"Thinking with Clay": Feminism and Ceramics Workshop Announced

A unique workshop in Paraguay, "Pensar-con barro" (Thinking with Clay), invites participants to explore feminist literature and express their interpretations through artisanal ceramics. This initiative by a collective of women aims to bridge the gap between intellectual engagement with feminist texts and tangible artistic creation.

The workshop draws inspiration from concepts like speculative fabulation, popularized by writer and philosopher Donna Haraway, which blurs the lines between reality and fiction. Participants will delve into the works of influential feminist authors, including Haraway, Ursula K. Le Guin, and various Latin American and Abya Yala feminists. The goal is to move beyond mere analysis and discussion to materialize these ideas into "text-objects" – items that could be questions, narratives, amulets, bowls, or seals reflecting the literary works studied.

Ceramicist Verónica Fernández, known as Veroka, will guide the practical ceramic sessions, emphasizing an artisanal approach to the craft. Jessica Pereira, an organizer, explained that the project stems from a desire to give physical form to feminist thought and to create a space for conversation and materialization. The workshop specifically focuses on Latin American feminist literature, as its themes often resonate more closely with the experiences of Paraguayan women.

The "Pensar-con barro" workshop is structured as a cycle of four in-person meetings, offered on Saturdays or Sundays throughout July. The inscription fee is G. 450,000, and spaces are limited. No prior experience in ceramics or literature is required, encouraging a broad range of participants to engage with the intersection of feminism, literature, and art.