During this 10-day workshop led by Cristina Córdova, students will create a 30” torso through the use of slabs with the support of simple patterns and photographic references. Daily demonstrations will cover the construction and articulation of the hip area and upper torso, arms, hands, head and neck. We will touch on general anatomical concepts and modeling strategies to facilitate accuracy and expression as all the components come together. Surfaces will be developed through the use of slips and underglaze transfers among other approaches. In preparation for this project students will develop some smaller pieces to explore the construction of more abstracted, open compositions that will be fired and glazed. All levels are welcome.
Included in the cost of the class is an excursion to the nearby city of Orvieto in order to see the majestic Duomo there, with its fantastically expressive sculptures decorating the façade. For wine lovers, Orvieto has many extraordinary options available for sampling some of the finest white wines in Italy.
For an additional fee, we will also offer a trip to the village of Deruta in order to explore its Maiolica traditions. We will have an opportunity to visit several studios as well as the ceramics museum, the wonderful Museo Regionale Della Ceramica di Deruta. We will also visit the remarkable church of Madonna del Bagni. Here devotional ceramic plaques that decorate the walls. Each of the plaques was commissioned in commemoration of miraculous healings by the Virgin Mary—the oldest (and first) of the plaques is over 400 years old and commemorates the first miracle healing at the site. From here we will travel on to Assisi in order to visit the Church of San Francesco, one of the most richly decorated church in Christendom. The church contains frescos by Giotto, Cimabue, Lorenzetti and many other early renaissance masters. On the road back to Monte Castello, we will stop for a wine tasting at one of the local vineyards in order to see why our territory is considered the best upcoming wine region in Italy.
Minimum Enrollment: 10
Deposits are due by January 21, 2021 to secure your spot.
For more information, contact us.
Prior to Córdova’s retreat, we are hosting a workshop with Tip Toland, The Portrait Bust: Getting a Likeness, from May 2nd–8th. For those electing to do both, we are offering a special discounted rate of €5,200 (€800 in savings) which includes a 5 day stay between sessions, studio space, firing and excursions. Click below to register and find out more information.
