The moonjar is one of the most iconic pieces of Korean culture. Its origin dates back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), where they were initially produced to store wine or decorate with flowers. Over time, it has become an exclusive piece due to its naturalness, simplicity, and, at the same time, the perfection of its curves.
In this course, the moonjar will be explained step by step. You will learn how to raise the cylinder, control the clay, shape, measurements, trimming, and finishing.
Two types will be worked on: the traditional moonjar made from two parts and the single-piece moonjar.
Your teacher Rubén Mañas will guide you to understand all the processes of moonjar properly.
You will have a unique chance to fully immerse yourself in the practice of wheel throwing, making progress that would be hard to achieve within the noise of everyday life.
By the end of the retreat you will have the opportunity to choose which piece(s) you would like fired, glazed and shipped to you. As pieces need approximately a week to dry out, this will be done for you once the retreat has concluded.
Although the course is focused on learning rather than making pieces, you will be able to keep some of the pieces you make:
Rubén Mañas is a ceramicist from Badalona, Spain. He teaches pottery wheel courses and his classes are designed to offer comprehensive and tailored instruction, teaching technique and the importance of proper body posture to optimise the process. His technical approach is based on years of experience and a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of pottery and ceramics.
He began in 2018 at the Escola de Ceràmica de la Bisbal, located in Girona, Spain, where he had the opportunity to learn the basics of the pottery wheel.
However, his quest for excellence did not stop in Spain. In 2023 he travelled to the Republic of Korea, where he had the chance of learning the basics of porcelain to the creation of traditional pieces, focusing on the Moonjar, a distinctive piece that has become his specialty.
This course is right for you if:
During this week, you won’t just get a ceramics course. We’ve also organised a program of activity so that you can connect with Sicilian culture, get to know beautiful Salemi and its rich history and territory.
You will:
The Salemi School of Ceramics is a social enterprise that has been opened to create a learning centre for contemporary ceramics, the first of its kind in Sicily.
The School has been created in partnership with the local town of Salemi, which has provided the gorgeous space - the St Agustin Convent - that will be used for the school.
Salemi has a gorgeous historical centre and because it is quiet and peaceful, it is the perfect place for a mindful ceramics retreat.
Classes will be held from Monday through to Friday. On Sunday, there will be a welcome dinner and on Saturday, we will bid you farewell. Classes will be 4h each morning
(9am-1pm) and 2/3h each afternoon (2-5pm), except one afternoon of cultural activities.
Order of the day:
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The Salemi Project wants to make Salemi a recognised centre for contemporary ceramic art. Come and be part of it!
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