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This course is an in-depth two-week 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.
Compared to the one-week decoration course, this longer version gives you the opportunity to explore each technique in greater depth, gaining a clearer technical understanding. You’ll also have the chance to develop a more substantial personal project during the second week.
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 (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.
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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:
Classes will be held from Monday through to Friday. Classes will be 4h each morning
(9am-1pm) and 2/3h on Monday and Friday afternoon (2-4/5pm). On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, you will have free studio time (2/3h) and/or an organised trip to one of the local cultural landmarks.
A typical day will look like this:
Exact hours may vary depending on ad-hoc adjustments, but you will have a minimum of 6h a day in the studio, for a total of 26h of teaching and 9h of supervised free studio time every week.
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.
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We want to make Salemi a recognised centre for contemporary ceramic art. Come and be part of it!
