This workshop offers an introduction to Kurinuki, a Japanese pottery technique closely aligned with the aesthetics and philosophy of Wabi-Sabi. It values ​​the spontaneity of the gesture, the acceptance of imperfection, and the uniqueness of each piece created.
Participants will be invited to explore this sculptural approach to ceramics: starting with a simple block of clay, the exterior form is defined by removing material, before the interior is hollowed out, thus revealing the piece's inner space.

While the final appearance may seem raw, the process is slow, meditative, and deeply intuitive. It allows one to approach the material with a new, almost introspective awareness. Kurinuki thus becomes much more than a technique: it is a sensory experience that connects gesture, clay, and a sense of self-awareness.

Upon completion of the training, the trainee will be able to:

• Understand the different states of clay: identify the medium used in the training
• Understand the plasticity of clay and the specific properties of high-temperature clays
• Grasp the concept of external and internal volume on paper and applied to the block of clay
• Identify and use sculpting tools
• Understand the different stages of sculpting according to the drying process
• Hollow out and close a piece according to its shape

Kurinuki is an ancient Japanese technique that involves carving an interior space within a solid block of clay, bypassing traditional wheel-throwing or assembly methods. Closer to sculpture than traditional pottery, this age-old practice gives rise to a wide variety of objects: bowls, vases, bottles, and even abstract sculptures.

This process invites an intimate dialogue between the interior and exterior of the form. Each piece is shaped in a single block, revealing the layers and textures of the clay while preserving the spontaneity of the gesture. Trying Kurinuki means discovering the full expressive richness of raw material. Each object becomes a miniature landscape, shaped by hand and fire. For centuries, this approach has inspired potters and artists in Japan, and today it captivates an audience far beyond its borders.

Schedule

During this workshop, the pieces cannot be fired (unless it is possible to pick them up on site or arrange for transport by carpool).

Day 1

Morning

• Welcome and introductions
• Introduction to the work of artists using this technique
• Theoretical and practical introduction to the states of high-temperature clay and their specific characteristics

Afternoon

• Concept of exterior and interior volume on paper
• Preparation of clay blocks

Day 2

Morning

• Working on movement through warm-up and stretching
• Development of individual projects: sculpting on different blocks

Afternoon

• Continuation of individual projects

Day 3

Morning and afternoon

• Continuation of the project Individual

Day 4

Morning

• Individual feedback
• Drying process for the pieces
• Development of the group project

Afternoon

• Continuation of the group project

Day 5

Morning

• Finalization of the group project
• Group feedback
• Roundtable discussion of individual pieces
• Drying of the group pieces

Afternoon

• Group debriefing of the end of training
• Workshop cleanup

Claudia Cauville

Based in the heart of Paris's 11th arrondissement, Claudia Cauville has been developing a unique ceramic practice in her studio for several years. At the crossroads of craftsmanship and design, her work explores the forms of furniture, vases, and abstract sculpture. Her creations, conceived as families of forms, focus on creating a dialogue between volumes and textures, in a subtle interplay of superimposed glazes.

Since 2019, she has collaborated with architects to create bespoke furniture.

Trained at the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London, she honed her skills alongside Ariane Prin, Stuart Carey, and Silo Studio. She then completed her studies with a Master's degree in Luxury and Craftsmanship at ECAL (Lausanne), confirming her commitment to a demanding vision of materials and craftsmanship. Upon returning to Paris, she joined the studios of India Mahdavi and Hermès before launching her own independent venture.
Her pieces are now exhibited at Volume Ceramics, Galerie Suzan, and on Pamono, reflecting her growing influence on the international contemporary ceramics scene.

• Classroom, multipurpose room, workshops with professional equipment
• Materials provided
• Individual and collaborative work
• Workshop sessions
• Active participation and experimentation by participants are encouraged

• Group and individualized monitoring of work, regular check-ins
• Self-assessment of technical skills
• Group presentation
• Attendance sheet for each half-day
• Certificate of completion issued by Campus MaNa