Artist John Domenico will lead a two-day, hands-on experience in which participants will be able to repair their own objects using Western Kintsugi methods. Participants are encouraged to bring their own item to repair, but will also have the opportunity to practice on provided broken pieces. Each attendee will receive their own Western Kintsugi Kit including all the items needed to execute their own repairs. John is an expert at repairing ceramic objects with gold, but has altered the methodology to fit his western environment and resources, thus the name Western Kintsugi.

Participants will learn about traditional Kintsugi methodology and philosophy. John will also demonstrate how he creates his own tea ware and how historic ceramic influences have led to the work he makes today. John and the Soldner Center share the belief that it is essential to appreciate and honor the history of the techniques we practice, especially those as culturally significant as Kintsugi and Tea.

John Domenico is an artist based in Denver Colorado. He earned his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at Pennsylvania State University. He has exhibited work nationally, is founder of the nonprofit La Serra Collective, and runs the Denver Anagama. While his art practice is focused on large scale sculpture, he has always maintained a small pottery practice and his kintsugi work can be found in the book Kintsugi: The Poetic Mend by Bonnie Kempski.

Traditional Kintsugi is the Japanese art form of repairing broken ceramic objects with gold, highlighting the repair. It originated in the late 15th century in Japan closely related to Japanese tea ceremony, and in recent years has been gaining increased attention and popularity in the United States. Of equal intrigue especially in the ceramic community is the Tea Bowl. John shares, “The philosophies that Kintsugi is rooted in are overlapping and intertwined with those of Tea. Rooted in mindfulness and respect, they have much to offer today's culture.”