Ceramics New Zealand is proud to present our 2024 Touring Potter programme featuring Kwak Kyungtae and Marco Minetti.

Registrations close 30 April.

Onggi

Learn the lost art of the Onggi technique, a method unique in the world for coil building large pots and forms. Traditionally born out of necessity in Korea, Onggi pots were and still are used today for food fermentation and storage. A quintessential example of how form follows function, both the forms and building techniques are a living art in and of themselves. You will be taught how to make coils, flatten the base of the pot, and coil the clay using the “Taryeom” method. Master Kwak will demonstrate how to paddle the form and shape it, giving you a newfound sense of volume and proportion on a large scale. There are only a handful of Onggi masters left in Korea, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from one of them in New Zealand.

Korean Wheel-throwing

The throwing-focused program is all about building confidence on the wheel. Ancient Korean throwing techniques are taught step by step through theory, demonstration, and guided practice. You will learn how to throw off the hump, and master basic but fundamental shapes from the “Sabal” or tea bowl, to plates, cylinders, larger forms, and vases . We believe it is essential that students develop an honest relationship with clay, know its limits, and understand that each time we touch the clay, there must be a reason and a method to our movements. By breaking down each step students can sharpen their skills and aspire to a higher level of craftsmanship in their own practice. Imagine all the lessons one would learn as an apprentice, condensed into 3 days. of intense practice. Students from all backgrounds and skill levels are welcome. Instruction and demos will be catered to each individual student’s goals and/or abilities. Learn how to practice and follow the path to mastery on the wheel.

Registration fees

• Half-day demonstration workshop $100 per person
• 3-day wheel workshop – $1600
• 4-day onggi workshop – $2200
• 5-day onggi workshop – $2600

Important info

• Registrations open Monday 11 March at midday.
• The hands-on workshops run daily from 9am to 5pm with a break for a shared lunch.
• Demonstrations run for 3 hours with each morning or afternoon session requiring a separate booking.
• Registrations are strictly limited to 10 people for hands-on workshops.
• Clay and all materials are included in workshops – but firing is not. Firing can be arranged – contact the venue directly for more information.
• Payment plans are available. If you would like to pay in instalments please choose the ‘Pay by bank deposit’ option at check out and make a deposit of $500. The remaining balance will be invoiced and due by 1 May 2024.  Any balances not paid in full by this date will lose their deposit.
• Registrations are non-refundable but CANZ will try to help find a replacement where possible.
• We encourage all people registering to apply for Creative New Zealand Professional Development funding. 

This tour is made possible through the support of the Asia New Zealand Foundation and our partners Mac’s Mud.