Courtesy of Vincent Ding for Z Gallery Arts
Guest Artist Workshop · Porto Heli, Peloponnese, Greece
Vincent Ding
Vincent Ding
Yixing Teapot
Yixing Zisha Teapot Technique
Vincent Ding is a ceramic artist and educator from Yunnan, China, a region known for its rich history of purple clay and teapot making. His practice is shaped by this tradition, with a deep focus on the relationship between clay, form, and tea.
He trained in both Jingdezhen and Jianshui, Yunnan, studying classical ceramic techniques across different regional traditions. His work centres on teaware, particularly teapots and gaiwan, with an emphasis on how different clay bodies influence the flavour and experience of tea.
As an instructor, Ding focuses on material understanding and functional design, guiding students to explore the interaction between clay, form, and brewing.
A one-week workshop focused on traditional Yixing-style teapot construction — precision, proportion, functional design, lid fit, spout flow, handle placement, burnishing, and finishing.
This workshop runs as two separate one-week sessions. Choose the week you wish to attend — each week is booked individually. Maximum six participants per week.
Students with prior handbuilding or wheel experience who want to learn traditional Yixing-style teapot construction and the discipline of functional teaware.
Beginner to advanced welcome. With a maximum of six participants, individual attention is given to each participant according to their level and experience. The invited artist leads the workshop, with Zohra Bonnis assisting throughout the teaching programme.
One-week workshop in Porto Heli — arrival Saturday, departure the following Saturday, with focused studio instruction Monday to Friday. This workshop runs as two separate one-week sessions; book the week you wish to attend. Maximum six participants per week.
Clay suitable for teapot construction, studio surfaces, and shared studio tools are part of the workshop programme. Students may bring their own preferred handbuilding and finishing tools.
Teapots are precise, multi-part functional forms. Lid fit, seams, and spouts carry drying and firing risk; cracking and warping can occur. Careful drying and handling are taught, but kiln results are never guaranteed.
Sessions run Monday to Friday. The studio opens at 10:00. Each day pairs technical instruction at the bench in the morning with independent teapot construction and individual guidance in the afternoon.
Demonstrations with Vincent Ding — body construction, lid and spout technique, proportion, and fit for the day's stage of the teapot. Step-by-step instruction for the whole group.
Catered lunch. The studio stays open for those who wish to keep working or reflect on the morning's making.
Independent bench work on personal teapots, with individual guidance from Vincent. Refining seams, lid fit, spout flow, and surface.
A progressive week building a complete Yixing-style teapot from clay preparation to a balanced, functional form. Both booked weeks are taught identically, so participants may choose whichever dates suit them.
| Day | Morning · 10:00 – 12:30 | Afternoon · 13:30 – 16:00 |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Arrival from 3 pm. Settle in, explore the surroundings. Communal dinner in the evening. | |
| Sunday | Completely free day — rest, swim, enjoy Porto Heli, or independently visit Spetses, Hydra or Ancient Epidaurus. No scheduled programme. | |
| Monday | Clay preparation and teapot body construction. Proportion and wall thickness. | Build the body — Vincent guides each participant individually. |
| Tuesday | Lid construction and fit — the seal between lid and body. | Cut and fit lids; refining the seat for an accurate close. |
| Wednesday | Spout making and placement — pour, flow, and angle. | Attach spouts; testing alignment and height against the rim. |
| Thursday | Handle design and balance; air hole and knob detailing. | Assemble the handle; refine the functional details that govern the pour. |
| Friday | Burnishing, surface finishing, and final adjustments. Group critique. | Finish teapots; controlled drying and handling for safe firing. |
| Saturday | Departure morning. First ferry at 5:45 am. Optional group shared taxi available — not included in the workshop fee. | |
The following rules apply to all participants. They are shared in advance and agreed to as part of the registration process. Safety is the responsibility of every person in the studio.
Fees and exact terms are confirmed at the time of registration. The following general cancellation framework applies to all Z Gallery Arts workshops.
Less a 15% administrative fee. Refund issued within 14 business days.
Or transfer to another Z Gallery Arts programme in the same season, subject to availability.
In exceptional circumstances (medical), a credit toward a future programme may be offered at Z Gallery Arts' discretion.
Not included: flights, travel from airport to the studio, and personal excursions. If Z Gallery Arts cancels the workshop for any reason, registered participants will receive a full refund.
All registered participants receive the Z Gallery Arts Participant Agreement, Liability Waiver, and Studio Safety Rules prior to the first session. Registration is conditional on agreement to these terms.
Educational Art Programme Declaration. All workshops organised by Z Gallery Arts Inc. (Vancouver, Canada) are educational art programmes focused on ceramic learning and artistic exchange. Studio facilities are made available exclusively to registered programme participants. These programmes do not constitute a hotel, tourism, hospitality, or vocational training service. All technical operations are conducted under instructor supervision. Participants acknowledge that ceramics involves physical risks including exposure to clay dust, heat, and sharp tools, and that they have disclosed any relevant health conditions on their application. Z Gallery Arts Inc. holds all appropriate insurance for the programme activities described. Z Gallery Arts Inc. — Registered Canadian Corporation.
Z Gallery Arts Inc. — Registered Canadian Corporation — Vancouver, BC, Canada. Workshops are organised as educational art programmes focused on ceramic learning and artistic exchange in Porto Heli, Peloponnese, Greece, a seasonal programme location. Maximum six participants.
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Not ready to book, or is this week already full? Leave your email and we will write when places open, when a cancellation comes up, or when the next programme is announced. Six participants per workshop.