3 - 12 DECEMBER 2025
CERAMICS COURSE WITH MATTHEW BLAKELY
Making Glazes from rocks
Preparation of new glazes for Wood Firing
Inspired by his practical Australian art school education and the enormous potential of natural materials, Matthew makes his work from rocks, clays, shales and ashes that he’s been collecting from various locations around the UK.
In this course, Matthew will share his deep understanding of the materials and "open the door" to learning how to prepare glazes from rocks. Students will create their own glazes for their ceramic pieces from various rocks, such as Cerdeira’s traditional schist stone or rocks and wood ashes that participants might bring from their homes. You will have the opportunity to make your own pots, glaze them and participate in the wood firing of the “Sasukenei” Smokeless Kiln.
Using your own rocks and ash to make glazes requires a deeper understanding of materials, but it gives us the chance to achieve a unique ceramic expression and create striking pieces that embody the memories and history of the places from where the materials come from.
Matthew Blakely's approach to ceramics complements wonderfully with the aims of Cerdeira Arts & Crafts School, that always seeks to provide differentiated learning moments to its students.
Matthew Blakely
Matthew grew up in the UK but it was only later that he had his first contact with the world of ceramics. He started studying medicine but quickly realized that he felt more fulfilled in the field of art when he first tried ceramic classes at university.
In 1988, he moved to Australia where he attended pottery classes in Bondi Beach and worked in a pottery workshop. He later graduated in Ceramics at the National Art School in Sydney where he was awarded a “State Medal” for the work he developed.
In 2002, he returned to the United Kingdom, where he lives and works to this day.
““Of all the creative arts,
it is difficult to think of another as connected to and dependent
on the physical nature of the planet we inhabit as pottery.””
Course Details
PROGRAM
Request the full program by email to artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com
SCHEDULE
December 3rd:
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
December 4th-12nd:
course from 10 am to 6 pm*, with a two-hour lunch break
*The schedule is flexible on the days the kiln firing starts and ends. During the firing in the Sasukenei - Smokeless Kiln the students will be assigned to 4 hour shifts.
The studio is open from 6 pm to 10 pm.
December 13rd:
Until 11 am: check-out from accommodation
CONDITIONS
Deadline for enrollment: October 3rd, 2025.
Special discount for newsletter subscribers available for early bird registrations by March 1st 2025
THE COURSE FEE INCLUDES:
Integration in a small group of participants;
Training 5-6 hours a day, speaking in English e Portuguese;
Lunch during the course, from 4 to 12 December;
Free accommodation at the hostel during the course (10 nights)*;
All the materials needed for the course;
Firing in Sasukenei, our smokeless kiln**;
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.
** IMPORTANT!
For safety reasons during the wood-firing, we ask you to bring footwear that protects the toes, such as sneakers/shoes/boots. We also ask to avoid clothing with synthetic fibers, opting for natural fibers such as 100% cotton.
We also recommend bringing extra space in your luggage to take your pieces home at the end of the course. The available shipping options are not the most suitable or cost-effective for transporting ceramics, so personal transport is recommended.
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. This rate is not cumulative with other discounts or promotions. 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.
GALlERy
