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In this course students will gain deep knowledge and practice of sgraffito, a ceramic decoration technique that can be applied to both flat surfaces and wheel thrown pieces.
In sgraffito, a layer of slip is applied to completely cover the ceramic surface, which is then scratched or carved to reveal the colour underneath, creating a contrasting design formed by the negative space. Sgraffito designs range from simple lines and shapes to complex patterns and images: the technique has been used for centuries and is found in various cultures throughout the world.
The course will alternate theoretical explanations with demonstrations and a lot of hands-on practice, including:
Salemi Ceramics will provide all decoration materials, test tiles, and a few objects to be decorated: two tumblers (approx 12cm), and two vases (approx 20cm & 30cm). The course fee includes the firing of these test tiles and pieces. Students may also use free studio hours to make their own pieces to be decorated (either handbuilding or wheel throwing) or purchase extra pieces. Purchase, firing and shipping of these extra pieces is not included in the course price.
Students will learn the sgraffito technique and its variations while developing their own expressive voice through experimentation and guided practice.
Participants will create a large number of tests and, ultimately, a final series of decorated pieces. All pieces will be fired and shipped after the course.
The course fee includes the following pieces:
Extra pieces can be fired at an additional cost of €25 per kg. Shipping costs are charged separately (we’ll provide you with a shipping fee document closer to the date).
This course is suited for anyone with any level of ceramics experience.
This course is designed to help people with a background/interest in illustration to apply their drawing skills to the ceramics medium. We highly encourage you to apply if you have an active drawing/illustration practice or a background in illustration/drawing/graphics/painting/visual arts.
If you do not have such a background or an active drawing practice, we recommend that you practise your drawing skills before attending the course, and come prepared with a few drawings or designs of your interest.
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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.
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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!
