A World of Hand-built Ceramics
With Celeste Coucke
Wednesdays 9.30- 4.30 @ Cloudfarm Studios, 2013
Celeste Coucke at work on her “Peristalsis” series
From the most basic elements – earth, water and fire – humans have created a vast language of ceramic forms. Clay has proved enormously adaptable and remarkably versatile. The development of ceramic technologies has chartered the advancement of civilisations from prehistoric times to the present day. Ceramics developed as an art form based on the marriage of the practical with the aesthetic. As such, the importance of pottery lies not only in its beauty but reveals so much of the history and sensibilities of the societies in which it was made.
During this series of unique workshops, students will learn all methods of hand-building and decorating ceramic forms by exploring a wealth of world ceramic traditions. Creating sculptural forms, making practical decorated vessels plus some basic glaze technology and different firing techniques will be covered during the course.
The course is suitable for beginners and intermediate level students of ceramics.
A maximum of 8 students per class ensures personal attention.
The 2013 program
Term I: The Ancient world
Dates: Feb 6th – March 27th
The pottery and sculpture of Mesopotamia, the Cycladic Islands, Myceanae and the Etruscans.
Egyptian Paste- ceramic of the Pharaohs.
Pre Columbian Forms. Burnishing & sawdust firing.
The Octopus Motif in Mycenaean Ceramics
Term 2: China & Japan
Dates: May 1st – June 19th
Japan and the Zen of ceramics.
Wabu Sabi and the art of miss-hap.
Making “Raku” glazes & firing a raku kiln.
The early wares of China. Tang dynasty funeral sculpture.
Making incised vessels inspired by Song Dynasty “celadon” ceramics.
Hand Built Traditional Japanese Raku Tea Ceremony Cup
Term 3: Renaissance Europe & Beyond…
Dates: July 17th – September 4th
Blue & White – from China with love.
Tin glazes- the art of Maiolica.
The Renaissance world of Bernard Palissy.
Making press moulded forms & creating simple plaster moulds.
The Art of Mexico: a collision of European culture with traditional indigenous forms.
Earthenware dish, Bernard Palissy, France, 1565-1585
Term 4: Architectural Ceramics & Art Nouveau
Dates: October 9th – Dec 11th
Buildings that “wear” ceramics. Medieval water spouts & gargoyles.
Tile making, focusing on the Islamic tradition and its influence on Europe via Spain.
Bas Relief, fountains and niche ceramics.
Art Nouveau & the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement.
Traditional Islamic Tiles
Cost: $600 per eight week term
Includes all materials & firings.
(48 hours of tuition per term- $480- plus $120 materials)
Fees may be paid in 3 instalments, but must be fully paid by the first week of the course.
For more information contact Celeste on
4885 1617 or 0458 511 611 or send an email
celestecoucke@gmail.com
