Ceramic Decoration with Clara
Explore the world of ceramic decoration in the beautiful Italian Riviera with ceramicist Clara. Discover the magic of storytelling through clay as you learn techniques like sgraffito, mishima inlay, and colored slips to transform your ideas into three-dimensional pieces. Outside the studio, explore the beauty of ancient Italian villas, stroll along the UNESCO-listed Strada Nuova in the historic center, and enjoy a refreshing dip in the Ligurian Sea.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1640
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $960
Accommodation
- One Guest
- USD $875
- Additional guest(s)
- FREE
Meet the Artist
Clara is an Italian ceramicist and artist known for her expertise in sgraffito, an ancient engraving technique, and underglaze decoration. Born by the sea in central Italy, Clara's work is profoundly shaped by her lifelong passion for ancient cultures, literature, and mythology, mainly Greek and Nordic lore. Her childhood fascination with Greek mythology continues to influence her ceramic storytelling, alongside folk traditions and the landscapes of the places she's lived and explored.
Clara's practice is a blend of storytelling and craftsmanship, where she covers the surfaces of vessels, tiles, and tablets with vivid imagery and dreamlike, open-ended storytelling. Drawing inspiration from the long history of Mediterranean ceramics, her work often references ancient decorative pottery, such as the Minoan octopus flask and Greek and Etruscan motifs. With a focus on harmony between form, technique, and narrative, Clara brings her intricate illustrations to life in ceramics.
Clara loves the collaborative energy guiding others through the creative process, especially in translating two-dimensional drawings into three-dimensional ceramics. She sees sharing her craft as an opportunity to inspire creativity and foster artistic growth, and she can't wait to welcome you into her creative world.
Clara's practice is a blend of storytelling and craftsmanship, where she covers the surfaces of vessels, tiles, and tablets with vivid imagery and dreamlike, open-ended storytelling. Drawing inspiration from the long history of Mediterranean ceramics, her work often references ancient decorative pottery, such as the Minoan octopus flask and Greek and Etruscan motifs. With a focus on harmony between form, technique, and narrative, Clara brings her intricate illustrations to life in ceramics.
Clara loves the collaborative energy guiding others through the creative process, especially in translating two-dimensional drawings into three-dimensional ceramics. She sees sharing her craft as an opportunity to inspire creativity and foster artistic growth, and she can't wait to welcome you into her creative world.
VAWAA Includes:
- Explore various types of clay, materials, hand-building and ceramic surface decoration techniques.
- Create tiles or small clay forms from a full bag of clay using hand-building methods such as slabs and constructed forms. Clara does not teach wheel throwing, but there is a pottery wheel in the studio that guests with prior experience are welcome to use independently. If you would prefer to decorate ready-made pots or vessels, Clara can arrange these from a trusted ceramicist for an additional fee with at least one month’s advance notice.
- Learn to turn ideas into illustrations, gathering inspiration with outdoor drawing sessions, selecting reference images and suitable techniques for ceramic decoration.
- Explore decoration techniques such as colored clay slips (engobes), engraving designs (sgraffito), and using Mishima inlay to fill patterns with contrasting clay.
- Fire pieces in an electric kiln while understanding the firing process and curves.
- Decorate pieces using underglaze and majolica techniques, finishing with glazing; a few pieces will be provided for decoration, with additional options available for purchase.
- Your finished pieces can be shipped to your home for an additional fee.
- Time permitting, take a day trip to Cinque Terre National Park to explore the five cliffside villages, hike trails, and experience local cuisine.
- Option to practice yoga and pilates with local teachers.
Stay at Clara's
Stay with Clara in a charming private room with its own bathroom, located in a beautifully renovated greenhouse adjacent to the studio. The room features a full-size sofa bed and can accommodate one guest only. For two or more guests, there are plenty of accommodation options nearby in Genoa Nervi, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartment rentals.
While kitchen access is not available, a variety of restaurants and bars in the heart of Genoa Nervi are just a 10–15 minute walk or a short bus ride away. You’ll have access to Clara’s lush, expansive garden, perfect for relaxing, working, or enjoying the sea views. The garden also has a shaded table where you can unwind with a book or drink.
Please note that both the studio and accommodation are accessible via stairs, which may be challenging for some. A friendly neighborhood cat may occasionally wander through the garden, adding to the peaceful ambiance.
While kitchen access is not available, a variety of restaurants and bars in the heart of Genoa Nervi are just a 10–15 minute walk or a short bus ride away. You’ll have access to Clara’s lush, expansive garden, perfect for relaxing, working, or enjoying the sea views. The garden also has a shaded table where you can unwind with a book or drink.
Please note that both the studio and accommodation are accessible via stairs, which may be challenging for some. A friendly neighborhood cat may occasionally wander through the garden, adding to the peaceful ambiance.
Explore Genoa
Genoa is a historic port city tucked into a thin slice of northern Italian coastline between the Ligurian Sea and the Apennine Mountains, which provides access to some of the most lovely water in the world. With one of the largest intact medieval quarters in all of Europe–its UNESCO-listed streets, Renaissance palaces, and vibrant piazzas reflect a rich maritime legacy while its food scene—famous for pesto Genovese, focaccia and seafood—delivers an authentic Italian experience.
Clara’s studio is in the charming coastal neighborhood of Genova Nervi, which offers a tranquil coastal retreat with quiet beaches, scenic parks, and a lovely seaside promenade perfect for long walks and runs. Known for its historic villas and creative energy, Nervi is perfect for relaxation and inspiration, making it a hidden gem on the Italian Riviera.
Clara’s studio is in the charming coastal neighborhood of Genova Nervi, which offers a tranquil coastal retreat with quiet beaches, scenic parks, and a lovely seaside promenade perfect for long walks and runs. Known for its historic villas and creative energy, Nervi is perfect for relaxation and inspiration, making it a hidden gem on the Italian Riviera.
Additional Details
Genoa is pleasant year-round, with the best weather in spring and fall. While July and August can be hot, Clara’s studio is air-conditioned.
This session can be extended for up to 14 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Please note that accommodation at the studio can host a maximum of 1 guest.
Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, the session cannot be adapted for people on wheelchair or special needs as Clara’s home studio is accessible by stairs, and is not suitable for people on wheelchair.
Clara speaks Italian, English, and Spanish.
This session can be extended for up to 14 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Please note that accommodation at the studio can host a maximum of 1 guest.
Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, the session cannot be adapted for people on wheelchair or special needs as Clara’s home studio is accessible by stairs, and is not suitable for people on wheelchair.
Clara speaks Italian, English, and Spanish.
Guest Reviews
Amy B., United States
I am finding it hard to describe the experience in words that capture its beauty and meaning! Clara is an exceptional artist, teacher, and person. My heart is full of awe and gratitude for this opportunity!!! From the setting- overlooking the Ligurian sea in the beautiful part of Genova called Nervi, to the skills and knowledge I acquired from Clara, it was an experience I will treasure forever a Read more
Lois M., Australia
My time with Clara was fantastic. She shared her deep knowledge of ceramics and sgraffito offering space for creativity and fun. Although I had imagined working on the wheel, my time learning sgraffito using tiles proved to be very productive! Thanks to Clara’s generosity and guidance my time in the studio was intense and rewarding. She also provided delicious meals and plenty of interesting stor Read more
