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Discover Kintsugi and repair ceramics the Japanese way

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2 hours of discovery with Annelies

Knowledge in kintsugi

Your kintsugi plate or bowl

The workshop in detail

  • 2h
  • 15 years min.
  • 2 to 6 participants
  • Up to 6 people for a privatization
  • Welcome to the wonderful artistic world of Annelies!

    During the workshop, you will be introduced to the famous Japanese technique of Kintsugi. You will see how broken ceramics express the art of imperfection, and you will experience how much satisfaction repair can bring.

    The Japanese technique of Kintsugi, dating back to the 15th century, demonstrates how cracked or broken pottery can be repaired using gold leaf.

    And in doing so, all the fractures are deliberately emphasized instead of hidden. This technique fits perfectly into current trends such as imperfect design, ecology, and craftsmanship.

    The beauty of imperfection, according to the (also) Japanese philosophy of WabiSabi, forms the basis of the workshops. After an introduction and a relaxation exercise, you will break a plate or bowl of your choice into pieces, after which you will reassemble the shards with special golden Kintsugi glue.

    During this process, you will discover how valuable it is to be fully concentrated during this workshop. And the development of your motor skills while being engaged is another often underestimated added value of this workshop.

    Becoming aware of the values of Kintsugi while actually working with the technique can be useful in numerous situations in your daily life, simply by giving you more ideas on how to approach all sorts of problems. It's the experience of letting go and starting anew.

    For this workshop, all you need to bring is a plate. And don't worry... Annelies will have some extra pieces available in the workshop if needed.

    The workshop is an excellent opportunity to experience a zen moment, realizing that imperfection is also acceptable. And when you leave, you will have a beautiful creation with you, made by yourself. And, most importantly, you have learned to heal something that is broken.

    Workshop location

    The workshop is easily accessible by public transport.

    This place is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.

    Additional information

    Languages of the workshop

    English
    Nederlands

    Practical information

    For this workshop, the only thing you will need to take with you is a plate or bowl that is damaged or worth using for the occasion !

    Wecandoo - Meet Annelies

    Meet Annelies

    Repair Artist

    After studying at the renowned ArtEZ in Arnhem, Annelies started in the fashion industry as a fashion designer and soon afterwards, she made workwear for craftsmen to highlight their know-how.

    In December 2020, she started to run repair workshops inspired by Japanese techniques. Her objective: to restore objects in a way that gives them added value as well as a second life!

    In addition, she finds it important to transfer knowledge and craftsmanship, and to make people aware that all fashion that one buys includes labor hours. Often these hours are the most expensive part of the process. Besides, it causes the most CO2 emissions because low-wage countries are always far away from the West.

    Running the workshops Annelies works only with carefully selected high quality materials, which are durable and always repairable. She uses recycled materials daily, allowing her to work on upcycled artistic creations.

    The Japanese Kintsugi technique she uses in her workshops is about repairing broken pottery and porcelain with gold glue. But according to Annelies, there are other ways to add value to an object by repairing it.It is a matter of using a little creativity, experience and skill!

    Which is the philosophy behind these workshops, while you will learn different techniques applicable to different materials and objects (mainly textiles and ceramics).

    Another important part of the philosophy is about the art of imperfection and the beauty of scars. With that principle in mind it happens often that the result of such a repair session is far more beautiful than the original item.

    So, Annelies not only repairs, but she also develops concepts to give new life to what is broken or stuck and find solutions.

    From now on you are welcome to join the workshops during which Annelies will be happy to pass on her unique knowledge to you!

    3 comments

    Daniel I
    DI

    Daniel I

    2/26/2024

    We had a fantastic time! Annelie was helpful & caring. Would recommend in a heartbeat!

    Sherrie Z
    SZ

    Sherrie Z

    1/15/2024

    The kinstugi workshop with Annelies was fantastic. We learnt a lot and the day was inspirational. Annelies is a kind and informative instructor. The day was super and I can highly recommend taking a workshop with Annelies.

    Anneke G
    AG

    Anneke G

    3/12/2023

    De kinstugi-workshop met Annelies was een zeer persoonlijke, aangename workshop! We hebben genoeg geleerd en veel tips gekregen om er thuis mee verder te gaan. Een inspirerende persoon en een inspirerende omgeving.

    €79

    per person