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Situation:

(see map)

At the rim of the “ Cevennes”, in an absolutey quiet location lies the beautiful „Mas” conducted by the french potter Michel and his wife Francoise, who professionally organize since many years summer pottery courses as well as longterm educational formation. Residential possibilities exist in the main house and in an separate building. A salon with an extensive library with english and french ceramic literature is at the guests disposal.A summer kitchen and a large shady terrace are the place for the common meals, which are delightfully prepared by Francoise. In the summer months even a small pool in the garden guaranties refreshment.

Accomodation:

All rooms are suitable furnished and can be booked as single or double rooms. For the small rooms in the separate building a sleeping-bag has to be brought along..Sanitary fascilities have to be shared.

Meals:

All meals- delightfully prepared incl. wine at lunch and dinner are included.For those who take two weeks courses no meals are provided on the weekend except saturday breakfast and sunday dinner. During this time the fully furnished guest’s kitchen is at your disposal.You can also take the opportunity for travelling around and eat at any restaurant around.

course information:

Throwing with Julia Simonot

level for beginners and advanced. Beginners learn the preparation of clay, throwing with stoneware clay , trimming, attaching handles and spouts .This course is dedicated to the throwing technique, firing is not possible due to necessary drying time. The pieces will be fired after the course and can be picked up later or to be shipped home ( shipping costs apply)

Raku with Michel Simonot

Raku originated in Japan in the 16th century. It is a technique in which the pieces are fired to 950 - 1000 °C, removed from the kiln while still red-glowing, using long tongs, the pot is covered in combustible material such as sawdust, causing a reduction atmosphere. Still hot, the pottery is plunged into cold water which assists in the formation of often beautiful patterns, etched in black carbon. During this course the participants learn the preparation and composition of the heavily crogged clay, making of suitable pieces of pottery , using techniques such as modelling, coiling, slab making - stamping, carving and impressing the clay. Experienced throwers may use the pottery wheel. Theory and practice of glazes, slips, luster applying different glazing techniques like dipping, pouring, spraying,brushing - kiln design in theory ( plans provided)- fumigating and reduction firing of 4-6 of your own pieces.

 Paperclay with Michel Simonot

.. forget everything you know about clay ... paperclay is a revolutionary material ( mix of paper and clay) that has all the advantages one misses with normal clay, so espeacially for sculpturing, modelling tiny peaces, connecting wet with dry pieces, no breakage, short drying - everything seems possible.

In this course the mixture and the handling of this clay body is taught, the glazes and firing is similar to the Raku course.

Group size:

a maximum of 8 persons, one kick-wheel and seven electric wheels are provided. The raku course is limited to 6 students. During the low season a minimum of three students is required

course plan:

The courses last one week, during the peak season 2 courses ( throwing and raku) can be combined as a two-weeks-course. Lessons are taken in the morning and the afternoon, with a four hours break for lunch and relaxation. Both beginners and advanced are welcome, the potters wheels and the studio can be used during the break and until the evening. In summer the wheels are located outside under the trees, only on less warmer days the studio inside is used.

Arrival : sunday evening by 6 pm

Course: monday morning until friday afternoon

Departure: saturday morning  after breakfast

Language:

French, some english

Leisure activities:

Bicycles and table-tennis are provided, the use of the swimmping-pool as well ( depending on weather conditions). Trips around to the beautiful city of Uzès, to the famous “Pont du Gard” to the “Gorges d’Ardeche” or a visit to the potters village of St-Quentin-la-Poterie

Prices:

1 week throwing: 569.00 €

1 week Raku : 613.00 €

2 weeks throwing/raku: 1082.00 €

priced are calculated on sharing room  with own sleeping-bag.Prices for single use or rooms in the house or for camping, please inquire.

Comment:

Perfectly organized , warm and friendly hospitality .Knowledge of basic French language skills is substantial.

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