16 - 25 SEPTEMBER 2025
CERAMICS AND OVERGLAZING course
WITH DOUGLAS BLACK
Infinite Skies - decorative techniques on black clay
Douglas Black is a ceramicist and sculptor trained in the ceramics city of Mashiko/Japan, where he still lives, works, and exhibits his work today.
His way of applying the glaze and luster decoration technique (Overglazing) to black stoneware pieces is unusual among sculptors. His works convey a cosmic feeling of infinite space. The approach Douglas brings to this course is different from traditional Japanese ceramics - this is an eclectic course that tackles a wide range of themes in an ambitious program with the aim of stimulating and awakening new ideas.
The course begins with a collaborative work to create a sculpture together. Through a playful approach, Douglas will teach the stages of decorative layering in the making of this project, which will be an installation for Cerdeira.
Following this project, you can expect demonstrations and, of course, plenty of time to create your own pieces on the potter's wheel or using hand-building techniques. With the support of the artist, you'll be able to explore layering techniques such as slip application, scraffito, wax resist, glaze, overglaze & lusters and apply them to your pieces. The pieces will be fired in the electric kiln.
We'll end the course with a small exhibition of the pieces created during these 10 days of work. We'll also have the opportunity to learn more about Douglas' work and life experience in Japan and watch a demonstration of a Japanese tea ceremony.
Whether it's personal expression through sculpture or involvement in the beauty of simple utilitarian pieces, with ceramics the possibilities are as endless as the universe of its composition. From the night sky to the nature that surrounds Cerdeira, this will be the perfect course and place to be inspired by everything that surrounds us, guided by Douglas who will encourage us in this discovery.
Douglas Black
Douglas Black is an American artist based in Japan for more than 30 years. In 1992, he built his own kiln and studio in the Mashiko district, a place of ceramic tradition and the Mingei movement. It was the place Douglas chose to settle and where he developed his work, embracing both functionality and charm, celebrating the careful appreciation of culture in the presentations of food, drink, tea, and flowers.
His ceramic sculptures explore the ceramic palette, rooted in the earth and reaching for the stars, just like those who came before us. Douglas will share his experience of living in Japan for more than three decades as a full-time ceramicist and will produce various strands of his ceramic work with us.
Douglas teaches and exhibits his work all over the world. Now, he will share his knowledge, experience, and inspiration in Cerdeira. Find out more about this artist and his work here.
course details
PROGRAM:
Creative process and practice of decoration techniques including white slips, sgraffito, stamps, wax application, glazing, Japanese enamels, and metallic lusters;
Demonstration and practice of Japanese glazes and metallic lusters;
Creation of sculptures and functional work;
Clay forming techniques: slabs, modeling, and potter's wheel;
Introduction to and participation in the tea ceremony;
Request the full program by email to artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com
SCHEDULE:
September 16th:
From 3 pm: Accommodation and check-in of participants
5 pm: Reception at the studio and presentation of the group and trainers;
7:30 pm: Welcome dinner at Casa das Artes
September 17th-25th:
Course from 10 am to 6 pm*, with a two-hour lunch break
September 26th:
Until 11 am: check-out from accommodation
CONDITIONS
Deadline for enrollment: 16th July 2025.
Special discount for our community members for registrations until February 17th, 2025
THE COURSE FEE INCLUDES:
Training 5-6 hours a day, spoken in English and Portuguese;
Lunch during the course, from September 17th to 25th;
Free accommodation at the hostel during the course (10 nights)*;
All the materials needed for the course and firing;
Welcome dinner on the first day of the course;
*The hostel is equipped with two dormitories (female/masculine), a kitchen, and two shared bathrooms. The booking includes towels and linen.
ACCOMMODATION UPGRADES AVAILABLE:
Upgrade to 10 nights in a standard schist house shared by 2 participants and breakfast at an additional cost of 700€/per participant. Includes shared room, equipped kitchen, towels, and bed linen.
Upgrade to 10 nights in a standard schist house for single occupancy by 1 participant and breakfast, with an additional cost of 1000€/per participant. Includes single room, equipped kitchen, towels, and bed linen.
Please note that all accommodation options have limited availability and will be booked according to the order of registration and payment. For more information, contact artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com.
ENROLLMENTS AND MORE INFO:
artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com
+351 913 989 281*
*(call to national mobile network)
CANCELLATION POLICY FOR COURSES AND WORKSHOPS
You may withdraw within 14 days of registration, paying the correspondent transfer fees. Following the EU consumer protection legislation, payments are not refunded past 14 days of registration. The payment will be fully reimbursed if the training cannot be held because of insufficient students.
Suppose the training is canceled by Cerdeira - Home For Creativity for reasons of significant force such as a pandemic, civil disorder, a natural catastrophe, medical or family issues of the teacher, and others beyond our control. In that case, Cerdeira will offer a voucher for a different workshop of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years.
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