Humans have used some sort of “mould” to form clay objects for millennia, whether they were found gourd forms, later the use of fired clay and ultimately the development of plaster moulds.

In this 7-day workshop participants will be introduced to model and mould-making techniques. Models are a necessary step to making plaster moulds which can used for pressing and slip-casting clay. This part of the process can be very creative and some inventiveness is involved. Clay will be initially used to make the models using simple hand forming methods and templates. Plaster models will also be made using templates and a lathe.

The moulds themselves will be single and multi-piece depending on the complexity of the model. Two days will be dedicated to slip-casting and press-moulding techniques.

This workshop is meant as an introduction to moulded ceramics, participants with previous experience can work more independently on specific projects. All participants should have a working knowledge of ceramic processes, and are welcome to work on functional and non-functional pieces.

$850 + gst

*Post-secondary students are eligible to receive a 25% discount on the course fee with proof of current student ID. Maximum 2 students per workshop.

Fee includes:

• 24 hour studio access
• Access to a fully equipped plaster mould making facility and access to general mould making tools
• Guided access to the Historic Clay District site

Workshop Participants responsible for:

• Materials, clay and tools (plaster and clay will be available for purchase on site)
• Basic pottery and modelling tools
• Sketch book and drawing tools
• Accommodations: Onsite housing is available at the BMO Artist Lodge for $375 + GST for 8 days (Check-in July 30, check out August 7). Fee includes a private room with double bed, shared bathrooms and communal living areas. For more information, click here.

Cancellation/Refund Policy:

A full refund (less a $25 administration fee) is available if you cancel by the registration deadline (July 3). If Medalta cancels, or if you need to cancel due to medical reasons (documentation required), you will receive a full refund. For cancellations 2 weeks prior to the workshop, a refund of 50% of the total fee is available. If you cancel within 2 weeks of the start of the workshop or during the workshop, we will be unable to issue any refund.

For more information contact Amy Duval: amy@medalta.org

About Angelo

Angelo di Petta was born in Colle d’Anchise, which is located in the Molise region of central Italy, and immigrated to Toronto with his family in 1956. He majored in ceramics at the Ontario College of Art, graduating in 1972. He was awarded three scholarships to study industrial ceramics in Faenza, Italy in 1973 and 1975.

From 1975 to 2012 he taught at the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University), teaching courses in; mould-making, domestic ceramics, ceramic materials, 3D design, applied imagery and surface and rendering/drawing. di Petta has also shared his knowledge, expertise and experience through workshops and lectures in Canada and the United States. He has been the subject of various articles and his work has been published in numerous books and magazines on ceramics. di Petta has exhibited his work through numerous solo and group exhibitions nationally and internationally. Since his retirement from formal teaching in 2012 di Petta has continued his involvement in ceramics through exhibitions, workshops, mentoring and jurying shows. He has also been a technical mentor to several artists, including An Te Liu, who have wanted to make ceramic forms.

di Petta resides with his family, in a country setting near Millbrook, Ontario located northeast of Toronto. His daily interaction with this rural environment, its subtleties of landscape and seasonal changes, is reflected in much of his most recent work.

Learn more about Angelo di Petta at:

dipetta.com

@angelodipettaceramics