PIT FIRING EXPERIENTIAL COURSE
by Mr Chew Seow Phuang

29 March 2009 (Singapore) & 10-11 April 2009 (Johor, Malaysia)

Pit firing is the oldest known method of firing clay. Unfired pots are nestled together in a pit in the ground and are then covered with burnable materials such as wood shavings, leaves, metal oxides, salts and sawdust. The filled pit is then set on fire and carefully tended until most of the inner fuel has been consumed. After cooling, pots are removed and cleaned to reveal dramatic patterns and colors left by ash and salt deposits.

Because a large number of pots can be fired at once, pit firing is an excellent way for potters to come together for a communal firing and a social event. As potters usually work in isolation, coming together in a communal event is a wonderful experience for sharing and exchanging of knowledge and ideas.

This course is designed as an introduction to pit firing and will be conducted by Potter-Teacher Mr Chew Seow Phuang. It will be held at a rustic resort by the majestic South China Sea at the east coast of Malaysia - Tanjung Sutera - as part of Clay-Street's EARTH ART series to experience the art of pottery in Nature.

This is a hands-on course. You'll learn experientially and work as a team with other participants in preparing the pit, tending to the fire and during the highly exciting unearthing process. In the evening, you'll learn about eco-sculpture using paperclay and we'll explore Nature-inspired clay creation. You'll pot by the ocean as you enjoy the sea breeze and the night sky. Finally, during your 2-day stay at Tg Sutera, you'll enjoy healthy kampung-style meals comprising lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

ABOUT THE TEACHER

• Mr Chew Seow Phuang - please click www.spchew.clay-street.com

COURSE ITINERARY:

• 29 Mar 09 (Sun), 1pm-5pm: participants will meet at Clay-Street Pottery Studio (220 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207779) to create clay art pieces for pit firing, guided by Mr Chew. We shall bisque-fire all pieces at the studio prior to pit firing.
• 10-11 Apr 09 (Good Fri-Sat), 2-day-1-night: participants will be taken by coach to Tg Sutera, arriving at noon on Fri. Participants will learn experientially and work as a team, coached by Mr Chew, to prepare the pit and tend to the firing at the pit firing site. On Fri evening, Mr Chew will conduct a paperclay eco-sculpture workshop. The exciting unearthing of the pit will be on Sat at mid-morning. We shall return to Singapore by late Sat afternoon.

COURSE CAPACITY:

• Class size is limited to only 15 participants.

COURSE FEE:

• S$450 per person (inclusive of pottery instruction/materials/firing/studio usage, 2-day-1-night twin-sharing accommodation, meals (2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast), and coach transportation.)
• S$150 per accompanying family member or friend who are not on the pit firing course, to cover transportation, accommodation and meals.

CONDITIONS:

• Cancellation - 90% of fee paid will be refunded if cancellation is made before 20 Mar 2009. 10% is retained as admin fee. After 20 Mar 2009, no fee will be refundable.

TO SIGN UP:

• Simply call 9833 9455 to reserve your place/s and write a cheque of the correct amount payable to STONE EDGE EXPERIENTIAL and mail to our mailing address: 553 Choa Chu Kang North 6 #04-06 Singapore 680553. Places are only confirmed upon receipt of payment.