email us at gayacac@gayaceramic.com for more details!
The
Essence of Crystalline: Forms, Formulas, Firing
with
Ginny Conrow
July
7-20, 2019
Swoon into the flowery blooms of a
crystalline glaze and come home with
all the detailed notes in hand on how to make the magic happen in your own
studio. With a lifetime of experience in
clay, crystalline glaze expert, Ginny
Conrow, will lead this two-week immersion into all the minutiae of the
crystalline process. Beginning with
finding the most suitable forms to carry the glaze, participants will be guided
in throwing, altering, trimming and hand-building to suit. Then the alchemy will be completely unveiled
with a rigorous break-down of everything from glaze formulation, to choices of
brushed or sprayed application, and firing in either oxidation or
reduction. Finally, essential attention
will be paid to the post-firing finishing of the works: removal of pedestals,
etching, and striking. No detail will be
omitted, though of course, some alchemy will still remain: the gorgeous
spontaneity of crystal formations within the layers of the glaze itself… Get ready for big ahhhhhhs!
This 2-week
workshop will focus on the magic of crystalline firing: the glazes, firing schedules
and effects that make each kiln opening an exciting surprise! While the
workshop will focus on firings, both oxidation and reduction as well as post
fire effects, we’ll also explore the particular qualities of porcelain,
stretching, altering, joining, and cutting the clay using both throwing and
handbuilding to create pieces that accentuate the crystalline glazes. This
workshop is suitable for all levels of throwing abilities and all levels of
glaze work.
Sunday, July 7 Welcome
Dinner Moksa Restaurant
6-8:30pm
Introducing
ourselves, who we are as potters and what we hope to learn. A powerpoint
presentation of the history and evolution of my forms and surfaces.
Monday, July 8
Preparing to glaze…. GCAC
Introduction
to the studio, making ourselves at home.
Making
pedestals and catcher trays, planning the glazes, preparing the glazes.
Glaze
demonstrations - Spraying, brushing, dipping and combining techniques. Using
both micro and macro crystalline glazes. Students glaze just a few of the
pieces they have brought, both finished pots and small test pieces.
(Some pre-bisqued test pieces will also be
provided for each participant.)
Tuesday, July 9 Glazing and Making GCAC
Continuing
previous day glazing and conversations
about glaze and firing techniques.
Clay
demonstrations, both throwing and slab built.
Load
kiln. (Firing begun at midnight)
Wednesday, July 10
Oxidation Cone 10 GCAC
Fire first
kiln as high fire oxidation, monitoring firing to set specific holding temps
according to Crystaline firing schedule.
Demos
continue: altering, combining forms, trimming the pieces. Participants start their own pieces.
Thursday, July 11 Glittering Inspiration
John Hardy Jewelry factory and showroom tour
Afternoon:
More clay demonstrations. Continued making.
Friday, July 12 Unload GCAC
Unload first
kiln and observe/discuss results, plan next glazes..
Post-firing
attention: Finish bottoms. Do a vinegar soak.
Saturday, July 13 Post-Firing Firings GCAC
Do a post
fire reduction firing (up to 800C and fast cool)
Do a Strike Firing (another lower temp oxidation re-fire with fast cool)
Finish WET
clay work.
Sunday, July 14 FREE DAY anywhere
Bali
Monday, July 15 Final
Details on Greenware GCAC
Any final
trimming, etc. on greenware.
Spray and
paint encapsulated stains on greenware and bisque.
More glazing
for the next kilns.
Load and
bisque finished pieces.
Tuesday, July 16 Exploring
Flora, Fauna & Culture
Excursion: visit to Tabanan Butterfly Park and
Batukaru Mountain Water Temple; lunch overlooking the Jatih Luwih, the famous
UNESCO heritage rice terraces.
BISQUE KILN FIRING
Wednesday, July 17
Full
Glaze Day GCAC
Unload
bisque and dive into glazing.
Load two
kilns:
one for Cone 10 Oxidation (large
kiln)
one for Cone 10 Reduction (small
kiln)
Thursday, July 18 Oxidation Cone 10 Firing GCAC
Fire second
high fire oxidation, monitoring firing to set specific holding temps according
to Crystaline firing schedule.
Tour of Gaya Ceramic production studio (1hr)
Friday, July 19 Reduction Cone 10 Firing GCAC
Fire small
kiln as cone 10 reduction, monitoring firing to set specific holding temps
according to Crystaline firing schedule.
Unload
results from Cone 10 Oxidation.
Attend to
post-firing clean up and finishes.
Saturday, July 19 Unload and Conclude GCAC
Unload and
finish the last pieces.
Photograph
and pack after a small exhibit of our work while considering the results of all
the various glazes and techniques!
Final lunch
and farewells.
