Lead Ceramicist & Teacher

Mati Cini

Mati is an Italian ceramicist based between Salemi and Barcelona, with 10 years of experience working with and teaching ceramics. 

She is the Lead Ceramicist at Salemi Ceramics, in charge of the ceramics program, ceramics residencies and installations, and technical ceramics operations. She was also our first teacher, and occasionally still teaches some of our courses.

Mati is a philosophy graduate and has an eclectic background working in art management and UX before choosing ceramics full time. She lives between Barcelona and Salemi, working at Salemi Ceramics as well as in her own studio in Barcelona. She has also done residencies around the world: in Mexico with ceramist Gustavo Perez and in Sicily at Studio Mud. 

She is best known for her cobalt blue stoneware vases, but is currently exploring new lines of work with naturally sourced clay and ash glaze.

She believes learning to work with clay is much more than a set of technical skills: clay can teach us to embrace imperfection, turn mistakes into creative breakthroughs and accept the unpredictable pace of learning and creation.

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Meet the rest of the team

We are dedicated to giving you the best experience

Rebeca & Mat Newton

Studio Directors
Rebeca and Mat are the creatives behind The Salemi Studio Project. They have worked alongside locals and the Salemi council to bring this project to life. Rebeca and Mat are also the founders of Leatherback Travel, a Group which incorporates multiple travel brands including Patch Adventures, and Magnificent Rail, amongst others,which have brought thousands of travellers to unique places around the world.

Mandy Scanlon

Studio Manager
An avid world traveler and resident, Mandy couldn't resist la dolce vita of Italy, swapping Australia for Salemi. The Salemi studio's aesthetic and function reflects her own harmonious approach and aims to stimulate your long-term creativity. She draws personal inspiration from everyday rituals, human encounters from her travels and the stories they tell. Mandy is passionate about the therapeutic benefits of clay working, acceptance of the imperfect and making space for good conversation and creative connection. The Salemi School of Ceramics is the beginning of a greater community story and Mandy can't wait to welcome and share the space with you.

Csilla Bozsik

Operations Assistant
Csilla is Hungarian, currently living in Serbia. She has traveled around Europe while sailing on river ships. She is a ceramics enthusiast, finding peace and inner joy in throwing on the wheel. Csilla is Mandy's "other right hand," handling bookings, answering questions, and other administrative tasks, working remotely from home.

Chiara Angelo

Assistant Studio Manager
Chiara is a Salemitana, born and raised in Salemi. She is studying foreign languages and literature and, for some years now, has discovered a passion for tourism and everything related to travel. She is a cheerful person, representing Salemi's vibe: sunny and warm. Chiara is the right hand of Mandy, helping with all the daily tasks around the courses and students.

Alex Puma

Studio Assistant
Alex was born and raised in Romania before moving to Salemi after finding love. Passionate about ceramics, she taught herself about glazing and firing techniques. Alex is the right hand of our teachers, preparing clay for classes and carefully handling all finished pieces—from firing and glazing to preparing them for shipment.