The Workshop Series - An Introduction to Black Kurinuki Ceramics

Welcome to The Workshop Series - An Introduction to…

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The Straw Yard would like to introduce you to your new creative skill. 

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This series of evening workshops will be led by local creative practitioners offering you an introduction to their chosen craft. As well as supporting the local creative community you’ll learn new skills, meet new people and have a laugh at the same time…oh and did we mention that a complimentary welcome drink and nibbles are included in your ticket price!

THIS WORKSHOP:

An Introduction to…Black Kurinuki Ceramics

Led by Paddy Hartley

DATE:

Tuesday 13 October

WORKSHOP LOCATION:

The Straw Yard

START TIME:

5:30pm - Complimentary Welcome Drinks

6pm - Workshop Starts

FINISH TIME:

8:30pm

LENGTH:

2 hours (there will be a 30 minute break)

*Complimentary nibbles will be provided in the studio during your half time break. 

When purchasing your ticket please share any dietary requirements.

ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP:

Join us for an inspiring ceramics workshop led by ceramic artist Paddy Hartley, where you’ll

explore the art of creating black ceramic cups inspired by the Japanese carving technique of

kurinuki. This hands-on session will guide you through the process where forms are carved from a

single block of clay, emphasising striking textures and organic asymmetrical shapes.

Working with rich, black, stoneware clay, Paddy will share his tips on design approach, carving,

and surface finishing to help you fashion a unique pair of cups which combine function with an

organic, sculptural aesthetic. Your cups will be fired off site and glazed to be collected at a date whihc will be agreed on the day.

This workshop is suitable for both beginners and enthusiasts and offers a chance to immerse

yourself in slow, considered, mindful making.

Good hand strength and an open mind to how you can create with clay are advantageous.

ABOUT PADDY, YOUR CREATIVE PRACTITIONER:

Paddy Hartley is an artist based in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, UK. Spanning a practice of over 30 years, his work has evolved from investigating the ways in which we alter and adapt our bodies both through intent or trauma, into a longstanding examination of conflict-related themes. From conducting unique research into the personal stories of those subject to pioneering facial reconstruction during WW1, to examinations of the politics of remembrance, through to his most recent figurative ceramics work responding to actions of the Russian leadership in the invasion of Ukraine and the wider political theatre. 

Paddy’s creative journey has evolved in both subject and technique. From his training in ceramics, he has diversified when required into assemblage, fabric, glass, digital embroidery, bio-tissue manipulation, and most recently, returning to ceramics. In parallel to his satirical figurative ceramics, Paddy also creates ceramic work which responds directly to the seas, skies, and coastline of Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Over the course of his career, Paddy has devised and delivered a series of innovative creative collaborations with, and funded by, The Wellcome Trust, The National Army Museum, The Gillies Archives, and The National Maritime Museum, amongst others. In 2020, he was commissioned by the Swiss pharmaceutical company F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG to create a series of new ceramic works responding to the impact of healthcare on society for the company’s 125th Anniversary, culminating in a series of solo exhibitions including the Tinguely Museum Basel, Art Academy Latvia, and Anatomy Museum Riga.

Paddy has exhibited in both solo and group exhibitions internationally, is widely published, and his work is collected by a number of public and private collections, including the Museum of Arts and Design New York, Wellcome Collection, The Norwegian National Collection, and the permanent collection of F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG.

If you would like to learn more about Paddy head to his website:

paddyhartley.com

These workshops are aimed at people aged 18 years and above.

OTHER WORKSHOPS WITHIN THE SERIES INCLUDE:

• 26.05.26 - An Introduction to…Freestyle Embroidery with Jennie Howes

  https://www.thestrawyard.co.uk/event-details/the-workshop-series-an-introduction-to-freestyle-embroidery

• 23.06.26 - An Introduction to…Willow Weaving With Anna Turnbull

  https://www.thestrawyard.co.uk/event-details/the-workshop-series-an-introduction-to-willow-weaving

• 07.07.26 - An Introduction to…Crochet with Joanna Walke

  https://www.thestrawyard.co.uk/event-details/the-workshop-series-an-introduction-to-crochet

• 08.09.26 - An Introduction to…Intuitive Drawing with Ross Whatmore

  https://www.thestrawyard.co.uk/event-details/the-workshop-series-an-introduction-to-intuitive-drawing