Harnessing the Energy of Nature: Sculpting with Earth and Fire
with Shozo Michikawa
March 1-15, 2018
“The energy of
nature is truly immense. No matter how much our sciences and civilization might
evolve, the power of human beings is inconsequential in the face of natural
threats such as typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis and erupting volcanoes.” SM
Deriving great inspiration
from his childhood home at the foot of the very live and active Mt.Usu volcano
in Hokkaido, Japan, Shozo Michikawa’s faceted and twisted forms evoke this
potent natural energy. Join this master
of wheel-formed sculptural forms in an exploration of the power of the natural
world and how we may harness it in the physical as well as conceptual creation
of our ceramic works. Demonstrations
will include his signature twisting of fractured planes on an internal axis, as
well as offering a different understanding of wheel-throwing all together—a
cutting and paring down, rather than an expansion of form. Shozo will help participants engage in the
“conversation” with the raw materials—finding a way to assist where the clay
wants to go, rather than expecting it to submit to the creator’s entire whim.
After an exhilarating week of
building forms, the workshop will turn its focus to harnessing the energy of
the dragon’s breath in an Anagama firing.
Two days will be spent placing the pieces assiduously within the flame’s
path, two days and nights hearing the fire’s roar, another two days of quiet
before a final unloading. Awaiting to
understand the wrath or beauty bequeathed to us upon our wares, the entire
process will be a reverence for the forces of nature witnessed within the raw
elemental play of earth, water, fire, air… and ether.
Thursday, March 1 Welcome
Dinner.
Moksa
6pm:
We will meet for an exquisite meal set upon anagama-fired wares at MOKSA
restaurant (of director Hillary Kane’s husband). It will be a
relaxed evening in which participants can get to know one another and share
their stories and intentions for being here.
Shozo will also offer a slide talk of his works and life as a wood-firer,
sculptor, and innovator
Friday, March 2 Studio
and clay introduction. GCAC
Demonstration of making large works on the wheel
A general introduction to the studio and to the
available (and most suitable) clays for the anagama process; thinking about
surfaces and colours.
Discussion of overall volume of works required
for a successful firing.
Shozo will demonstrate the making of large forms
on the wheel and participants will begin making their own work to allow the
maximum time available for drying . The day will be spent trialing new
techniques and learning how the clay bodies will respond.
Lunch: family
style in the GCAC mezzanine
Saturday, March 3 A
making focus: sculpture, teapots and bowls. GCAC
Shozo will share techniques in making tea bowls
(raku and shino style) and ikebana vase construction. He will also work with
participants on their projects on an ‘as needed’ basis.
Lunch: family
style in the GCAC mezzanine
Sunday, March 4 Sculpture GCAC
The whole day will be dedicated to continuation
of making and Shozo will assist individuals throughout.
Lunch: family
style in the GCAC mezzanine
Monday, March 5 Demonstrations – large scale work GCAC
Shozo will also demonstrate his technique for
throwing big sculptures – these will be for demonstration purposes only – not
intended for the firing.
Otherwise, participants will continue working.
Lunch: family
style in the GCAC mezzanine
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Tuesday, March 6 Final Making GCAC
A
full day of making, with a focus on tea bowls and small ikebana vases. The
afternoon will be spent trimming.
Participants
will finish their last touches to the surface and works are then left to
further dry.
Candling
all day in gas kiln(s) to further enhance drying.
Lunch: family style in the GCAC mezzanine
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Wednesday, March
7 Last moments… GCAC
There
will be a close discussion of the loading and firing process introducing zones
of the kiln, understanding terminology (firebox
and back stoke grate and fire face vs. sheltered areas). Loading preparation and discussion about all
aspects of the process including making and using wadding, sembe, sea
shells, rice straw, etc. as well as an introduction to the metal firing tools
used in the fire box.
Candling
all day in gas kiln(s) to further dry works.
Lunch: family style in the GCAC mezzanine
Afternoon: FREE
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Thursday, March
8 Loading the dragon GCAC
We
begin the slow and particular process of loading the Gayagama. Everyone will
have an opportunity to assist in preparing various types wadding, placing
works, judging flame flow, and engaging in kiln yoga!
Lunch: family
style in the GCAC mezzanine
Friday, March 9 Continue and conclude loading GCAC
Working
together (directed by Shozo) complete kiln loading on shelves and adjacent to
firebox. Bricking door and making final
preparations for firing. Shifts organized as directed by Shozo for firing
schedule..
Lighting
ceremony - candling begins along with
first all-night firing shift.
Lunch: family
style in the GCAC mezzanine
Saturday, March
10 Firing GCAC
Low-mid
range temperatures. Participants rotate on predetermined 6-hr. shifts through
day and night. Transport and meals will be organized accordingly.
Sunday, March 11 Firing
– sustaining and cooling GCAC
Sustained high
temperatures, working back side stoke ports until final peak temperature and
determined cooling approach.
Concludes: with a pizza-making session in the
residual heat pizza oven!
Monday, March 12 Rest and recovery….. choose your location
Tuesday, March 13 Excursion Kintamani
(*early morning departure) An
early-morning visit and morning tea in Kintimani to view the massive caldera lake and the active Mt. Batur. If skies are clear, views of Mt. Abang and
Mt. Agung may be available. A drive down
into the caldera to luxuriate in natural hot spring spa there will wash away
all the strain from firing, returning to Ubud via an alternative route by early
afternoon.
Wednesday, March
14 Unloading & post-fire discussion GCAC
A slow and
considered unload (this is when we have everything to learn!) followed by
discussion and implementation of a variety of
post-firing clean-up and finishing techniques.
Lunch: family style in the GCAC mezzanine
Thursday, March 15 Conclusion and tea. GCAC
A selection of works displayed in our in-studio
gallery for the concluding discussion/critique/commentary of the overall
experience.
A special
tea ceremony - led by Shozo.
Packing works to go (bubble wrap, newspaper, and cardboard boxes
provided).
Lunch: family style in the GCAC mezzanine
Departure.
***In
order to encourage thoughtful making in the allotted studio time, there is a
suggestion that participants bring a handful of bisqued pots to add to the
overall anagama loading.
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