The Ceramics Association of New Zealand presents a national tour of workshops and artist talks with Carla Ruka.
Join one of Aotearoa’s leading ceramic artists, Carla Ruka, as she visits five regions round the country to give a series of workshops and talks that focus on large scale sculpture and her practice as an indigenous artist and as a member of the Māori clay collective Ngā Kaihanga Uku. Ruka is known for her large-scale hand-built forms made using a unique coiling technique that she has developed during her 22-year practice. Her series Hineukurangi and Māori Angels Series are among her most recognised works. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to receive hands on instruction from Carla Ruka during her visit as part of the Ceramics NZ Touring Potter Programme, supported by Creative NZ.
KEY DATES
April 23, 30 May 7 Beginner Workshop, Hihiaua Cultural Centre, Whangarei
April 24, May 1, 8 Int/Advanced Workshop, ĀKAU Studio, Kaikohe
April 26, 3, May 10 Intermediate Workshop, Reyburn House, Whangarei
May 14, 21, 28 Beginner Workshop, Craft Potters Nelson
May 14, 21, 28 Beginner Workshop, Craft Potters Nelson
June 4-19 Workshops TBC, Gisborne
June 25, July 2, 9 Int/Advanced Workshop, Shoal Bay Pottery, Great Barrier Island
September 4, 11, 18 Beginner Workshop, New Plymouth Potters
September 5, 12, 19 Beginner Workshop, New Plymouth Potters
September 17 Artist Talk, Govett Brewster Art Gallery, New Plymouth
COIL AOTEAROA PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
Coil Aotearoa Workshops are focused on learning the techniques of coiling for large scale sculpture. Participants will learn how to hand build a clay sculpture to a height of 50cm–2 metres (depending on workshop level as listed below). Workshops will take place in three consecutive 5-hour sessions with 1 week drying time between sessions (eg. each Sat 10am–3pm for 3 weeks). Beginner/intermediate workshops allow for 12 students max. Master workshops 14 students max.
Materials needed:
Heavy paddle, wire cutter, needle tool, toothbrush, dog or hair comb, wood kidney, vinegar, black plastic bag, towel, apron, banding wheel, wood bat, one newspaper, workbook, pencil, wood tool, any items that you may want to use the texture from.
WORKSHOP LEVELS
Beginner
For artists who have worked with clay and have no or little experience with hand building. Participants will make sculpture 50cm–1 metre high.
Starting with developing your concepts by drawing on your inspiration, culture, passion and history, Carla will work alongside you to help bring your ideas to life. Teaching you through a step-by-step process, Carla will teach you her unique coiling technique. You will discover tips and hints in form manipulation and structure changes and explore surfaces and texture design. This class does not include instruction on firing or glazing.
Intermediate
For artists who have worked with clay for three years or more and have some experience with hand building using the coiling technique. Participants will make large scale sculpture 1–2 metre high.
Starting with developing your concepts for sculpture, drawing on your inspiration, culture, passion and history, Carla will work alongside you to help bring your ideas to life. Assisting you with your hand building technique, Carla uses her unique coiling style that you will be able to learn thoroughly and merge to your own style of creating. You will discover tips and hints in form manipulation and structure changes and explore surfaces, texture design and finishing detailing. This class does not include instruction on firing or glazing.
Advanced
For practicing artists who have qualifications in Ceramics or an established record of familiarity in ceramics and sculpture.
Participants will make large scale sculpture. Your vision is the height limit. Focusing on your conceptual vision, Carla will assist you in areas that you wish to troubleshoot. Take control of your form, discover new techniques and hints to help you gain the upper edge on your creations. This class does not include instruction on firing or glazing.
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