7-20 JULY 2019 THE ESSENCE OF CRYSTALLINE: Forms, Formulas, Firing with Ginny Conrow


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.


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