In this workshop we will explore techniques to build a colorful surface while relying on the stability of an opaque white glaze underlayer. This is the core characteristic of Maiolica ware - a central component of Italy’s ceramic traditions. Monte Castello is in the region where this technique took hold and continues to be practiced today. We will visit active workshops and museums to deepen our understanding of the tradition as we will also consider ways to make it our own.
In class instruction will emphasize a variety of application methods through brushwork and material choices. We will begin by practicing on locally sourced bisqued tile. In our exploration of colour and pattern, we will draw inspiration from the environment around us; working in cut paper and other materials to expand our surface ideas. Combined, these exercises will provide the building blocks necessary to approach the surfaces of the forms you make with confidence. Vessels will be introduced through a series of demonstrations focused on press-molded and wheel thrown forms. The same courage we develop to approach the surface will also be applied to innovative ways of altering and adding to the forms we create – and all forming methods are welcome. Arriving with basic clay experience is encouraged.
Participants in the workshop will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
Arrive Rome/Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO); Bus Departs FCO promptly at 12:00 PM. With this in mind, our shuttle cannot support arrivals later than 11:00 AM. Participants arriving after 11:00 AM must coordinate the trip to Monte Castello at their own expense.
Arrival at Monte Castello di Vibio appx.: 2:30 PM:Lunch/Orientation/Rest/ Tour of village/ Dinner
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast
9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session: Preparation of colourants, demonstration of approaches; practice on bisqued tiles sourced locally.
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session: Consideration of forms; throwing demonstrations; making press-mold to bisque
6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work work on tiles and personal projects
8:00 – 9:00 Dinner
9:00 – 10:30 Optional time for presentations, films, lectures, etc.
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast
9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session: Pattern play – exploring the village and gathering visual information, sketching etc.
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session: Adding to thrown forms; wet work in clay
6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work
8:00 – 9:00 Dinner
9:00 – 10:30 Optional time for presentations, films, lectures, etc. : Historical and contemporary maiolica examples
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast
9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session: Review of fired tiles from day one; decorate more purchased bisqueware if desired
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session: Handles and spouts: examination of historical prototypes; generating new forms:
6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work
8:00 – 9:00 Dinner
9:00 – 10:30 Optional time for presentations, films, lectures, etc.
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast
9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session: Molding the multiple – working with the press-molds
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session: Bringing attention to details: considering all parts of the vessel; finalizing pieces in preparation for bisque
6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work
8:00 – 9:00 Dinner
9:00 – 10:30 Optional time for presentations, films, lectures, etc.
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast
9:30 Excursion: Madonna del Bagni/Deruta
Visit the incredible Ceramic Museum, the ancient kilns, individual clay artists and shops, and the moving church of Madonna del Bagni
Independent lunch not included.
6:00 Return to Monte Castello, en route vineyard stop for wine-tasting
8:00 – 9:00 Pizza dinner at Torraccia (included)
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast
9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session: Pattern play Round 2 – developing ideas for the work we made
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session: Student choice: what demos are missing?
6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work
8:00 – 9:00 Dinner
9:00 – 10:30 Optional time for presentations, films, lectures, etc.
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast
9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session: Individualized instruction
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session: Individualized instruction
6:30 – 8:00 Free
8:00 – 9:00 Dinner
9:00 – 10:30 Optional time for presentations, films, lectures, etc.
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast
9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session: In progress: examination of surface work underway
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session: Free for independent work
6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work
8:00 – 9:00 Dinner
9:00 – 10:30 Optional time for presentations, films, lectures, etc.
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast
9:30 – 1:00 Morning Session: In progress: Final day to glaze
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 – 6:30 Afternoon Session: Final day to glaze
6:30 – 8:00 Free time or independent work
8:00 – 9:00 Dinner
9:00 – 10:30 Optional time for presentations, films, lectures, etc.
Morning: Free or independent work.
11:00 AM Brunch
Afternoon: Set up exhibition
6:00 - 8:00 Reception and Exhibition
8:00 Farewell Dinner
5:30 AM Departure. Our shuttle departs for FCO promptly for the two-hour trip. We strongly encourage arrival at FCO 3 hours in advance of your flight. With this in mind, our shuttle cannot support departures earlier than 11:00 AM (+/- 30 minutes)