Ceramics workshops

Flash Ceramics Workshops are an introductory workshop and are ideal as a first contact with ceramics. This ceramics workshop is suitable for those who have no previous knowledge of the technique. In addition to the theoretical introduction to the world of ceramics, which includes the types of ceramic pastes, the process of transforming clay into ceramics, means of coating and decorating, we will also learn two hand-forming techniques and build at least two pieces.

The Ceramics Workshop is one of FICA's most comprehensive ceramics workshops. You will learn how to build pieces using the four manual forming techniques: Slab, Pinch Pot, Coil and Carved Solid Block. In addition to the process of transforming clay into ceramics, we'll cover some decoration techniques on raw clay, using engobes and textures, and finally, we'll learn how to glaze the pieces. The shape of the pieces is directly linked to the type of techniques we'll be covering, so at the end you'll have four (or more) utilitarian pieces ready to use.

Pottery is one of the ancient techniques of ceramics and allows you to create concentric and symmetrical shapes using a rotating base. In this workshop, with specific use of the potter's wheel, each participant will have their own electric wheel to learn how to center and shape different forms on the wheel.
As well as a brief introduction to ceramics, types of paste and the firing process, you will learn how to knead and prepare the paste, as well as how to center, open and pull the clay. The last session will be dedicated to finishing and fretwork, as well as glazing demonstrations.

One of our ceramics workshops is dedicated to Nerikomi. It's a Japanese ceramic technique that allows you to create patterns through the specific position of different colored pastes. In this workshop we will color pastes using dyes and oxides and learn how to combine and design different patterns. We will create a small display, using Nerikomi slivers, and a simple piece, both of which will be fired and glazed.

Program

• Theoretical introduction to the use of colorants and oxide in pastes;
• Execution of different Nerikomi patterns: Ichimatsu, stripes, marbled;
• Creation of standardized mini samples;
• Creating a simple piece using a landing mould, using a standardized ballast.

In this workshop you will create a small illustrated panel using the majolica technique. This technique emerged in the 16th century and made it possible to apply painting techniques to tiles by brushing paint directly onto the tile.
Each participant will explore a concept and transfer it to the panel, which can have up to 4 tiles. We will cover different painting and stamping techniques.

Program

• Creation of an artistic concept for a panel illustration;
• Sketches on tracing paper;
• Transposition of the drawing using perforated tracing paper and 'charcoal doll' - traditional technique;
• Brush painting with lead-free high-fire paints.

In the decal workshop you'll illustrate a plate using the ceramic decal technique. You will create your own composition by cutting out and gluing colored decals. Based on your concept and choice of colors, the composition created through cut-outs will be transferred to a ceramic plate.

The ceramic decal has a decorative character and is applied to the ceramic object after it has been fired and glazed, involving a third firing at around 800°C*.

Program

• Concept / idea and sketch;
• Choosing a color palette and gluing it onto cardboard;
• Cut out the decals and transfer them to the ceramic object.

In one of the ceramics workshops you'll illustrate a plate using ceramic mines. Taking advantage of the graphic advantages of this technique, which is very similar to pencil and pastel, you'll develop an idea and create a graphic composition drawn directly onto the ceramic plate.

The ceramic mine allows you to draw on the ceramic piece after the first firing. At the end of the class, once the color has set, we will apply the glaze, which always involves a second firing.

Program

• Concept / idea and sketch;
• Choosing a color palette and experimenting with colored pencils on paper;
• Transferring the image to the ceramic object;
• Design directly on the piece with a ceramic mine.