This course is directed at curious walkers and nature lovers with an interest in ceramics.
“Wild clays” are raw clays that can be found along the riverside, or by the ridge of a hill, and can be collected and used by artists and potters. We can find materials suitable for ceramic-making everywhere around us: we just need to learn how to recognize, collect and use them. It’s even possible to find wild clay in a city park or an urban excavation site. Wild clay can be used to create a vase at the wheel or a free-hand sculpture, but it can also be turned into a glaze or a color for brush decorations.
Local wild clays can teach us a lot about chemistry, geology, history and local traditions. Marta studied the territories around Salemi and she will share her findings with you. She will take you on walks through the Sicilian fields to collect materials; then, back at the studio, she’ll guide you to experiment by mixing, grinding, sieving, wedging, pouring and brushing wild clays in order to produce exciting experimental ceramics. You will be encouraged to follow your personal inspiration in the making of one or more pieces.
Although the course is focused on learning rather than making pieces, you will be able to keep some of the pieces you make:
Shipping costs are charged extra, and can vary from 40€ for 3 kg for Germany, to 80€ for 3kg shipped to the US.
This course is open to all levels. However, we encourage participants with at least some ceramics experience and a curiosity for materials.
The course is right for you if:
Marta Vino was born and grew up in Apulia, in Southern Italy. After a long period of academic study between Rome and Lisbon, she discovered clay and dedicated her whole self to ceramic. When back to Italy in 2017, Marta has been working as apprentice in a pottery studio for two years and attended dozens of workshops about ceramic techniques, from porcelain nerikomi to etruscan bucchero. Three years ago, she started experimenting with wood-firing. Her academic background stands through her interest in history, popular pottery and local ceramic materials. She’s currently based in Turin where she runs her own studio: here she produces her ceramic work and teaches wheel throwing and chemistry of ceramic materials.
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:
The Salemi School of Ceramics is a social enterprise that has been opened to create a learning centre for contemporary ceramics, the first of its kind in Sicily.
The School has been created in partnership with the local town of Salemi, which has provided the gorgeous space - the Sant'Agostino Monastery - that will be used for the school.
Salemi has a gorgeous historical centre and because it is quiet and peaceful, it is the perfect place for a mindful ceramics retreat.
Classes will be held from Monday through to Friday. On Sunday, there will be a welcome dinner and on Saturday, we will bid you farewell. Classes will be 4h each morning
(9am-1pm) and 2/3h each afternoon (2-5pm), except one afternoon of cultural activities.
Order of the day:
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The Salemi Project wants to make Salemi a recognised centre for contemporary ceramic art. Come and be part of it!
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