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This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the art and technique of plaster mould-making for ceramics.
Unlike wheel throwing, which emphasizes direct, spontaneous shaping, mould-making allows for precision, repeatability, and experimentation with complex or unconventional forms. This approach lets makers explore consistency, variation, and refinement across a series, blending the freedom of handcraft with the efficiency of small-scale production.
Over the course of the workshop, participants will explore four different types of mould making: plaster carving, ready-made mould, press mould, and two-part mould (three-part for the adventurous). Through these exercises, students will gain a solid understanding of mould design, construction, and practical use in the studio. The program also includes an introduction to ceramic decoration techniques, allowing participants to explore surface treatment and aesthetic refinement in relation to mould-based production.
In this course, you will not focus on complex multi-piece mould-making. Instead, the emphasis is on exploring the diverse creative possibilities offered by a wide range of mould techniques. The workshop highlights both artistic originality and practical versatility, showing how mould-making can be used to create unique, one-of-a-kind artworks as well as coherent series or reproducible designs.
During the first week, participants will concentrate on making the moulds for their pieces, while the second week will be dedicated to producing copies using various decoration techniques. By the end of the course, participants will have developed the skills and confidence to incorporate mould-making into their own creative practice.
Although the course focuses on learning and experimentation rather than production, participants will be able to keep both the ceramic pieces and the plaster moulds created during the workshop.
The course includes the firing and glazing of up to 3 kg of dry clay. There is an extra charge of 25€/kg of clay for firing and glazing more pieces than that. All of them will be glazed with a standard transparent high-temperature glaze.
Those who wish to continue experimenting beyond the course may take their moulds with them, or, if preferred, donate them to the school, where they’ll enjoy a true dolce vita in Sicily, basking in the sun and continuing their creative journey in good company.
Please note that if you wish to ship your moulds, the transport arrangements must be organized and paid for by the participant.
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Morela Cañas is a Venezuelan ceramist whose work and teaching focus on material exploration, storytelling, and the connection between form and meaning. She began exploring mould-making while creating an installation composed of hundreds of reproduced corns. Since then, she has developed expertise in a wide range of mould-making techniques, alongside pursuits in filmmaking and poetry. Morela’s practice is guided by a love of research and a sensitivity to identity, belonging, and transformation, qualities she shares with her students to inspire both technical skill and thoughtful artistic expression.
This course is for:
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We ask that you plan your arrival for Sunday. We have an included pick-up from either Palermo Centre (in front of Hotel Politeama) at 1100 or Palermo Airport at 1200. On Sunday afternoon (circa 1630, subject to change), you will be welcomed to Salemi by one of our team members, who will take you on an orientation walk of the historical centre. This will be followed by a welcome apericena (light dinner) with a Salemi Spritz at one of our favourite local restaurants.
We will bid you farewell at the end of your time in Salemi with an included transfer to either Palermo Airport or Palermo Centre (Piazza Politeama), departing Salemi at 0700 on Saturday morning.
**For pick-ups and drop-offs outside of these times and locations, please contact us for a transfer quote.
This is an intensive learning week! Teaching is primarily group-based with moments of individual feedback built in. Please note this is not one-on-one tuition.
You will be in the studio from Monday at 0900 through to approximately 1700 on Friday afternoon. Studio time is a combination of teaching and non-teaching time. You can expect a typical day to look like this:
0800 - Yoga in the courtyard (optional)
0900 - 1300 - Studio (teaching with a coffee/tea break at 1030 in the courtyard)
1300 - Shared lunch in the courtyard
1400 - 1630 - Free Studio Time - Afternoon studio hours are primarily self-directed practice, with your teacher available in the studio for guidance
1900 - Dinners are a combination of eating at local restaurants, home restaurants, and in-house at the studio
During the weekends, the studio will be closed. You will be free to organise your own weekend plans or participate in one of our optional weekend activities.
Please note
Our program is carefully designed to balance teaching, practice, meals, and cultural experiences, and we do our best to follow the planned schedule. However, all times and activities are indicative and may shift with the season, the weather, or the needs of the group. Studio sessions, meals, and excursions may be adjusted, rescheduled, or substituted at our discretion. Flexibility is part of the Salemi Ceramics experience, and we believe these small changes often add to the richness of your time with us.
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We want to make Salemi a recognised centre for contemporary ceramic art. Come and be part of it!
