Carving Kurinuki Vessels with Elena Renker

Discover the ancient Japanese hand-building technique of Kurinuki in this two-day workshop led by Elena Renker. Participants will delve into the intricate process of cutting, carving, and marking the exterior form from a solid block of clay, followed by hollowing it out. This sculptural approach offers complete freedom in shaping vessels, allowing exploration of various forms such as tea bowls, sake cups, vases, and boxes. -- Participants should bring a basic pottery tool kit (sponge, cutting wire, wooden knife, wooden shark fin rib, steel rib, needle tool and trimming tools), and 2-3 items that may create interesting patterns on clay (e.g. bolts, screws, interesting rocks or a comb).

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Born in Germany in 1959, Elena moved to New Zealand in the early 80's. Rediscovering pottery when her youngest child started school, joining the Auckland Studio Potters where she completed a Diploma of Ceramic Art run by the Otago Polytechnic.Lately, his focus has been on making shino glazed bowls and cups. To her, a bowl is the ultimate domestic item, representing nourishment and sustenance. She aims for her bowls to be strong yet subtle with a timeless quality, as if they had been on the kitchen table feeding the family for a long time. Living on a farm north of Auckland gives her the opportunity to use clay from her own land. Faceting the exterior of the pot opens up the clay with all its impurities and creates an interesting surface for the shino glaze to interact with. The iron oxide decoration provides an extra focal point.