Surface, Colour & Design
2-8 MAY 2027
Explore how colour, pattern and surface can completely change the character of a ceramic piece.
A ceramic surface can be painted, carved, drawn on, printed, glazed, textured or left almost untouched. Each technique changes how form, colour and decoration work together. How much can you control what comes out of the kiln?
Spend five days exploring glazes, slips, oxides, underglazes, texture and different ways of applying colour and decoration, with daily guidance and plenty of time to test, combine and develop techniques of your own.
Eight people. One ceramicist. One week. All levels welcome. Secure your place with a €300 deposit.
With only eight places per retreat, booking early is recommended. We know all too well that plans can change. You can move your booking to another date when arranged well in advance.
Guiding ceramicist to be announced early 2027.
Accommodation booked separately.
€1,350
Book before 31 December 2026 for the launch price of €1,080.
This ceramics course is for you.
IF YOU WANT TO GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD, WORK WITH YOUR HANDS AND SPEND FIVE DAYS ABSORBED IN MAKING AWAY FROM HOME.
01.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET OTHER CREATIVE MINDS, SHARE IDEAS, AND CONTINUE CONVERSATIONS OVER DINNER OR A LONG WALK IN NATURE.
02.
IF YOU WANT TIME TO DISCOVER THE WILD BEACHES, BUZZING TOWNS AND MEET THE MAKERS OF THE WESTERN ALGARVE.
03.
Why does a glaze come out brilliant blue one firing and almost red in another?
A small change in clay body, glaze recipe, application or firing can produce a completely different result. That unpredictability is part of what makes ceramic materials so fascinating.
Mix, test, compare and fire. Learn what changed, understand why, then change something else. Little by little, by alchemy and experimentation you develop a material style of your own.
Plate by Chiara Caselli. Photo by Carlo Piro.
Maria Bezuglaya’s student’s work
The alchemy of glaze, colour and fire teaches us what happens when ingredients melt together. Creating colours, textures and sometimes results nobody quite expected.
Time beyond the studio
THE SOUTHWEST OF PORTUGAL HAS BEEN MAKING WITH CLAY FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS. IT IS ALSO HOME TO FARMERS, CREATIVE MAKERS, SURF CULTURE, AND REGENERATIVE PROJECTS FINDING NEW WAYS TO WORK WITH THE LAND AND PRESERVE HERITAGE CRAFTS.
Hands on / Hands off
During the week, we step outside the studio and off the land to discover more of the area. We will eat out at local places serving seasonal food, visit local makers and craftspeople, and spend time in the Bravura landscape.
You’ll also have the possibility to explore the wild Atlantic coast between the west Algarve and Alentejo.
Two additional activities are part of every retreat, think of yoga and a visit with a local maker, grower or craftsperson.
"Basta esta luz para se ser feliz."
This light alone is enough to be happy.
Raul Brandão, Os Pescadores (1923)
If you’re looking to do more
If you want to explore further, we can advise where to go for surf classes, mountain biking, a visit to the springs of Monchique, or other activities around the region.
Meet your guide
YOUR GUIDE WILL BE ANNOUNCED AS THE 2027 PROGRAMME UNFOLDS. SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER TO BE THE FIRST TO HEAR ABOUT ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEW RETREATS.
Ricardo Lopes
Meet the circle
Chiara Caselli
Maria Bezuglaya
Clear head. Calm nervous system.
Fired-up creativity.
Leave with stronger skills, work you’re proud of, new friends, and that strange combination of being tired yet feeling rested and reset, wondering how six days somehow feel so much longer.
All that, and an unstoppable urge to keep making.