Dates - 29.06 - 06.07.2026 | 8 days
Price - 20,000,000 idr
Level - This workshop is designed for every level
Where - Mahteh Ceramic Studio, Ubud, Bali
Workshop
8 days dedicated to Joseph’s favorite techniques, including Kurinuki, Nerikomi, and Slip Textures.
Demonstrations will be followed by practice and at the end of the workshop you will learn how to fire your pieces in our brand new soda kiln.
BIO of the artist
Joseph Bounds is a ceramic artist and painter based in Wilmington, North Carolina. His practice centers on functional ceramics, with a focus on naturalistic and textural forms and wood-fired processes. Joseph holds a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has worked in multiple wood firings and collaborative kiln projects throughout the Southeast. His work has been exhibited internationally in both gallery and online exhibitions. In addition to his studio practice, Bounds is the founder of Gallery 906, an exhibition space dedicated to showcasing contemporary work by North Carolina artists, and teaches workshops focused on ceramic techniques and studio practice.
Artist's statement
As a ceramic artist, I am drawn to the primal connection between earth, fire, and form. My work is a reflection of my deep respect for nature, influenced by the timeless traditions of Japanese aesthetics, and informed by the history of ceramic works by North Carolina artists. I specialize in tactile processes, developing complex and dynamic surfaces in both oxidation and wood-fired ceramics.
I find beauty in the imperfect, the transient, and the humble. The unpredictability of flame and ash gives each piece its own identity, shaped by its position in the kiln, the type of wood used, and the duration of the firing. No two pieces are ever alike, and this uniqueness is integral to my creative process. In this way, I view my works as reflections of humanity—each one distinct, yet all bound by the commonality of their origin.
Through my work, I aim to create a quiet space where nature, tradition, and human touch converge. I hope that my ceramics offer a moment of reflection, a tactile connection to the earth, and an appreciation for the simple yet profound beauty of natural forms and processes.
Workshop details
Hours of work each day 9-12 pm and 1-4 pm
Day 1 - Presentation of the artist, followed by Kurinuki demonstrations and practice.
Day 2 - Demonstration of slip textured work. Variety of forms - Mugs, vase, teapots etc. and practice.
Day 3 - Demonstration of a Nerikomi-inspired slab technique and practice.
Day 4 - Finishing work to be ready for bisque firing
Day 5 - Bisque firing day - excursion day
Day 7 - Soda firing
Day 8 - Opening of the kiln, discussion of results - ends at 12pm
Includes/excludes
It includes the teaching and assistance of the instructor and Mahteh Ceramic Studio’s team, all the studio material, the firings, the lunches and the excursion.
Is not included:
Flight tickets
Transportation from airport to lodging
Lodging - see lodging suggestions here
Breakfast and dinner
Any personal purchase
