Introduction to Ceramic Moulds with Morela Cañas

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.

Your Teacher

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.

Arrival and Departure

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 11:30 or Palermo Airport at 12:30. On Sunday afternoon (circa 16:30, 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 07:00 on Saturday morning.

**For pick-ups and drop-offs outside of these times and locations, please contact us for a transfer quote.