CLARA HOLT
SGRAFFITO DECORATION: Carving Stories on Clay
September 6 - 13, 2026
In this course, students will explore and practice sgraffito, a versatile ceramic decoration technique suitable for both flat surfaces and wheel-thrown forms.
Sgraffito works by layering slip over the clay and then carefully carving or scratching the surface to reveal the clay color beneath. The resulting contrast can create anything from simple geometric lines to complex, illustrative designs. With a long history spanning many cultures, sgraffito offers endless possibilities for creative expression.
The course combines theoretical insights with demonstrations and extensive hands-on work, including a detailed look at the tools and materials available for different sgraffito techniques and an overview of Clara’s personal creative approach, alongside examples of sgraffito from other artists and traditions.
By the end of the course, students will have gained both technical mastery and a deeper understanding of how to develop personal, meaningful designs through sgraffito, through exercises and experimentation.
TUITION: USD $1800 inclusive of all studio materials, glazes and firings, catered lunches, welcome dinner, and excursions around the island. We will assist in making recommendations for bookings for nearby hotels, bungalows or home-stays in convenient proximity to Gaya studio (accommodation is not included in tuition).
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE - CLARA HOLT
Sunday, September 6: Welcome Dinner MOKSA Restaurant
Welcome Dinner and slide talk by Clara Holt
Monday, September 7: GCAC
Theoretical introduction + exercises on tiles (drawing subjects in positive and negative, sgraffito using different tools, multi-color sgraffito)
Lunch- family style in GCAC mezzanine
Tuesday, September 8: GCAC
Sgraffito on tumblers (sgraffito on three-dimensional forms; 3 tumblers made with different colors / clay bodies)
Lunch- family style in GCAC mezzanine
Wednesday, September 9: GCAC
Sgraffito on a vase, with a focus on the full creative process: sourcing inspiration, developing visual references, translating ideas into drawn designs, and selecting appropriate techniques and materials to achieve a balanced and expressive result.
Lunch- family style in GCAC mezzanine
Thursday, September 10: GCAC
(continues) Sgraffito on a vase, with a focus on the full creative process: sourcing inspiration, developing visual references, translating ideas into drawn designs, and selecting appropriate techniques and materials to achieve a balanced and expressive result
Lunch- family style in GCAC mezzanine
Friday, September 11: GCAC
Final touches on the completed vases; finishing the work; kiln loading in the afternoon
Lunch- family style in GCAC mezzanine
Saturday, September 12: GCAC
Once-firing of all works; EXCURSION DAY
Sunday, September 13: GCAC
Kiln unloading; final discussion; packing & departure
Details of schedule may be subject to change, but overall content will remain constant.