Mike Martino Karatsu-Kinsugi Masterclass Booking

The Artist

Michael Martino grew up in rural New Mexico and urban Texas, USA. His interest in pots came from being exposed to a multitude of pot shards and stone tools discovered while playing as a child in the hills of northern New Mexico. Michael first moved to Japan in 1990, and has been steeped in the ceramic tradition of Karatsu since 2002 when he began an informal apprenticeship with veteran Karatsu potter Tsuruta Yoshihisa, his mentor in both ceramics and kintsugi. He established his studio in 2007 in Taku, Japan, and built his anagama style wood kiln in 2011, dedicating himself to making beautiful (mostly) functional ceramics out of local wild clay, stone, and ash.

Karatsu Ceramics

Introduction

Karatsu is a ceramic tradition that flourished in Japan in the late 16th to early 17th century. Despite being enormously influential within Japan, it is relatively unknown outside of the country. In this course we will explore the unique tools and techniques of the Karatsu tradition, examine the simple approach of the Karatsu potters, and touch on the origins of Karatsu ware.

Techniques Taught

In this course, Karatsu potter Michael Martino will teach throwing techniques as well as coil and paddle handbuilding techniques. In addition, Michael’s approach to clay and glaze material preparation, glaze formulation, glaze application, functional decoration, and firing will be covered.

Methods

Workshop time will be devoted to hands on teaching, a combination of demonstrations by Michael, followed by assistance and advise to students as they practice what they have observed. There will also be photographic presentations aimed at introducing participants to the varied styles of Karatsu ware, the history of the tradition, modern examples of Karatsu ware, and kiln firing tools and techniques.

Kintsugi with modern materials

Introduction

Kintsugi repair has been used in Japan for centuries, but little known to the rest of the world until recently, and is now enjoying a rennaisance of sorts. However, there are drawbacks to traditional kintsugi, namely the difficulty and expense of acquiring Urushi (the toxic lacquer from the lacquer tree), and the difficulties in handling and properly curing Urushi. This workshop will introduce participants to kintsugi techniques using an alternative material: epoxy resin, which is much easier to handle and cure properly, safe, and speeds the kintsugi process considerably.

Techniques Taught

In this workshop participants will learn how to properly fix broken and chipped ceramics. They will learn the proper way to fill a crack line for maximum strength of repair, how to properly fill chipped areas, techniques for adding color to repairs, how to add gold or other materials to a repaired crack line or chip, and how to properly cure the repair for maximum strength and safety.

Methods

The workshop will be fully hands on, with participants doing all of their own repairs under the direction of instructor Michael Martino. They will be guided through the entire process from start to finish: properly measuring and mixing resin, assembling broken pieces, filling cracks, sanding surfaces, adding pigments to resin to adjust viscosity and color, filling cracks, curing resin fills, applying resin line over repaired areas, and applying a final layer of gold powder or other material.

* All participants should bring 2-5 of their own work (small to medium sized cups, bowls, or plates with simple breaks and without missing pieces are best) for repair.