Ceramics Workshop Series at Interface with James Hatton

A three-day workshop introducing material knowledge surrounding clay, Japanese handbuilding techniques, kiln building and raw firing

Over the course of three successive weeks, participants will be led by James to make kirinuki vessels and fire them in a rustic wood-fuelled kiln. Drawing inspiration and utilising found materials from the always-inspiring landscape of the Inagh Valley, participants will learn to handbuild decorative vessels and fire them using live flame. As the materials and methods are by nature chaotic and unpredictable, outcomes are unknown, but that’s all part of the excitement! While making, building and firing, reading and conversation around emerging writing and theory about Ecocultural Identity will be encouraged. A familiarity with clay is a great asset, but not essential by any means.

Day 1: Saturday August 29th, 10am - 5pm

We will begin with an introduction from James and a demonstration of kirinuki techniques and tools. This will be followed by a site walk to find materials and inspiration for shaping and decoration. Health and safety will be discussed as we get down to making and the first selection of reading materials for discussion will be circulated and explored. Vessels will be laid out to dry at the end of the day.

Day 2: Saturday September 5th, 10am - 5pm

We will spend today designing and building a simple brick kiln and preparing fuel for the firing. Another round of reading materials will be circulated and discussed as we work. Vessels will be checked for dryness and repositioned if needed for full drying-down before firing.

Day 3: Saturday September 12th, 10am - 5pm

The final day will be spent preparing, lighting and tending to our raw firing. The day will start with a health and safety conversation, after which we will light a primary fire in order to warm our wares and minimise risk of explosion from thermal shock. A secondary firing will then be lit and tended with the aim of reaching 750-800 degrees, achieving partial vitrification. We will use embers from the primary firing to prepare a hearty lunch of baked potatoes. The third and final selection of reading materials will be discussed as the firing winds down.

NB:

Fired work will need at least 2 full days post-firing to cool so collection will be arranged at participant’s discretion.

What to bring:

• Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
• Relevant reading materials to share and discuss
• Drinking water
• Lunch and snacks (we will do a lunch of baked potatoes cooked in the embers on the third day)
• All materials, tea and coffee are provided.

About the artist:

James Hatton is a ceramicist, writer and visual artist. Based in Oughterard, Co. Galway, James splits his time between making functional ceramics and multimedia sculptural work. He can be found either at the pottery in Spiddal Ceardlann or in his shed at home.

Having made, taught and exhibited across the UK, Ireland and USA, James brings a broad range of experiences to bear in his educational roles, revelling in the chance to share while also learning from the diverse experiences and specialisms of participants.

Having held over 50 jobs from lecturing to lumberjacking, James is a proud Jack of all trades and is delighted to have the opportunity to build on a successful series of ceramics workshops hosted at Interface in 2025.