Intensive ceramics course in Thessaloniki!
At the beginning of the summer, CLAYU traveled to Greece to participate in a ceramics course outside of Thessaloniki
Intensive days filled with learning, creativity and new experiences!
We were an international group of five participants; two from Sweden, two from different parts of the USA and one from South Africa. We all had a common goal: to develop in ceramics and teach us to turn BIG!
The course was held by a recognized Greek ceramic artist and we stayed at his home and his wife's on their farm. We spent 8 days from morning to night in the ceramics studio at The Almond Grove farm outside Thessaloniki.
Twist, twist, twist!
We worked with earthenware and consumed huge amounts of clay. Luckily there was a clay mill in the studio otherwise we would have had to spend most of the time kneading, kneading, kneading. The focus was to practice different turning techniques; turn narrow necks, turn closed shapes, turn high and turn big! At most we used 8kg of clay for one pot, which really challenged our skills!
Raku!
We also got to test different raku techniques - with a focus on learning the process!
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Lots of theory!
In addition to practical training in turning, we got to share large amounts of information about various ceramic techniques and ceramic artists. And got a lot of book tips! As a bonus, we were also updated on Greek politics and received an in-depth account of Greek history focusing on the region around Thessaloniki. The discussions went on late into the evening and this cultural insight made the experience even more enriching.
A break from the turntable!
After a few intense days we took a much needed break from the turntables and went to Halkidiki to swim in the crystal clear sea and have a lunch of Greek specialties at a beachside taverna.
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CLAYU tool tote
During the course, our tool bags came in handy. With its many pockets, the CLAYU tool tote keeps all tools organized and is a practical (and stylish) companion in our creative adventures.
Time for Thessaloniki!
When the course was over, we took the opportunity to explore Thessaloniki for a few days before heading back home. A fantastic city that gave us further inspiration! The CLAYU tool tote got extra punch as a shopping bag, and was perfect for carrying all our shopping finds.
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Creative Adventures!
We want to encourage you too to set out on new creative adventures and if you don't already have a CLAYU tool tote let it become a companion on your creative journey too!
Let the creativity flow!
Ulrika