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This two-week course is an in-depth exploration of ceramic forming techniques beyond wheel throwing: from pinching, through slab building to nerikomi.
Although open to all levels, it is particularly recommended for students with previous experience in ceramics or the plastic arts. It offers a thorough exploration of hand-building techniques, for those who wish to further develop and refine their skills.
Your teacher, Angelica Tulimiero, will guide you in creating both functional and sculptural forms, organic or geometric, through a variety of hand-building techniques.
Over the sessions, students will be introduced to a range of fundamental techniques while being encouraged to develop their own ideas and creative voice. As the workshop unfolds, students will progressively engage with more advanced methods, including:
During the second week of the course, students are encouraged to pursue personal directions, developing their personal style while continuing to learn new approaches. Decoration becomes a central focus, with demonstrations of glazes, oxides, engobe scales, and engraving, offering a wide palette of expressive possibilities.
By the end of the course, each participant will have completed several pieces, from concept to finished form, while gaining hands-on experience with a broad range of ceramic techniques. More than just technical skills, the course provides space for discovery, creativity, and the confidence to continue exploring clay beyond the studio.
At the end of the course students will have the opportunity to choose which piece(s) they would like fired, glazed and shipped. As pieces need approximately a week to dry out, this will be done once the retreat has concluded.
By the end of the course, you will not only take home finished ceramic works but also a solid foundation in a range of hand-building techniques. You will gain experience in:
While the course is focused on learning and exploration rather than production, you will also have the opportunity to keep some of the pieces you make. The course includes the firing and glazing of up to 6 kg of dry clay. Additional clay can be fired and glazed at a cost of 25€/kg.
Please note:
Born in Avellino, Italy, Angelica Tulimiero is a ceramic artist specializing in hand-built stoneware and porcelain. She studied ceramics at the Istituto Statale d’Arte de Luca in Avellino and later at Morley College in London, gaining early experience in both studio production and architectural collaborations. Since founding her own studio in Pozzuoli in 2004, she has developed a distinctive practice, producing her own slips and glazes while exploring diverse techniques and materials.
Her work has been exhibited internationally across Europe, the US, Asia, and the Caribbean. She has received significant recognition, including first prize at the 35th CICA International Contemporary Ceramic Competition in L’Alcora (2015), selection for Ceramique 14 in Paris (2016), participation in the Korean International Ceramic Biennale (2019), and second prize with three mentions at Coffee Break 7, Museo Gianetti (2024). Tulimiero has also presented solo exhibitions in Amsterdam, Venice, Vicenza, and most recently at Museo Villa Lattes in Istrana (2025).
Alongside her studio work, she has led masterclasses and undertaken residencies, including the Taoxichuan Ceramic Residency in Jingdezhen, China (2024/25). Her practice is deeply rooted in experimentation, with experience in diverse firing techniques, from wood kilns in the US to Indonesia, reflecting her visceral connection to clay as both material and medium.
This course is right for you if you:
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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
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.
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!
