description: This workshop involves full immersion throwing, glazing and firing of a high-temperature wood kiln – all within the beautiful setting of Gabbiano’s green hills. A lot of energy is required to make the firing a success. Beyond the main event, participants will have the opportunity to learn the whole process. Those that have undertaken a previous course or already have some bisqued pieces of high-temperature clay can include them in the firing. On the day after the firing, a relaxing morning is scheduled. In the afternoon, you can use the studio facilities, take a walk, or go for a bike ride. Fasten your seatbelt!
Costs: (Costs include around 7 hours a day of teaching, the materials, firing as applicable, refreshments in the morning and afternoon, lunch exclusive). Participants of previous courses will receive a discount. (Not included is the Ferragosto lunch at a local trattoria or agriturismo.
Details: The schedule is as follows: on the 10th, throwing; on the 11th, glaze preparation and glazing; on the 12th, loading gas and lighting the fire; on the 13th, firing for between 20 and 24 hours; on the 14th, relaxing day and cooling of kiln; on the 15th, Robert Cross will be available for wheel demonstration and to show more ceramic techniques. On the last day, we will have lunch at a local trattoria, and open the wood kiln.
10. Full cycle course: Working on the wheel, glazes and firing in high-temperature gas
Date: August 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 2018
Time: 9am – 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.00pm
Aimed at: Adults of an intermediate or advanced level, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 6 participants
Description: This workshop involves full immersion throwing, glazing and firing of a high-temperature gas kiln – all within the beautiful setting of Gabbiano’s green hills. A lot of energy is required to make the firing a success. Beyond the main event, participants will have the opportunity to learn the whole process. Those that have undertaken a previous course or already have some bisqued pieces of high-temperature clay can include them in the firing. On the day after the firing, a relaxing morning is scheduled. In the afternoon, you can use the studio facilities, take a walk, or go for a bike ride. Fasten your seatbelt!
Costs: (Costs include around 7 hours a day of teaching, the materials, firing as applicable, refreshments in the morning and afternoon, lunch exclusive). Participants of previous courses will receive a discount. (Not included is the Ferragosto lunch at a local trattoria or agriturismo.
Details: The schedule is as follows: on the 18th, throwing; on the 19th, glaze preparation and glazing; on the 20th, loading gas and lighting the fire; on the 21st, firing for between 10 and 14 hours; on the 22nd, relaxing day and cooling of kiln; on the 23rd, Robert Cross will be available for wheel demonstration and to show more ceramic techniques. On the last day, we will have lunch at a local trattoria, and open the kiln.
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