Workshop Overview
- LanguagePortuguese, English
- Duration4
- DifficultyAll Levels
- Next Date01/07/2026
Workshop teacher
Teacher name: RENATO COSTA E SILVA & KERSTIN THOMAS
Teacher bio:
Renato Costa e Silva is a ceramic artist and educator with a strong interest in traditional firing methods and sustainable approaches to ceramic practice. His work explores the relationship between clay, fire, and craftsmanship, encouraging students to understand not only how ceramics are made, but also the processes that transform them through firing.
Kerstin Thomas is a ceramic artist and maker whose practice combines technical expertise with hands-on experimentation. Passionate about sharing practical knowledge, she guides participants through every stage of the ceramic process—from preparing clay and decorating surfaces to building and operating alternative kilns in a safe and accessible way.
Together, Renato and Kerstin bring a collaborative, hands-on approach to teaching, creating an inspiring environment where participants learn by making. Their workshop combines technical knowledge with creative exploration, giving students the confidence to build simple kilns, experiment with different firing techniques, and deepen their understanding of ceramics beyond the studio.
Schedule Program
What's Included
Included
- Participation in a small workshop group
- 5–6 hours of instruction per day, taught in English and Portuguese
- Lunch on each workshop day
- A welcome dinner on the first evening of the course.
- All materials required for the course.
Not Included
- Accommodation at Cerdeira
Location Details
Cerdeira - Home for Creativity, Lousã, Portugal
Follow the instructions on the GPS. Watch out as it is a very steep road all the way up the mountain.
Bookings close 720 hours before the workshop starts.
Your Teacher
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CERDEIRA - HOME FOR CREATIVITY A village as our home and the world as our inspiration. In the heart of Serra da Lousã, lies a historic village that was abandoned and at risk of disappearing. Today, Cerdeira has new stories to tell. Here, the unique relationship between nature, art and the comfort of our schist houses, offers the freedom to live, slow down and create in a truly authentic way.
FAQ's
Yes. This course is designed for beginners with no previous experience, as well as anyone looking to build a strong foundation in ceramics. Over six days, you'll learn the essential techniques needed to continue your ceramic practice with confidence.
The course fee includes: Six days of tuition (5–6 hours per day) in English and Portuguese Lunch each workshop day (8–13 January) A welcome dinner on the first evening All tools, clay, glazes, firing, and materials required for the course Access to the studio and specialist ceramics library during the course
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for working with clay and closed-toe shoes, which are required during firing sessions. We also recommend wearing natural fibres (preferably 100% cotton), bringing weather-appropriate clothing, and leaving extra space in your luggage to take your finished ceramic pieces home safely.
You'll leave with a collection of handmade ceramic pieces created using a variety of techniques, including hand-building and wheel throwing. More importantly, you'll gain a solid understanding of clay bodies, decoration, glazing, firing, and kiln operation—providing the confidence and practical skills to continue your ceramics journey independently.
Accommodation Participants may book accommodation in one of Cerdeira's Schist Houses during the course. Course participants receive a 50% discount on the standard rate for any available Schist House for the duration of the course. Contact our team after booking.
Please Note For safety reasons during the firing process, participants are required to wear closed-toe footwear, such as trainers, shoes, or boots. We also ask that you avoid clothing made from synthetic fibres and instead wear garments made from 100% natural cotton whenever possible. We also recommend leaving extra space in your luggage so you can safely take home the ceramic pieces you create during the course.
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