In this course, the classic elements of pottery craft encounter digital design.
You will Learn how to model clay with hands and to use the wheel, discover and practice sculpting techniques on figurative and abstract forms, and enrich this with a deep understanding on 3D basic and advanced shapes.
Ceramics and Contemporary Design Program
Step into a transformative learning journey that blends traditional wheel-thrown pottery, 3D digital design, sculpture, mold-making, and the creation of both one-of-a-kind and small-batch handcrafted pieces.
This immersive experience bridges ancient craftsmanship with cutting-edge design, empowering you to become a new kind of maker — one who honors tradition while redefining the future of ceramics.
A New Generation of Artisans
The program is designed to cultivate a contemporary generation of potters — creative thinkers who translate centuries-old techniques into modern forms and sustainable practices.
Through an approach that merges hands-on practice, digital innovation, and artistic exploration, you’ll discover new ways of expressing your ideas and building your identity as a modern artisan.
Learning Experience
- Personalized Mentorship
Learn directly from experienced artists and designers who guide you through every step of your creative evolution. - Craft Through Practice
Mastery is born through making. From shaping clay to experimenting with new materials, every project deepens your understanding of form, function, and artistic identity. - Collaborative Creativity
Work alongside peers from around the world in multicultural workshops that celebrate diversity and collaboration. - Reflection and Growth
Continuous feedback helps you evolve as a ceramic artist — tracking progress, refining your aesthetic, and developing a personal creative voice
Final Project
You’ll be encouraged to:
- Develop your own design identity and artistic philosophy.
- Build branding and storytelling skills to communicate your vision.
- Explore the intersection between craftsmanship, design, and sustainability.
After completing the program, you will:
- Be able to design, produce, and present original ceramic works with a professional mindset.
- Transform ideas and concepts into tangible creations.
- Become a modern artisan, balancing traditional know-how with contemporary design.
- Discover your unique creative strengths and learn how to use them strategically.
- Understand how to create cultural, artistic, and social value through your craft.
Program
Foundations of Pottery
Discover the tactile poetry of clay. Learn how to work with essential tools and materials, and master the fundamentals of modeling, wheel-throwing, and hand-building.
You’ll:
- Design simple 3D forms using digital tools.
- Explore the rhythm of the potter’s wheel and the touch of hand modeling.
- Learn glazing, decorating, and firing techniques.
By the end of this module, you’ll have the technical foundation to shape your ideas and advance to the next level.
Advanced Ceramics and Artistic Expression
This stage invites you to experiment, innovate, and define your artistic signature.
You’ll:
- Design unconventional 3D shapes and sculptural works.
- Learn casting, mold-making, and duplication techniques.
- Explore figurative and abstract sculpture, textures, and surface finishes.
- Draw inspiration from nature, architecture, fashion, and art, merging them into your own visual language.
Final Project — Crafting Identity
You’ll:
- Conceive and design your own ceramic capsule collection.
- Define a distinctive aesthetic voice rooted in your values and vision.
- Begin building a personal brand strategy as a designer, maker, or entrepreneur.
Cost: 9.800 €
Duration: 20 weeks
Location: Florence
Dates: September, February
- No previous experience is needed.