Workshops

A few workshops and short courses for Ceramics and Glass will be presented by accomplished ceramist Deon de Lange. Deon has exhibited his work locally and internationally and has won numerous awards. With more than 25 years of experience, he now shares his knowledge of the medium with others. The workshops are catering for small groups, ensuring more attention will be given to the individual’s needs. The contents are well tried and tested, and the focus is on acquiring techniques that can be applied in your own work. The workshops will be presented on an ongoing basis and will be scheduled to suit individuals or small groups.

Workshops will be presented in Johannesburg at Deon’s studio or can also be arranged in the comfort of your own studio providing there is enough bookings. Enquire about dates and workshops by contacting Deon at ddl@tiscali.co.za or 072 134 9613

Glazing and Firing

Lecture and Practical Demonstration
Beginner and Advanced
Duration - 3 hours

Although this is a basic workshop, it is also of value to advanced potters, as a lot of different applications and techniques are covered which is not normally taught in pottery classes. Learn:

• Composition of a glaze
• Different firing temperatures
• Mixing and application including spraying
• Decorating with glazes
• Finishing off
• Packing a kiln
• Firing Schedule and Programming your timers
• Safety Precautions
• Faultfinding
• Suppliers

Funky Teapots

Participating
Beginner and Advanced
Duration - 2 x 2 hour sessions
Materials included

Teapots range from the traditional to the highly outrageous and can be practical or purely decorative. Here we think out of the box and you end up with your own individual teapot that you can take home. You will have to collect your bisque fired teapot at a later stage as it needs sufficient time to dry before firing. Decorating and glaze firing is not included but can be done at an additional cost. Learn:

• To make a teapot with handbuilding techniques
• Design principles when making teapots
• Practicality of your design
• Food safe finishes

Slipcasting

Demonstrating
Beginner and intermediate
Duration - 3 hours

Slipcasting is the stepchild of ceramics in South Africa and often frowned upon by purists. Because of this, there is no proper training and people choosing this method end up making work with trial and error. Although it is an industrial technique used for mass production, internationally it has become the medium for contemporary ceramists and fine artists. Learn:

• How a mould works
• How to mix casting slip
• The casting process
• Altering shapes
• Additions
• Finishing techniques
• Faultfinding
• Caring for your moulds

Sprigmoulding

Participating
Beginner and Advanced
Duration - 3 hours
Materials included

Sprigs are traditionally three dimensional motifs applied to the surface of ceramics as decoration. The sprigmould can also be used for making Jewellery, Buttons, or as decorative inserts for mosaics. This workshop covers everything from making your model to the final product. You will go home with your own usable mould.

Mouldmaking for Ceramics

Participating
Beginner and Advanced
Duration - 5 Full Days
Materials included
Excluding tools and equipment of which a list will be provided

This is an in depth workshop offering you the most comprehensive training in ceramic mouldmaking in South Africa. With nearly 20 years of experience in making moulds you will acquire techniques to make virtually any kind of mould. You will use traditional methods as well as the use of high tech materials used in industrial design. You will go home with three usable moulds. Learn:

• Basic principles of moulds
• Different grades of Plaster of Paris and their use
• Modeling
• One Piece drop out moulds
• Two piece moulds with uniform thickness
• Multiple piece moulds
• Turning from templates
• Mastermoulds
• Caring for your moulds
• Suppliers

Mouldmaking for Glass

Participating
Beginner and Advanced
Duration - 5 Full Days
Materials included
Excluding tools and equipment, of which a list will be provided

Most people doing glass slumping use expensive commercially available moulds or cheaper bisqueware that is not specifically designed for glass, resulting in inferior end products. The disadvantage of the former when you start becoming famous is that it is available to everyone and does not give you individuality. You will learn to take your concept to the final stage and go home with a usable mould. You will learn:

• How to design for glass
• Making the Model
• Making the Master Mould
• Making and Firing your Working Mould
• Caring for your moulds
• Suppliers