August 10-16, 2026
WOVEN PORCELAIN Workshop/Retreat with Stela Ivanova
In this workshop you'll learn the innovative techniques of ceramic artist Stela Ivanova, who creates delicate porcelain structures with intricate patterns reminiscent of lace or fabric, through the careful setting of porcelain coils. Thanks to controlled collapse during high-temperature firing, the rigid, raw pieces are transformed into unique sculptures with a characteristic organic beauty.
The workshop will focus largely on learning the techniques to create these sculptures, and while each participant may create several pieces, only the small pieces will be fired and transportable. We will make one larger piece as a group, to demonstrate the firing techniques and results.
The workshop is about learning the techniques needed to create this unique style of sculpture in your own studio.
No previous experience required. This workshop is open to all skill levels.
Max: 10
Min: 6
We needed to reschedule this workshop but are working on new dates very soon. Be sure to contact Nicole to be notified when dates are published.
Meet
Stela Ivanova
Bulgarian-born, Portuguese artist, Stela Ivanova graduated from Faculty of Architecture in Lisbon and was working as an architect when in 2009 she became fascinated with ceramics, and began her career as a ceramic artist.
She primarily uses porcelain clay and has developed a unique technique that uses countless overlapping tiny coils to create lace-like structures. She has been a finalist in numerous international ceramic biennials and exhibitions, most recently at the prestigious Biennale Blanc de Chine in China. She has also won the recognition award at the Faenza Biennale in Italy and second award at the Mostra Ceramica Castellamonte in Italy.
Her work has been featured in magazines such as *New Ceramics* and *TerrArte*. Since 2023, Stela Ivanova has been a member of the International Academy of Ceramics in Geneva.
You can see more of Stela's work on her Instagram and Facebook pages.
Artist Statement
Due to my background in architecture, I conceive my works as linear structures assembled on a surface. This surface, in turn, takes shape in a three-dimensional way, undulating, twisting, and joining with other warped surfaces to ultimately form the final shape.
Overlaid on this architectural vision, are memories of fabrics from my childhood in Bulgaria, where there was a strong tradition of making home textiles and knitting. Thus, I frequently move from more robust architectural structures to fine fabric like threads. It all depends on the size of the coils.
And because memory sometimes exerts a dominant influence, I often choose thinner coils. I want to experience this tangle of threads, follow the path of each yarn. I would like to become tiny in order to better observe each detail, to jump from thread to thread, to delight in the woven patterns, to roll and nestle on this fluffy carpet, to feel it, to inhale its subtle fragrance...
I want to feel the frayed ends between my fingers, to weave them back, and thus repeat the gestures of my grandmother, the weaver, to zoom in her movements, to pin and collage these small pieces of memory. It is this fever that takes me hostage in the process of making. But not only that. I like to invite people to witness this!
I don't want to attach any political, social, ecological, or philosophical meanings to my work. And I also don't want to call my works "fabrics" because they aren't. They are purely abstract reveries. They are porcelain structures that may or may not resemble textiles, or lace, or knitting, or urban maps, or architectural grids, or organic plant forms... They may deviate from that; they may be new inventions, they are not imitations, and have nothing to do with reality.
Is it simple? No. So how can I directly answer questions about what my works represent, what they are for, what they mean? Perhaps I can answer this: observe, feel, follow, listen, and experience each intricate line of this work. Then you will know.
About the Workshop
This retreat is a mixture of an immersive studio experience, and art & cultural exploration of some of the hidden gems of western Portugal. Plus we'll have an unobstructed view of the complete solar eclipse on August 12, and the studio is 95% in the path of totality!
You'll spend 3 full days in the studio, learning about Stela's inspiration, techniques and process. You'll build your own smaller sculpture, and a larger collaborative piece with the other artists in the workshop.
The pieces will dry and fire slowly, giving us the opportunity to take day trips to see medieval castles and monastery's, giant ocean waves, and lots of art and architecture that's sure to inspire your creations when you return to your own studio.
What's Included
This six day workshop runs Tuesday, August 11 through Sunday, August 16. Traveling guests are encouraged to arrive on Monday August 10 to get settled and to enjoy our welcome dinner. Guests will depart on Monday, August 17, unless they make arrangements to stay longer, in advance.
There are three tiers for participation:
- All inclusive with Lodging: Is available for four guests, and includes lodging at Villa do Barro, 24/7 studio access, light breakfast buffet, 3 lunches, and five dinners, plus transportation and a local guide for half day and full day explorations of local towns Caldas da Rainha and Obidos with a focus on Portuguese culture, art and architecture. Meals on these day trips (1 lunch and 2 dinners) are not included in the price of the retreat. All materials are included, and small pieces will be fired to take home.
- All Inclusive without Lodging: Visiting guests will enjoy the same offering as above, excluding lodging at Villa do Barro. We have partnerships with three local accommodations and can help facilitate booking those spaces. Two locations are walkable, one requires a 7 minute drive.
- Workshop Only: Local artists can choose to participate in the workshop only, which includes materials, class time, instruction and lunches. Optional: we invite local artists to add on the Welcome and Farewell dinners. This package does not include the day tours or other meals, but modifications can be made as available.
- Not Included: Airfare and airport transportation from Lisbon are not included, but we can help make arrangements as needed.
From Portland to Portugal: the evolution of Well Traveled Wares
In late 2024, my husband Nick and I relocated to a small agricultural village in the Silver Coast area of Portugal. We found a plot of land with two houses, and a giant garage big enough to house a ceramic studio. The bigger house was transformed into a residency house for up to 4 guest artists, and in 2025 they began hosting artists for residencies and teaching classes to local artists. Thus creating a new play on "Well Traveled Wares" and expanding it to visiting and local artists, and the wares they create here and travel home with.