CeramicS Sculpture Course

with Renato Costa e Silva and Kerstin Thomas

From Clay to Woodfiring

"(...) I often choose ceramics for sculpture because it is a more receptive, immediate material... it easily captures an idea or emotion (...)".

In the Ceramics Sculpture and Wood firing Course , the tutor is Renato Costa e Silva - researcher and storyteller, his sculptures speak to us of this. His Contemporary Ceramics pieces are, on the one hand, the result of a methodical conception process that goes through drawings and models, the preparation of the raw material until the most exact execution possible, which he preserves and cultivates, on the other hand, they reveal a spontaneity in the modelling process and a will to experiment that culminates in the delivery of the pieces to the action of fire. Made in prepared and optimised paste for each new work, the pieces in stoneware or porcelain address his vision of the world, revealing a deep understanding of the human being, full of humour and affection.

He built his first wood-fired kiln and started his professional activity in 1980, being part of the first generation of ceramists who found in contemporary ceramics a means of artistic expression and way of life. 40 years of activity, with exhibitions in Portugal but also in France, Canada, USA, Bermuda and Kuwait, study trips in Europe, USA and Japan, Renato continues to investigate, experiment and perfect techniques and materials, and fortunately he is also happy to share his vast knowledge.

In his courses Renato Costa e Silva always takes us to the heart of the matter. Learning from him is a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the entire ceramic process, from clay formation to the preparation of suitable bodies for each work, from construction techniques, glaze preparation and use to wood-firing.

The Ceramics Sculpture course is supported by Kerstin Thomas, who will support each student to progress and take home objects and small sculptures that reflect not only the learning done but also their personal expression.

course details

CERAMICS SCULPTURE COURSE PROGRAM:

• Development, planning and realization of your ideas;

• Choosing and preparing the appropriate folder for your project;

• Reflection on aesthetic options;

• Several techniques for the construction of your sculpture;

• Reflection on surfaces and textures;

• Reflection on the infinite possibilities of wood firing;

• Active monitoring of the joint firing of the sculptures in Sasukenei - Smokeless Kiln.

Day 1:

Introduction;

From thought to matter - The personal universe and the choice of relevant elements to conceive individual projects;

Clay as a receptor of emotions - From physical structure and chemical composition to ceramic pastes for sculpture; Composition, experimentation and preparation of paste.

Day 2 - 5: Working on a personal project;

Day 6-7: Introduction to woodfiring - processes, history and results. Ceramic's transformation during firing and how to control the process; Loading the kiln; Starting the woodfiring in the SASUKENEI – Smokeless kiln;

Day 8: Cooling of the kiln; Free workind time at the studio

Day 9: Opening the kiln - Appreciation and interpretation of the result.

SCHEDULE:

• 10h-13h and 15h-18h*

  *On the days of firing, students will be distributed in turns.

• Studio open from 18h- 21h

CONDITIONS

• Enrollments up to 1 month before the course start date.

• 10% discount on the total cost of the course if you make a prompt-payment at least 2 months before the course start date.

THE COURSE FEE INCLUDES:

• Integration in a small workgroup (from 5 to 12 participants)

• Training 5-6 hours a day, spoken in Portuguese and English;

• Studio open 12 hours a day;

• Welcome dinner;

• All the materials and firings;

• Free accommodation in our shared residences during the course (upon availability). The residences are equipped with a dormitory, kitchen, shared bathrooms, washing machine, towels, bed linen and wi-fi;

• 10% discount on the base rate when booking an individual house (minimum of 2 nights). The base rate refers to a stay of 2 people and includes breakfast, equipped kitchen, towels, bed linen and wi-fi.

ADICIONAL LUNCH SERVICE:

Lunch package for 14€/meal when booked at least one week before check-in. After this date, the regular price applies.

ENROLLMENTS AND MORE INFO:

artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com

+351 913 989 281*

*(call to national mobile network)

CANCELLATION POLICY FOR COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

You may withdraw within 14 days of registration, paying the correspondent transfer fees. Following the EU consumer protection legislation, payments are not refunded past 14 days of registration. The payment will be fully reimbursed if the training cannot be held because of insufficient students.

Suppose the training is canceled by Cerdeira - Home For Creativity for reasons of significant force such as a pandemic, civil disorder, a natural catastrophe, medical or family issues of the teacher, and others beyond our control. In that case, Cerdeira will offer a voucher for a different workshop of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years.

PHOTO GALLERY