We are planing the documentation of a ceramic event, with it's highlight being the firing and opening of the traditional Noborigama oven on November 9th, 2024. We are two creatives from Germany and Brazil, with proficiencies in graphic design and architecture, and with a passion for ceramics. At the moment we live and work in Brazil and we are on a mission to explore the world-renowned ceramic traditions of Cunha, and bring back a rich experience to share with the world. We're aiming to attend the Festival Internacional da Cerâmica de Cunha, https://festivaldaceramicadecunha.com.br/ A unique event where ceramic artists come together to celebrate their craft. With your support, we will take part in an exclusive workshop, learn the art of firing ceramics in a Noborigama kiln, and document this journey through a dedicated blog filled with photos, videos, and insights.
After the festival we will design an e-book based on our firsthand experiences. This carefully designed e-book will include step-by-step processes, techniques learned, interviews with master ceramists, and visuals documenting the journey. The book will be published in English first, but we will translate it to Portuguese and German soon after.
Cunha is a small town that has become a ceramics hotspot in Brazil, famous for its high-temperature wood-fired kilns. The town embraced ceramics in the 1970s, attracting talented artisans who developed its now-renowned pottery community. With a focus on traditional Japanese techniques, the town’s artisans have mastered the intricate process of wood-firing, making Cunha a famous location for ceramic lovers.
At the heart of this ceramic tradition is the Atelier Suenaga & Jardineiro, founded by Japanese ceramist Shugo Izumi Suenaga and Maria Teresa Jardineiro. Together, they built one of Cunha's most celebrated ceramic studios, where artists gather to fire ceramics in the traditional Noborigama oven. The atelier continues to foster creativity, bringing both local and international ceramicists together to innovate while honoring time-tested techniques.
A highlight of Cunha’s ceramic artistry is the Noborigama kiln, a traditional Japanese-style multi-chamber wood-fired oven. It was first introduced to Cunha by Japanese ceramists in the 1970s. What makes this kiln special is the unique effects it produces on the ceramics through high-temperature firing, resulting in organic textures, rich glazes, and a natural aesthetic that cannot be replicated in modern kilns. It's a process that connects craft with nature, merging fire, wood, and clay.
The Festival Internacional da Cerâmica de Cunha is a yearly event that draws both local and international artists to celebrate and explore the world of ceramics. The festival is known for its exhibitions, live demonstrations, workshops, and the firing of the Noborigama kiln, where artists create stunning pieces in real time. It’s a cultural exchange where tradition meets modern creativity, and we're excited to be part of it.
By attending the festival and the Noborigama kiln workshop, we aim to learn the process firsthand and share this journey through a dedicated blog. We'll provide insights into the festival, showcase the creative process, and capture the essence of Cunha’s unique ceramics scene. Our blog will feature photos, videos, interviews, and our personal takeaways, making this journey accessible to everyone who backs our project.
We need your support to cover workshop fees, travel costs, and accommodation. In return, we will offer backers exclusive content, from behind-the-scenes photos and videos, access to our blog posts and an e-book.
Let’s celebrate the beauty of ceramic and learn about traditional Japanese/Brazilian techniques and art together!
