Ceramic Furniture & Functional Forms with Tatiana
Transform clay into furniture, tiles, or sculptural forms with Portuguese designer Tatiana. Inspired by architecture and the raw beauty of terracotta and stoneware, explore an intuitive approach to handbuilt ceramics balancing structure and spontaneity. Beyond the studio, wander Lisbon’s cobblestone streets, catch live Fado music, and visit the National Tile Museum to explore Portuguese ceramics.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea, Lunch
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $860
Meet the Artist
Tatiana is a Portuguese designer creating stoneware furniture and decorative objects that capture the earthy tones and warmth of the Portuguese landscape. Her journey began in interior architecture, specializing in building rehabilitation, before she was drawn to clay. Today, she leads a ceramic design brand where she explores the material's plasticity to create pieces balancing function and aesthetics.
Bridging the worlds of art, design, and architecture, her work spans functional ceramics, handmade tile panels, and large-scale sculptures. She primarily works with terracotta and stoneware, favoring natural tones and minimal glazing to highlight the raw beauty of the material. Her process is deeply intuitive, guided by the concept of pareidolia—the tendency to see familiar shapes in abstract forms. Many of her pieces begin as one thing and evolve into something entirely different, allowing the clay to dictate its own transformation.
Her architectural background informs her approach, especially in ceramic furniture, where structural integrity, material behavior, and technical precision are key. Unlike traditional tabletop ceramics, working at the furniture scale requires a deep understanding of clay’s properties, from shrinkage rates to weight distribution. This balance of structure and spontaneity gives her work a distinctive organic quality—both intentional and free.
Passionate about creative exploration, Tatiana invites you to experience the magic of clay. For her, ceramics is more than a craft—it’s a meditative process where spontaneity and precision coexist. She looks forward to welcoming you into her studio, where you can slow down, connect with your hands, and bring your own visions to life.
Bridging the worlds of art, design, and architecture, her work spans functional ceramics, handmade tile panels, and large-scale sculptures. She primarily works with terracotta and stoneware, favoring natural tones and minimal glazing to highlight the raw beauty of the material. Her process is deeply intuitive, guided by the concept of pareidolia—the tendency to see familiar shapes in abstract forms. Many of her pieces begin as one thing and evolve into something entirely different, allowing the clay to dictate its own transformation.
Her architectural background informs her approach, especially in ceramic furniture, where structural integrity, material behavior, and technical precision are key. Unlike traditional tabletop ceramics, working at the furniture scale requires a deep understanding of clay’s properties, from shrinkage rates to weight distribution. This balance of structure and spontaneity gives her work a distinctive organic quality—both intentional and free.
Passionate about creative exploration, Tatiana invites you to experience the magic of clay. For her, ceramics is more than a craft—it’s a meditative process where spontaneity and precision coexist. She looks forward to welcoming you into her studio, where you can slow down, connect with your hands, and bring your own visions to life.
VAWAA Includes:
- Explore hand-building techniques to create ceramic pieces smaller objects (decorative tiles or vessels) or larger pieces (coffee tables or small benches).
- Dive into the design process through sketching and freehand dimensioned drawing.
- Learn slab building and coiling techniques, essential for constructing large-scale functional pieces, with options for beginners to explore smaller forms and for experienced participants to create larger pieces.
- Refine surfaces and edges to ensure the pieces are well-structured for drying and firing.
- Visit Museum of Azulejos to explore Portugal’s ceramic history and contemporary works.
- Walk through Ajuda’s vibrant artist community and visiting local ateliers.
- Your finished pieces can be shipped to your home for an additional fee.
Explore Lisbon
Lisbon is a city that unfolds like a story. From its sun-drenched, tile-covered façades to the labyrinthine alleys of Alfama, the Portuguese capital hums with artistic energy, fueled by a new generation of designers, musicians, and chefs reimagining tradition. Tatiana’s studio is located in the historic neighborhood of Ajuda, just steps from the river, forest, and beach. Ajuda strikes the perfect balance between city life and nature, with markets, cafes, and public transport all within easy reach. The area’s growing community of artists fosters a collaborative and inspiring environment. Tatiana’s studio, surrounded by this creative energy, draws from Ajuda’s architectural heritage and craftsmanship, making it the ideal space for her ceramic and furniture designs.
Additional Details
The best times to visit Lisbon are in Spring and Autumn, when the weather is mild and sunny. The city is also lively during the holiday season, particularly at Christmas and during the Festas de Santo António in June. It's best to avoid August, as the weather can be hot and many businesses close for summer holidays. January and February bring colder, rainier weather.
This VAWAA is not available for longer durations.
Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. The studio is located on the ground floor, but access to other areas requires climbing a few steps. Unfortunately, this means the space is not fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Tatiana speaks Portuguese and English.
This VAWAA is not available for longer durations.
Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. The studio is located on the ground floor, but access to other areas requires climbing a few steps. Unfortunately, this means the space is not fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Tatiana speaks Portuguese and English.