Ceramics with Isabella
Immerse in the unbounded worlds of clay with master ceramicist Isabella in Florence, a hub of Italian arts and culture. Discover freedom and structure and develop your clay language as you learn innovative techniques in hand-building, wheel-throwing, Maiolica, and Terra Sigillata. Beyond the studio, soak up the beauty of Renaissance architecture, visit local artisan shops, stroll through olive groves and villas in the surrounding hills, and savor the iconic, seasonally-inspired Tuscan cuisine.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1690
- Additional guest(s) (max 2)
- USD $600
Meet the Artist
Isabella is a master ceramic artist and educator whose work effortlessly bridges functional objects, sculptures, and panels, using diverse clays and firing techniques to push the expressive boundaries of ceramics. Born in Milan and now based in Florence, Isabella’s creative journey began with dance and painting restoration until she found her true calling in ceramics. She has since devoted over 30 years to exploring its full expressive potential.
Isabella crafts functional and sculptural ceramics using both low-temperature clays and porcelain, drawn to their contrasting qualities. Her work showcases a unique ability to explore diverse forms, materials, and firing techniques, pushing the limits of traditional methods such as maiolica, wheel-turning, slab-building, and coil-building to create innovative pieces. She has a particular fondness for the sensuality of slips and Terra Sigillata, the delicate yet resilient qualities of porcelain, and the rich traditions of low-temperature earthenware and Majolica. Her artistic practice shifts between vibrant, colorful works and monochromatic, contemplative pieces, often having a “double function,” ensuring that her works not only serve as beautiful pieces but also invite interaction and touch.
For Isabella, each piece is a gesture of freedom, where mastery of the material sometimes emerges through breaking traditional rules. She dreams of sharing this deep knowledge and creative spirit in a serene, intimate environment—far removed from competitive stress and the demands of spectacle. She believes the artistic process can bridge cultures and thoughts, fostering connection, participation, and harmony through shared creation.
Isabella crafts functional and sculptural ceramics using both low-temperature clays and porcelain, drawn to their contrasting qualities. Her work showcases a unique ability to explore diverse forms, materials, and firing techniques, pushing the limits of traditional methods such as maiolica, wheel-turning, slab-building, and coil-building to create innovative pieces. She has a particular fondness for the sensuality of slips and Terra Sigillata, the delicate yet resilient qualities of porcelain, and the rich traditions of low-temperature earthenware and Majolica. Her artistic practice shifts between vibrant, colorful works and monochromatic, contemplative pieces, often having a “double function,” ensuring that her works not only serve as beautiful pieces but also invite interaction and touch.
For Isabella, each piece is a gesture of freedom, where mastery of the material sometimes emerges through breaking traditional rules. She dreams of sharing this deep knowledge and creative spirit in a serene, intimate environment—far removed from competitive stress and the demands of spectacle. She believes the artistic process can bridge cultures and thoughts, fostering connection, participation, and harmony through shared creation.
VAWAA Includes:
- Develop freedom and structure in your creative process with clay.
- Learn coil, slab, or wheel throwing techniques and how to apply them creatively and unconventionally, with time to work on your own and practice.
- Focus on turning and altering forms, transforming them into functional pieces or sculptures.
- Explore the use of slips, Terra Sigillata, and Majolica in innovative ways.
- Coffee at Isabella’s local spots and join her for a guided clay and meditation session.
- Inspirational walks from Isabella’s house to the Bellosguardo viewpoint near the Scandicci hills or up to the town of Galluzzo, passing through olive groves and villas.
- If time permits, option for a day trip to visit Gli ex Seccatoi to see amazing artworks of Alberto Burri with a stop in Monterchi to see Madonna del Parto by Piero della Francesca.
Explore Florence
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is an unparalleled destination in Tuscany, a region renowned for its breathtaking beauty. This place has inspired Isabella for over thirty years with its harmonious shapes and vibrant colors that nourish the soul and senses. There's a magical essence here that speaks to the human experience.
Florence's museums house not only awe-inspiring Renaissance masterpieces but also modern and contemporary art, alongside artifacts from Greek and Roman eras. While the area around the iconic Duomo draws the largest crowds, the city is filled with hidden gems—like the artisanal workshops of the Oltrarno district, where craftsmen continue centuries-old traditions in leather, jewelry, and marbled paper.
Compact and easily navigable, Florence encourages exploration by tram or on foot, with city bikes available for leisurely rides along the Arno River. This cultural hub offers easy day trips to the picturesque Tuscan countryside, including towns like Greve in Chianti and Panzano and historic cities such as Fiesole, Pisa, Lucca, Volterra, and San Gimignano. The sea and mountains are also nearby. Renowned for its quality raw materials and appreciation for traditional flavors, the region is a feast for the senses. Whether drawn to art, history, or breathtaking landscapes, Florence is a city that continues to inspire.
Florence's museums house not only awe-inspiring Renaissance masterpieces but also modern and contemporary art, alongside artifacts from Greek and Roman eras. While the area around the iconic Duomo draws the largest crowds, the city is filled with hidden gems—like the artisanal workshops of the Oltrarno district, where craftsmen continue centuries-old traditions in leather, jewelry, and marbled paper.
Compact and easily navigable, Florence encourages exploration by tram or on foot, with city bikes available for leisurely rides along the Arno River. This cultural hub offers easy day trips to the picturesque Tuscan countryside, including towns like Greve in Chianti and Panzano and historic cities such as Fiesole, Pisa, Lucca, Volterra, and San Gimignano. The sea and mountains are also nearby. Renowned for its quality raw materials and appreciation for traditional flavors, the region is a feast for the senses. Whether drawn to art, history, or breathtaking landscapes, Florence is a city that continues to inspire.
Additional Details
Florence and the Tuscan region are delightful throughout the year, with a regional cuisine that celebrates the seasons and honors fresh, local ingredients. It’s best to avoid August, when many locals are on holiday and businesses close. Though beautiful, peak summer months of July and August can be quite hot and may be uncomfortable for some guests.
Guests 18 years and older are welcome to attend. Unfortunately, Isabella’s home studio is accessible by stairs, and therefore not suitable for people who use a wheelchair or have accessibility issues.
This VAWAA can be extended for up to 28 days for intermediate and advanced participants. Please add a note in your booking request.
Isabella speaks Italian and English.
Guests 18 years and older are welcome to attend. Unfortunately, Isabella’s home studio is accessible by stairs, and therefore not suitable for people who use a wheelchair or have accessibility issues.
This VAWAA can be extended for up to 28 days for intermediate and advanced participants. Please add a note in your booking request.
Isabella speaks Italian and English.
Guest Reviews
Alexandra B., United States
The 5 days I spent learning ceramics with Isabella were truly special! I am fairly new to hand building and she was very accommodating to that. I learned so much and left with lots of inspiration to continue my practice. I also can’t leave this review without mentioning her charming home with tons of natural light and the wonderful lunches we had together. I can’t recommend this VAWAA experience w Read more
Shasta L., Australia
Isabella is an exceptional teacher. I had a wonderful experience learning from her in Florence for 5 days. Isabella tailored the course to my needs and was very generous with her knowledge. I left with new skills and feeling more confident. I also loved the delicious meals and enjoyed her tips and advice for experiencing Florence.
Vicky H., United Kingdom
Just got back from fab trip to Florence, one of the highlights were the morning ceramics sessions with Isabella. She was so knowledgeable, patient and clear and as a result I’ve already gone back to my local pottery studio to work on a couple of handbuilding projects. Isabella also let me try my hand at sculpting my first clay head (her tuition made mine look so much better than I ever expected)
