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This course is designed for ceramicists and artists with prior ceramics experience who are fascinated by the timeless beauty of terra sigillata surfaces and want to explore both the practice and the theory behind it.
You will learn to:
This is a rare opportunity to deeply engage with the tradition and experimentation of low-fire, smoke-reactive ceramics in a focused, hands-on environment, far from daily distractions. The immersive setting supports both technical learning and personal aesthetic exploration.
5 days are a very short time to create, decorate and fire your pieces. You will get a chance to make a few small pieces if you wish, however we will prepare a set of greenware pieces for you to decorate during the course. Each student will receive approximately: 7 small tumblers (approx. 12 cm high) and 4 round vases (approx. 15 cm high).
Since sigillata must be applied un leather hard greenware, we do not encourage you to bring your own pieces - unless you are confident you can transport leather-dry pieces without breaking them.
Please note that you may choose to take your piece with you OR ship them. However, shipping costs are charged extra (we’ll provide you with a shipping fee document closer to the date).
Anas Rifi-Zinati is a ceramic designer based in Barcelona. After studying interior and industrial design at Escola Massana, he opened his own studio, Espai Alfar, where he produces his own work as well as developing project for other designers. He is also a regular teacher at renowned Barcelona school El Torn.
Anas’s work profile ranges from conceptual through to product design and his specialty is in large format throwing and slip mould production. Anas draws inspiration from his great grandmother who was a potter from the arid Mountains in Northern Africa. His work follow a philosophy based on responsible production, an enriching process and collaborations with other designers and artists.
This course focuses on decorative surface techniques and is ideal for intermediate to advanced ceramicists with some prior experience.
This course is right for you if:
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!
