Workshop Overview
- LanguagePortuguese, English
- Duration6
- DifficultyAll Levels
- Next Date19/11/2026
Schedule Program
What's Included
Included
- 🌿 Participation in a small working group of maximum 10 participants
- 👩🏫 Guidance from Renato Costa and Kerstin Thomas
- ⏰ 5 to 6 hours of instruction per day over 3 days
- 🥗 Lunch during the course, from 22 to 24 January
- 🏺 All materials required for the workshop
Not Included
- 🏡 Accommodation (available separately at Cerdeira, with a 50% discount during the workshop dates, subject to availability)
- 🚗 Transport to and from Cerdeira
- 💳 Any services not mentioned above
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
RENATO COSTA E SILVA & KERSTIN THOMAS
9 workshops · 0 followers
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.
FAQ's
No. This workshop is suitable for beginners as well as ceramic makers looking to expand their knowledge of alternative firing methods. The instructors will guide you through every stage of the process.
The workshop fee includes 3 days of training with Renato Costa e Silva and Kerstin Thomas, 5 to 6 hours of instruction per day, participation in a small group of maximum 10 participants, lunch from 22 to 24 January and all materials required for the workshop.
Participants should bring closed-toe footwear, such as trainers, shoes or boots, for safety during the firing process. Clothing made from 100% natural cotton fibres is recommended, avoiding synthetic materials. We also recommend bringing extra space in your luggage to take your finished ceramic pieces home.
You will take home your own fired ceramic pieces, created during the workshop, along with practical knowledge of rudimentary gas and wood-fired kilns, ceramic firing techniques and a better understanding of how to explore alternative firing methods independently.
No, accommodation is not included in the workshop fee. However, participants can benefit from a 50% discount on stays in Cerdeira's traditional Schist Houses during the workshop dates, subject to availability. For more information about accommodation options and reservations, please contact the Hands On team
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