EVA CHAMPAGNE
WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS: Vibrant Surfaces Meet Soda Atmosphere
March 22 - April 3, 2026
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.
TUITION: USD $2500 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).
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE - Eva Champagne Workshop 2026
Sunday, March 22:
Welcome Dinner MOKSA
Getting to know each other over a plant-based dinner which is a work of art in itself. After dinner, Eva will share a presentation of images to set the stage for our time together.Monday, March 23:
Studio orientation. Introduction to materials, the BaliCat soda kiln, schedule overview, strategies for success. What is soda firing?
Demonstration: simple thrown forms that take surface decoration and soda atmosphere well.
12:30 Lunch – family style.
Demonstration and discussion: wall boxes as 3D canvas. Use of slips.Tuesday, March 24:
Presentation: history and aesthetics of soda firing. Demonstration: hand building vessels/forms: pinching, coiling, slabbing.
12:30 Lunch – family style.
Demonstrations: Trimming simple thrown forms, on and off the wheel. Surface techniques at the soft to leather clay stage. Making forms from solid block of clay (kurinuki).Wednesday, March 25:
Discussion and demonstration: surface techniques at leather hard and beyond. Trimming thrown pots.
12:30 Lunch – family style
Demonstration and discussion: throwing and altering. Return to kurinuki.Thursday, March 26:
Demonstration and discussion: combining thrown and handbuilt elements to make composite forms.
12:30 Lunch – family style
Demonstration and discussion: pulling it all together, composite forms. Load pieces ready for bisque number 1 into the kiln by 5 pm.Friday, March 27:
Demonstration and discussion: composition: layering, combining techniques and materials, creating depth and interest. Bisque number 1 firing...
12:30 Lunch – family style
Focus on making and finishing up works for the second bisque. Last wet-work day.Saturday, March 28:
Unload bisque number 1. Demonstrations and discussion: bisque-stage surface techniques and glaze discussion with demonstrations
12:30 Lunch – family style
Complete all greenware works in preparation for bisque: no more new making, at this time focus on finishing surface elements and drying works that are complete.
Begin glazing pieces already bisqued, if ready. Sign up for kiln loading shifts. Second bisque firing begins at midnight.Sunday, March 29:
Free day! Relax, go on independent adventures, recharge for another busy week in the studio...
Bisque number 2 firing. Studio is closed.Monday, March 30:
Unload the bisque kiln number 2. Review of bisque-stage surface work including glazing on remaining wares. Identifying priority works for soda kiln... Preparing cone packs, wadding, etc.
12:30 Lunch – family style
Begin loading the soda kiln in shifts.Tuesday, March 31:
Loading the soda kiln in shifts: those not loading may finish glazing for the oxidation firing tonight.
12:30 Lunch – family style
Finish loading the soda kiln by 3 pm, brick up the door. Balinese offerings made for a blessed firing. All wares for oxidation firing must be already loaded or in front of the gas kiln by 5 pm.Wednesday, April 1:
Firing the soda kiln. Oxidation kiln also firing.
12:30 Lunch – family style
Soda introduction sometime during the afternoon.Thursday, April 2:
Excursion: While kilns cool, we will venture outside the studio to distract ourselves and find more inspiration...Friday, April 3:
Unload the oxidation kiln first, review results, discussion. The soda kiln will still be quite hot...
12:30 Lunch – family style
Unload the soda kiln, analyze results, discussing impact of form, surface decorations, placement, soda accumulation, etc.
Clean shelves, bricks, kiln. Choose most meaningful piece of the two weeks to share as a group.
Pack up wares for bringing home, and then group hugs and farewells.Saturday, April 4:
Departure Day, studio is closed.Details of schedule may be subject to change, but overall content will remain constant.