JOHN DIX
GESTURING WITH EARTH: Painting with Fire
February 9-23, 2026
John Dix has spent the last 35 of his 45 years working with clay primarily in Japan. This has led to works that show a strong Japanese influence but still retain elements of his early training in the US. John has a starting point without a clear destination, a familiar path (constructing a teapot, a sake bottle, etc) from which he always gives himself permission to diverge. This freedom brings freshness to the work and has sustained his passion for clay over the years.
In this workshop John will introduce techniques to help the students loosen up and make more free flowing forms. Working both on the wheel and hand-building, often combining the two, John will demo many varied ways to take the participant’s work in a whole new direction. Beginning the workshop with a simple Japanese technique called kurinuki, forming and hollowing out a solid chunk of clay, John will then lead the students through making larger sculptural vases by combining thrown and slab elements. Free-formed asymmetrical cups and bowls on the wheel will also be demo-ed, as will larger serving platters.
In the firing portion of the workshop, we will be loading and firing the Gayagama wood kiln. It will be a very hands on experience with discussions about loading for optimum effect in a wood kiln; a Paint-with-Fire approach. Students will get the chance to load their work in all the various zones of the kiln with thoughts of maximizing flame and ash effects. All students will take part in 6-hour shifts of firing the kiln for around a 50+hour firing. Critiques will be held after unloading the kiln.
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).