ATMOSPHERE:
Soda Firing and The Ceramic Surface
with Eva Champagne
January 28 - February 10, 2024
In this workshop, Eva Champagne guides our exploration into the vivid possibilities of ceramic surface decoration paired with the serendipitous nature of atmospheric firing: what the soda contributes, what it takes away.
The workshop encompasses three stages of making: forming objects best suited to the soda kiln environment - both hand-built and wheel-thrown - surface treatment techniques, and the alchemy of atmospheric firing itself. Materials such as slip, underglaze pencil, and glaze are employed using methods including masking, drawing, printing, brushing, pouring, and trailing to create varied and lively surfaces. Emphasis is given to strategic combinations, layering, and experimentation. Then finally, we offer these highly expressive works to the soda firing process, allowing it to have the final word in design.
There is a exhilarating sense of freedom in giving a work over to an atmospheric firing since results cannot be entirely predicted. What we do can be described as a collaboration between the artist’s planning and expression, and the kiln’s sweeping endowments and editing: a meeting of intention and fortune. This is where the magic happens.
Open to all levels of experience.
TUITION: USD $2200 inclusive of all studio materials, glazes and firings, catered lunches, welcome dinner, and excursions around the island. We will assist in making recommendations for bookings for nearby hotels, bungalows or home-stays in convenient proximity to Gaya studio (accommodation is not included in tuition).