CERAMICS Workshop, with Ricardo Lopes

The presentation and demonstration of the techniques will obey a chronological sequence, in order to progressively increase complexity and stimulate challenge. It is intended that the participants have a direct and intensive contact with the clay and the forming techniques.

In the first part, we will cover the oldest techniques through simple forming of small vessels with the ball and thumb technique and the roller technique. In the second part, we will cover the basic steps of working on the wheel to explore the simpler possibilities of the process. Once the basic principle of each technique is grasped, the execution of the pieces will be free and only integrated in a set of considerations about the countless possibilities of (dis)articulation between function and aesthetics.

Between techniques, a historical framework is made in order to contextualize the theme, examples are observed and discussed, and curiosities about the History of Humanity and clay are heard, the geological origin of the materials, the game between the 4 elements present, and the firing and inherent phenomena.

Ricardo Lopes, pottery ceramist, develops his work in the area of Contemporary Ceramics from traditional techniques of conformation and decoration, with particular emphasis on the potter’s wheel and the composition of glazes. He finished the Creative Ceramics Course in CENCAL in 2004, having previously worked in Poland, Cape Verde and with the sculptor Jorge Mealha, in Lagos. He participated in several workshops on special effect glazes and traditional techniques and was resident artist in France, Japan, China and more recently in India. He integrated several individual and collective exhibitions, in Portugal and abroad. As a teacher of Ceramics, he has participated in several educational projects, in the form of courses and workshops, in museums, schools, ateliers, social centers and other public and private institutions.