CLAY LAB - Marbled Clay Studies

MARBLE CLAY STUDIES

Layering, Combination, Patterning — CLAY LAB #1

An exploration of marble clay as a way of working with multiple clay bodies in combination. Through layering, compression, and reworking, internal structures emerge that become visible only through cutting, reworking, and firing.

Participants can develop both utilitarian and sculptural pieces. The emphasis is on how different clay materials interact, and how small decisions in handling produce distinct internal patterns, surfaces, and formal outcomes.

The Course is structured with a lecture with info hand outs and a practical hands-on part with exercises, space for experimentation and final creation of 1 or 2 pieces. 

The lecture introduces references to marbled ceramic traditions and contemporary approaches to working with multiple clay bodies and includes following topics: 

• Historical and contemporary uses of marbled clay in ceramics
• Agateware and related techniques of combining clays
• Ways artists work with multiple clay bodies in a single form
• Material behavior in relation to cutting, joining, and reworking

This part provides context for understanding marble clay as a process of combination and transformation rather than surface decoration.

Practical Part
We will work directly with different clay bodies that vary in color, density, and behaviour. These materials are brought together through processes that generate internal variation rather than surface application.

Actions include:

• Combining clay bodies with different visual and physical properties
• Layering and compressing to build internal structure
• Folding, twisting, stretching, and pressing to shift material relationships
• Testing how different combinations affect pattern formation
• Cutting through blocks to reveal internal configurations
• Reorienting, joining, and reworking fragments to alter directionality
• Developing small objects, either functional (vessels, containers) or non-functional studies
• Following material decisions into form, surface, and rhythm

The work develops through repetition, variation, and close attention to how each gesture remains embedded in the material.
By the end of the workshop, each participant will have produced a small series of studies and at least one resolved object—functional or sculptural—that reflects their individual approach to layered clay.

About the teacher:

Viviane Tabach works in the areas of curatorship, art education, and fine arts, she is currently a guest professor at Universität der Künste Berlin. She founded ceramic brand Lebú in 2014 and ran her own workshop and art space in São Paolo, Brasil. As a ceramics teacher with many years of experience, in her classes she seeks to collectively investigate the experience of hand-building with clay. The contact with clay for her is as a way to connect with nature, negotiation between intention and intuition in shaping, observation of the contrast between our rhythm and the clay's pace.

Important

The workshop is recommended for intermediate participants & graduates of 2 Day Workshop & our Ceramic Design Courses. However it is also accessible for absolute enthusiastic beginners.

About the teacher:

Viviane Tabach works in the areas of curatorship, art education, and fine arts, she is currently a guest professor at Universität der Künste Berlin. She founded ceramic brand Lebú in 2014 and ran her own workshop and art space in São Paolo, Brasil. As a ceramics teacher with many years of experience, in her classes she seeks to collectively investigate the experience of hand-building with clay. The contact with clay for her is as a way to connect with nature, negotiation between intention and intuition in shaping, observation of the contrast between our rhythm and the clay's pace.

In case of any questions, please don'´t hesitate to contact us at hello@barsega-studio.com

*REGULAR TICKET:  120 € (inc. material & firing costs)

*CLAY FOR 2 TICKET: 100€ / person (inc. material & firing costs) - Invite a friend to join and get a special discount with this ticket type, valid for 2 people.

* Low Income Ticket/ Student Ticket: 85€/person (inc. all the firing and material costs) -please, only book it if you can’t afford other options we trust you. (ONLY 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE PER COURSE)