Workshop Description

This workshop covers a full range of surface decoration techniques as applied to domestic, non-functional, and architectural ceramics. My focus is on the surface treatment of earthenware maiolica, but most of these techniques are applicable to other temperature ranges and methods of firing, with slightly modified results. Wherever possible, narrative themes will be broached in conjunction with surface painting techniques. Demonstrations will be supplemented by slide presentations providing a visual appreciation of both historical and contemporary maiolica. Where time permits, work will be constructed with a view to integrating form with applied surface treatments, and life-drawing exercises can be an included option.

For a one-day workshop (demonstration only), some of the techniques and slides are condensed. For a two- or more-day workshop or for a full-time participatory summer school, participants are given a list of requirements (such as specified bisqueware and brushes) in order to include decoration techniques in the context of their own work through assigned projects. For more detailled information regarding scheduling, fees and instructor and participant requirements contact Matthias Ostermann below, or your host organisation.

Some of the themes covered are:

1. Design, composition and colour theory
2. Creating an individual colour palette
3. Surface decoration techniques: brush strokes, solid colour wash, dry- and wet-blending, sgraffito, glaze-trailing, etc
4. Maiolica problems: glazing and firing
5. Specific exercises: compatibility of form and surface decoration
6. Practical aspects: marketing, presentation, etc

Slide lectures include:

1. My own work
2. Historical maiolica works (from The Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art, Toronto and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, UK)
3. Contemporary maiolica: An international perspective
4. Specific decoration techniques: A visual aid
5. Aspects of decoration: Traditional international folk pottery and contemporary ceramics
6. The Ceramic Surface: A contemporary international survey of decoration techniques
7. The Ceramic Narrative: A survey of historical and contemporary ceramic narrative imagery

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Contact

Matthias Ostermann (Montreal, Canada)
E-Mail: matthiasostermann@hotmail.com
Tel./fax: (514) 526-4180