Session 4
Thrown and Altered Forms: Animals and Vegetables
July 13 - 27, 2025
It is necessary to have
experience on the wheel
(intermediate level).
You must be able to throw a cylinder of 15 centimeters.
If you have a basic understanding and control of the pottery wheel (minimum ability to create cylinders of 15 centimeters) or if you are already a professional, this residency will bring a completely new dimension of sculpture to your work.
With an intimate class size of just six people, you will receive personalized attention from the instructor as well as from the technicians assisting with the course.
Atelier Retiro and our community welcome you!
We are excited to share this residency with you, enjoy lunches, stories, and create lasting friendships, in addition to ceramic pieces!
Design for intermediate to advanced ceramicists, Master Inês Salgado leads us in an exploration of altered forms. Transform simple cylinders into fish or rabbits, closed shapes into birds and pumpkins, and allow the symmetry of the pottery wheel to breathe life into human forms such as a torso or a bust! The complex minerals that make up the clay come alive in this course, where the creator's imagination is the only limitation. Come learn how to transform your pieces into fantastic animals, plants, or human forms!
In this two-week residency, you will have the opportunity to transform a lump of clay into functional and sculptural pots. Additionally, there will be visits to museums, lectures on the history of Portuguese ceramics, experiences with Raku firing, and you will conclude the residency with a collective exhibition at Nº6 - Ceramic Gallery, where the ceramics community will be invited to share the joy of your achievements.
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The classes will be taught in English and Portuguese.
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It is important that all participants have a spirit of adventure, a willingness to learn, and short, well-groomed nails.
The nails should be short to work at the pottery wheel, allowing the tips of the fingers to be used without scratching or puncturing the clay.
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Participants should wear clothing and footwear that they do not mind getting dirty.
Additionally, it is important to note that Atelier Retiro does not have air conditioning. It is an old granite building, typically cool, but clothing should be suitable for the season: light in summer and warm in winter.
Atelier Retiro has a washing machine available for residents to wash their muddy clothes.
€2800 per resident - VAT included
All residences based on the curriculum include materials (unless otherwise indicated), lunch, and two snacks, which are included in the residency cost.
All dietary requirements of the residents must be communicated prior to their arrival. All menus will be prepared to be accessible for all residents. It is possible to choose not to partake in the provided meals. Any food and beverages purchased outside of Atelier Retiro are the responsibility of the resident.
€2300 per resident (Without food) - VAT included
All residences, donations, products, or goods sold at Atelier Retiro are subject to a tax of +23% in Portugal. We recommend that you consult your local accountant if you wish to obtain information about applicable tax benefits or exemptions in your region. You will receive a formal invoice, receipt, and any necessary documentation upon request.
Classes and residences do not count towards school accreditation.
Inês Diana Salgado
Inês Diana Salgado
Inês Diana Salgado began her training in ceramics in 1985 at the António Arroio Artistic School, where she completed the Course in Art and Ceramic Design, supplemented by a specialization in Pottery at CENCAL.
In 1994, she founded her own atelier, starting to produce pieces that were sold in various stores and craft fairs, both nationally and internationally.
Over the years, she has committed to continuous training, acquiring skills in a wide variety of techniques.
At the same time, she built a solid career as a ceramics instructor at several institutions, where she discovered her passion for teaching.
Ten years ago, she created Olaria Lisboa, a space dedicated to teaching various ceramic techniques, with a specialization in Pottery, where she focuses on sharing the knowledge she has accumulated throughout her journey.
Inês is also an instructor at the Professional Training Center of Caldas da Rainha (CENCAL), where she has been teaching for over a decade.
Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of learning from great Masters of Portuguese Ceramics, such as José Falardo de Almeida (her first Master) and João and Armindo Reis (the last potter Masters of Caldas da Rainha, who remain her greatest references and examples). She has also been a student of personalities such as Querubim Lapa, Lurdes Castro, Ferreira da Silva, and Herculano Elias, among others.
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Selg-guided Residencies
Available all year round
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Beginning Pottery: zero to 1 kilo
Session 1 | June 1 - 13, 2025
