Virtual Artist Lecture: Suhag Shirodkar

Join us for an inspiring artist lecture with ceramist Suhag Shirodkar. Suhag is a self-taught ceramist with over two decades of experience making tile by the cuerda seca method. Cuerda seca (literally, in Spanish, dry cord) is a technique by which colored glazes are constrained within elaborate line patterns using an oil-based resist. Cuerda seca is believed to have originated in Central Asia during the second half of the 14th century.

In her talk, Suhag will guide us through cuerda seca’s bright and beautiful journey down the centuries and share her experiences as a ceramic artist specializing in cuerda seca tile. You can see some of her work at www.flameback-studio.com.

The lecture is free to attend; be sure to register on Zoom in order to receive the link to tune in!

If you are interested in practicing cuerda seca in your studio, Suhag’s book Cuerda Seca: The Definitive Guide is available on Amazon and on the Schiffer Publishing website at schifferbooks.com.

For any ceramic artist who has ever dreamed of making cuerda seca tile, this practical and comprehensive handbook covers every aspect of the process, from formulating the right clay body to final installation. Studio layout, equipment, tools, materials, design methods, and printing techniques are discussed clearly and succinctly, with an eye toward making you comfortable and confident with the process. Design considerations and constraints are illustrated with real-life examples, so that you can make informed choices about patterns and glazes. Delve into cuerda seca’s history and context in the societies of India, the Middle East, Spain, and the western United States to understand the roots of this stunning tile. The exuberance of cuerda seca will inspire you to take this delightful art form further and higher still. An invaluable resource for individual ceramists and production studios alike, this is the perfect companion on the cuerda seca journey.

Peters Valley is pleased to offer this lecture, and thanks Schiffer Publishing for funding a mini-series of virtual artist lectures Spring 2023.