Daily Rituals – Teaware 4 Day Workshop with Marco Minetti 27.-30. April 2027

Course Overview:

Tuesday 27th - Friday 30st April 2027

Join us for a four-day workshop exploring the making of teaware for loose leaf teas. We’ll dive deep into teapots, learn about body shapes, lids, filters, spouts, and handles. We will discover pouring vessels for serving tea, and study spouts in depth to make consistent, drip free and beautiful pouring vessels. Throwing off the hump, we’ll make small teacups and drinking vessels, and introduce the gaiwan, one of the earliest brewing and drinking methods for enjoying tea.

Each day we will use beautiful teaware from my collection from makers around the world to discover and enjoy many kinds of loose teas from China/Tibet, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. In our tea drinking sessions we’ll explore attributes of the teaware we like and learn how to recreate those subtle details in our making sessions.

Participants will leave the course with a newfound appreciation, confidence, and curiosity in understanding and making tea and teaware, and will be encouraged to continue learning by developing these practices in their daily life.

Course Details:

Detailed Schedule
(may be rearranged due to time constraints)

Day 1

• Clay sourcing, processing, and formulation discussion

• Spiral wedging and closing the spiral into a cylindrical form

• Throwing teapots off the hump and one by one

• Key aspects explored in detail: Teapot body, lid techniques, spout geometry,

• internal filter, proportion, sizing, and balance

• Throwing a raw clay chuck for trimming, chuck ergonomics, shape, drying, attachment, removal, adjustment, and storage

• Practice without keeping forms to build our skills and refine our eye for beauty while letting go of ego

  Day 2

• Continued practice making session

• Trimming and assembling the teapots

• Afternoon intro to pouring vessels (used for pouring into and serving tea)

• Pouring spouts - how to make a beautiful and functional drip free spouts

• Managing drying and storing damp ware in dynamic environments and schedules

• The beauty of the expanded line, demo and discussion

  Day 3

• Drinking Vessels - Tips and techniques for throwing smaller teacup forms off the hump, as well as one by one

• Sizing and proportions: how to develop consistency of form, while remaining free with expressive nuances

• Trimming drinking vessels

  Day 4

• Gaiwan - Learn how to make the most ancient form for brewing and enjoying tea

• Body and lid proportions and key details for successful use

• Trimming, assembly, and using the gaiwan with style
  
  

Notes:

While the workshop follows a curriculum, each participant will also receive personalized guidance throughout. All levels are welcome from professionals to passionate hobbyists as we strive to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Basic wheel throwing experience is recommended to make the most of the variety of techniques explored. This course is ideal both for participants that already have experience but wish to hone their skills and expand their perspectives of working with clay, or for those who wish to have a fresh start in a different tradition from what is commonly taught in western countries.

This class is all about skill development - firing will be possible only for max. 3 small selected piece, to be arranged with the studio after the course.

About the Instructor | Marco Minetti

Marco Minetti is a ceramic artist based in California, known for his work with native clays and ancient techniques, particularly those rooted in Korean pottery traditions. Marco spent over five years in Korea, apprenticing under master potter Kwak Kyungtae, where he learned the traditional onggi technique used to create large fermentation vessels. In addition to onggi, Marco also specializes in the Korean buncheong method, which involves layering white clays over darker forms to create dynamic textures and finishes. This technique, rich in history, allows Marco to express a balance between nature, form, and artistic energy in his work.

Marco’s ceramics are inspired by his deep connection with the natural world. He forages for his own clays and minerals, incorporating them into his pieces, which creates a direct link between the earth, the materials, and the final product. His work often explores the tension between the natural elements and the refined techniques he employs to create both functional and sculptural pieces.

Through this course, Marco will share his extensive knowledge of Korean pottery techniques and his approach to working with natural materials, offering a unique perspective on the process of creating teabowls. His approach is both liberating and challenging, focusing on the artist's state of mind during the creation process.

Together, Douglas and Marco bring a rich blend of cultural influences and artistic philosophies to the workshop. With their combined expertise in both Japanese and Korean pottery, you’ll gain an invaluable understanding of different techniques, aesthetics, and traditions that have shaped the art of making teabowls.

Please note:

The studio is conveniently located within walking distance of various hotels and restaurants, ensuring a comfortable stay. Lunch and accommodation is not included.

Before confirming your booking, please ensure your accommodation is secured. Alternatively, you can email us to reserve your place while you arrange your travel and accommodation. We will hold your reservation for up to 72 hours.

To contact us please email: maria@dehaangallerystudio.com