Cups Cups Cups!
Introduction
Cups Cups Cups is a thorough investigation into the heart of the most intimate and well-loved ceramic object - the cup.
November 18-27, 2024, Vetulonia Italy
Content
Wheel throwing and hand building demonstrations, drawing exercises and handle exploration will all be key components of this 10 day workshop. Together we will dive into the history of the ceramic cup - it’s function, cultural relevance, and role in ritual. How it has been made in the past and how it is made world wide today.
We will investigate what it means to make objects for the hand; the balance between aesthetics and functionality, and the specificity of design needed for objects intended for personal pleasure.
A visit to the village’s Etruscan museum will be a source of inspiration for our making, as will be trips off the property to the beach, and the old town centres.
We will finish off this course with a firing of the wood burning kiln, with thoughtful and playful loading considerations. We will strategize to best take advantage of the ash and flame path.
Prerequisites
This course is suitable for beginners who are just getting started and want to dive right into the deep end, or seasoned makers who are looking for more intentionality and mastery in their practice.
Instructor
Emma Smith is a ceramic artist, kiln builder and mover from Ontario, Canada. Growing up in the shadow of the Niagara Escarpment along the shores of the expansive Great Lakes, she aims to celebrate her relationship with place and environment through her artistic practice.
Emma works primarily in woodfired ceramics, where the pieces are made to be experienced quietly, encouraging moments of contemplation and reflection. Alongside her clay practice, she is inspired by the physical body, and loves to explore new ways to story-tell through movement. She is a regular performer with HAG, an aerial and stilt theatre company that produces narratives using puppetry, clowning, and circus arts.
Her current body of work focuses on love of place, and significant moments in time, while threading her two loves (clay, and the body) together.
Food and Relaxation
We will indulge ourselves in the best that Tuscany has to offer. Three meals a day, Italian style. Dinners will begin with an aperitivo, there will be wine at each lunch and dinner, and a ‘digestive’ will round things out (there are always non-alcoholic options, and all of it’s included in the price)
But not only will we eat, we’ll also learn how some of it’s done! Try your hand at our ricotta gnocchi or gnudi. Learn the tricks of a terrific tiramisu. And make your own wood-fired pizza from scratch. You’ll be able to go home and impress your friends with more than your ceramics!
Several local trips will round out our enjoyment of Italy.
Cost
For the 10 days, the cost includes: all meals and drinks, all trips and tastings, all tools and materials, train station pick-up and drop-off. (It does not include shipping your work home.)
Without accommodations: €1,975
In a shared cottage, single bed: €2,425
In a shared cottage, queen bed: €2,785
In a cottage to yourself, queen bed: €3,055
Partners, Plus-ones, and Families are welcome if you choose a cottage to yourself. Cost for their food, trips, etc: €1,200
Before deciding, I highly recommend having a look at the location where the retreats are held either via their instagram or website. It’s truly spectacular.
