Introduction to Kintsugi with David Pike

Event Description

Kintsugi is a striking 15th century Japanese ceramic repair technique using a metallic powder (often gold) and lacquer.  This is a very unique art form, and encapsulates the aesthetic of beauty in imperfection….

“Not only is there no attempt to hide the damage, but the repair is literally illuminated… a kind of physical expression of the spirit of mushin… Mushin is often literally translated as “no mind,” but carries connotations of fully existing within the moment, of non-attachement, of equanimity amid changing conditions… The vicissitudes of existence over time, to which all humans are susceptible, could not be clearer than in the breaks, the knocks, and the shattering to which the ceramic ware too is subject.  This poignancy or aesthetic of existence has been known in Japan as mono no aware, a compassionate sensitivity, or perhaps identification with, [things] outside oneself.”

— Christy Bartlett, Flickwerk, The Aesthetics of Mended Japanese Ceramics

Join David Pike, a ceramics and kintsugi artist, who has been residing in Japan the past 20 years, as he makes a trip to the United States to lead this hands-on workshop on this priceless art form.  He is profoundly dedicated to his craft, and to spreading knowledge of kintsugi (it is rare to find those trained and knowledgeable in this art form).

Mr. Pike will begin by giving a free public presentation on kintsugi on the morning of October 29th, from 11:00 am to 12:00pm.  He will discuss the history and give background on the process of kinstugi from 11:00 – 11:30am, followed by an open Q & A from 11:30 – 12:00pm.  To ensure your seat at this event, please RSVP to kara@threepinesfarm.org.  Seating will be limited, and we anticipate this will fill quickly.

In the afternoon, Mr. Pike will lead a workshop from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.  This workshop will be hands-on, with individualized teaching for a small group of participants.  We will use a shinurushi lacquer in this workshop, rather than the skin-reactive honurushi lacquer.  Participants must purchase a kinstugi kit for use in the workshop.  Kits must be purchased the day of class, for a cost of $100.  Particpiants must bring a broken ceramic to class.  A broken bowl or cup is ideal – broken plates are not recommended.  The course fee is $200, bringing the total workshop fee to $300.

Each kit includes: 2 tubes of shinurushi. 25 grams of high quality brass powder specially ground for kintsugi, 25 grams of high quality aluminum powder specially ground for kintsugi (it is recommended for beginners to start with aluminum or brass powder, rather than gold powder), 50 grams of tonoko mixing medium, mixing palette knife, 2 brushes of high quality for kinstugi, #80 wet/dry sandpaper, #600 wet/dry sandpaper, #2000 wet/dry sandpaper, wata, water dropper, rubber gloves.

It is an honor to be hosting Mr. Pike at Three Pines Farm, and welcoming him to our community.

Presentation Date/Time: October 29th,  11:00am to 12:00pm (free to public, but must RSVP to kara@threepinesfarm.org)

Workshop Date/Time: October 29th, 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Workshop Fees: $300.00  =  $200 course fee (before Aug. 1, $220 after Aug. 1) + $100 materials fee (necessary taxes included)

(Half of the course fee ($100) is required as a deposit to reserve your spot in the workshop.  The deposit/reservation is transferrable, but not refundable, as Mr. Pike is traveling internationally for this workshop and we need to be certain of student numbers.  The remaining $200 (cash is requested please) of the workshop fee is required the day of class.  Kits will be handed out to students in class.)

Special Notes:  Participants must bring a broken ceramic bowl or cup to the workshop, one ideally broken into a few larger pieces, not shattered.

Please register by Oct. 21st.  If class minimum is not met and the workshop is not offered, the workshop deposit of $100 will be refunded.  Also, the free presentation by Mr. Pike will only be offered if the workshop minimum is met.