Traditional Slovenian clay spinning technique

Join us for a masterclass with Vid Polončič, where we will explore techniques originating from traditional Slovenian pottery methods. In Slovenia, working with clay on a potter's wheel has developed over generations to the point where it offers simple and effective solutions for shaping ceramics. In this workshop, we will learn the specific technique of centering, opening, and lifting the clay using a piece of leather, which allows for faster centering, the use of larger quantities of clay, and the exploration of larger forms. The mentor will guide us through the entire process – from preparing the tools, shaping the clay, to using traditional techniques in modern ceramics.

During this two-day masterclass, we will deepen our understanding and knowledge of wheel throwing and explore the possibilities of transferring traditional forms into contemporary creation. We will study how to adapt traditional shapes to modern needs and how to transform them later to develop our own creative direction. Through concrete examples, we will discuss how traditional pottery techniques can be incorporated into modern interiors, the design of functional items such as sinks, lamps, decorative vases, and ceramic accents for furniture. We will also explore the possibilities of combining traditional forms with other materials and contemporary design approaches, which allows for wide applicability in architecture, interior design, and art projects.

This course is open to all those who are already working with ceramics or pottery and wish to further enhance their skills and learn additional techniques. The workshop is also a great opportunity to share experiences and ideas.

*The workshop fee includes lunch on Saturday at the plant-based delicatessen Grashka (lunch voucher worth 15 €), located at Center Rog.

*The items created during the masterclass will be fired by the team of the Ceramic Lab at Center Rog. You can pick them up within one month at the Made in Rog store.

Duration: 2x 8 hours

• Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 10:00 to 18:00
• Sunday, May 11, 2025, from 10:00 to 18:00

Prerequisite knowledge:

YES. This masterclass is intended for participants who are already working with wheel throwing and wish to deepen and expand their knowledge.

About the mentor:

The masterclass will be led by Vid Polončič, who encountered pottery in 2011 and, under the mentorship of academic sculptor and potter Eva Peterson Lenassi, explored various aspects of clay and the processes of ceramic making. He is currently refining his knowledge with Štefan Zelk, one of the few traditional potters in Slovenia. He worked for ten years within the pottery studio of the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum and collaborated on various projects related to Slovenian cultural heritage. Today, Vid leads his own pottery groups and creates in Ljubljana, as well as various locations in Slovenia and abroad.

***

Meeting point for participants is 15 minutes before the agreed time in the entrance hall of Center Rog. Please store your personal belongings in the lockers, which the mentor will show you. Please do not be late for the program as it will disrupt the working process. In the event of a delay, unfortunately, we cannot guarantee entry to the lab.

The program will be conducted in Slovene, unless otherwise stated.

In case of cancellation, we will notify you two days before the planned start.

If you are unable to attend the program, the participation fee is non-refundable, and it is not possible to change the date. You may transfer your participation to another person, but please notify us at least 24 hours before the start of the program via email at steklokeramika@center-rog.si

We look forward to your company and creating together.