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This course is an intensive introduction to ceramic decoration techniques, focusing in particular on: sgraffito, oxide drawing under glaze, and maiolica over glaze.
The course alternates between theoretical explanations, demonstrations, and plenty of hands-on practice, including:
Decoration techniques on leather-hard greenware (unfired pieces):
Decoration techniques on bisqued pieces (once-fired):
During the course, students will be provided with a variety of pieces to practice on:
The course places strong emphasis on the creative process, beginning with sources of inspiration and exploring how to find visual references and creative cues. We’ll discuss how to turn an idea into an illustration, how to choose the right decorative materials, and how to adapt your design to the form of the piece, aiming to create harmony between design, shape, and materials/colours.
Students will acquire a rich set of skills across various ceramic decoration techniques.
At the end of the course, students will be able to select which pieces they wish to keep, fire, and ship. The course fee includes glazing and firing of up to 2 test tiles and one small object (either a tumbler or another small piece) for each technique, for a total of 10 test tiles and 5 objects. Additional pieces can be glazed and fired for €25/kg.
Shipping costs are charged separately (not included in the course fee). We’ll provide you with a shipping fee document closer to the date.
This course is suitable for participants of all levels of ceramic experience.
It is especially designed for individuals with a background or strong interest in illustration, helping them apply their drawing skills to ceramics. If you have an active practice in drawing, illustration, graphics, painting, or visual arts, we highly encourage you to apply.
If you do not have a background or regular practice in drawing, we recommend that you practise beforehand and arrive with a few drawings or designs you’d like to work with.
Clara Holt is an Italian artist, born in 1987 and raised in Pescara. She has a background in classical studies and graduated in neuroscience before discovering her passion for ceramics, especially ceramic decoration, as well as printmaking and etching.
Clara has exhibited her work in Italy and abroad, and is the co-founder of Fuoco Blu, a ceramic studio in Milan. This shared space is dedicated to ceramics and hosts both teaching activities and commissioned work alongside her personal practice. In 2024, Clara opened a second small ceramics workshop in Genoa by the sea, where she works and occasionally hosts artist residencies.
Clara’s work is rooted in storytelling, driven by a desire to share stories, characters, and experiences. Her narratives draw inspiration from mythology, folklore, legends, and real or imagined tales of the places she inhabits or visits. These stories, passed down through tradition or emerging from the unconscious, are rich with symbols that speak to the most irrational and hidden aspects of human nature.
During this week, you won’t just get a ceramics course. We’ve also organised a program of activity so that you can connect with Sicilian culture, get to know beautiful Salemi and its rich history and territory.
You will:
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
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!
