Renato Pesci
I have been studying ceramics at Morley College for four years now.
I joined out of curiosity with a good memory of using clay when I studied to be a teacher way back in time. The course introduced me to different building techniques with clear and simple demonstrations from my tutor plus lots of guidance and encouragement. Some of my class members were more experienced than me but happily shared advice and tips which made for a very supportive atmosphere in the class. This positive start has kept me coming back each year and I now feel I am developing my own personal work.
My current work is focused on hand building small pots using coiling, paddling and some slab work. I often use different clays to create one piece. This often adds happy accidents and tensions into the work. I have also explored staining clay with different oxides to give subtle colour variety to my pots at the bisque stage rather than glazing them. This investigation is ongoing and I am finding the possibilities endless. Glazes are another aspect of the process where I have made my own experiments. I have concentrated on the qualities of matt glazes rather than glossy ones as they seem more sympathetic to my work.
I plan on returning to Morley College after the pandemic because I want to build on what I have learnt so far and keep developing my skills. I miss the well-equipped studio and supportive working relationship with my tutor and the stimulus of working alongside other students.
