Kintsugi, Grief & Memory: A Workshop in Tending Fractures

Kintsugi (金継ぎ, gold joinery) is the Japanese craft of repairing ceramics. It teaches us to honor our love for what was, look carefully at our broken pieces and hold the possibility of a new kind of whole.

This 3 hour workshop is offered for people who are actively grieving a loss. There is no right or wrong here; no single valid source for your grief and no statute of limitations. Perhaps you recently lost someone to death, lost a job you cared about, or a tree you cared about. You might be mourning a loss that happened last week, one from years past, or it could be the anticipatory grief of something you see on the horizon. All is welcome.

We will gather before class for a grounding and memory-sharing activity (there is no requirement that you share verbally, but it will be an option), reflecting on and honoring the beauty of what we had. Then we will transition to class. We'll look carefully at our broken ceramic objects and learn to repair them with the modern methods - using epoxy and putty to mend damaged pieces, then finishing the joints with gold powder. We'll end together again, with our new whole, broken objects which we will take with us back out into our lives.

This workshop will be taught by Emi Joyce; formerly a full time bench jeweler, currently a Kintsugi restorer and natural dyer. Her Kintsugi Instagram; @modernkintsugirepairpdx, assisted by Laura Green

Workshop instructions;

- Bring one or two damaged ceramics. For the workshop please bring ceramics, potteries, or porcelain. No glasses or wood.

- A damaged family heirloom or items which are broken into numerous pieces would be challenging to attempt for the first time. Instead, bring something easier. Basic 8” white plates are provided by purchasing at the workshop.

- Item’s original size must be within 12 inches. The larger and heavier, the more difficult.

- Decoration is recommended after all repairs have been made.

- All materials are included in the workshop fee. If you would like to purchase a Kintsugi kit, limited kits are available at the workshop.

- Bring a cardboard box or something similar that will allow you to carry your items home without touching the repaired parts. Stuffers and adhesive tapes will be provided (but limited) to keep the item from moving in the box.

We are grateful to Emi for bringing her craft and skill to the Portland Grief House and sharing this subtle, powerful art with us.