Jingdezhen Relief Carving w/ Tiffany Saw

Class Description

Join Brooklyn-based ceramic artist Tiffany Saw for an immersive workshop exploring the art of Jingdezhen-style relief carving. Tiffany’s work blends American and Chinese throwing techniques with traditional carving methods she studied in Jingdezhen. She meticulously hand-carves intricate flora and fauna designs onto her functional porcelain pieces, achieving delicate and refined details. This workshop is perfect for ceramic artists looking to deepen their understanding of porcelain carving and traditional Chinese decorative techniques. In this two-day workshop, students will learn to throw porcelain forms with the ideal thickness and proportions for relief carving. Tiffany will guide participants through the carving process, including sketching designs, background shaving, layering, detail etching, and using specialized carving tools. She will also cover glazing techniques, focusing on celadons and washes to enhance the carved surfaces. This workshop is designed for students who are at least advanced beginners in ceramics. Participants should have basic throwing experience, as the focus will be on refining forms for carving and mastering relief techniques. November 8-9, 10:30AM - 5:30PM with one-hour lunch break Over the course of two days, students will first focus on throwing porcelain forms suitable for relief carving. Tiffany will guide participants through spiral wedging and throwing off the hump to create cups and vases, ensuring the forms have the appropriate height, thickness, and proportions for successful carving. She will also discuss proper drying techniques to achieve the ideal consistency for carving. On the second day, students will be introduced to Jingdezhen style relief carving. They will choose an image to carve, either from traditional Chinese imagery provided by Tiffany or from their own references. The carving process will begin with sketching and mapping designs onto the pots, followed by a step-by-step approach from background shaving to foreground detailing. Tiffany will teach techniques for creating depth, refining textures, and achieving smooth background finishes. The workshop will conclude with a discussion on glazing techniques, including the use of celadons, washes, and underglazes to enhance the relief work. Tiffany's instagram: @tiffanysawceramics