Ceramic Courses

The ceramic courses will be given by Jean-Marc Desaules.

I studied ceramics at the `Decorative Art School´ in Geneva, Switzerland. After completing my degree, I opened my studio in 1998. Alongside creating my own work, I began teaching in various private studios and colleges at different levels as I enjoyed working closely with other creative people, sharing my knowledge and experience.
I see my work as an exploration of materials and techniques, this leads me to create objects that are organic, playful and non-static. Mainly using slip casting porcelain, I make functional and non-functional pieces, experimenting with the material and its transformation; I am fascinated by the way a gesture or motion of creating a piece imprints on the object. I enjoy the surprises that result from not trying to control everything.
Being a member of the `Swiss Ceramics Association´ (www.swissceramics.ch), I also take part in international competitions and exhibitions.

The course is open to complete beginners or those with more experience and will be personalized to your needs. During the weeks course, you will discover and experiment with various techniques of creating an object and giving form to clay and then finally decoration. The process we will use is Raku.
Raku is a korean firing technique which was discovered by the potter Chôjirô Raku. The purpose of this unique process was to create various objects for the tea ceremony. After, Raku was used and developed in Japan from the 16th century and imported to Europe in 1940 by the english ceramicist Bernard Leach through his famous `Potters' Book´.

The technique consists of a first initial firing called biscuit, followed by the glazing of the pieces. After that, there is a second firing which is really fast; firing up to 1000° for approx. 1 hour. While the pieces are still hot and glowing from the kiln, they are placed in a mixture of sawdust and paper which combusts and creates the recognizable finish of a Raku object.
Before you begin to make your final object or piece, you will first create a series of prototypes on which to experiment; this really helps to achieve a good result.The initial approach to the work will be to discuss the main material 'clay' and to experiment mixing it with other materials such as paper, straw, etc. Then we will begin to deal with the form and structure of the piece. There are many ways to do this; using the potters wheel, moulds or coil pot technique for example. Afterwards, we will think about decoration and how to treat a surface, using found natural objects such as stones, tree bark and leaves, to create textures or patterns. The process can involve mould making, dealing with slip, metallic oxides and glazes or whatever you choose to put on the piece.
All materials will be provided. Although should you have a favorite tool or piece of equipment, please bring it along.
What is really important, as we will be working with fire, is that you bring good studio clothes made from natural fabrics that can cover the whole body; long sleeves and trousers and closed shoes. A scarf would be a useful protection too.