About Us | Ceramica Artistica

Born from Earth and Fire

Ceramica Artistica began in 2003 when master ceramicist Giovanni Moretti converted a centuries-old olive mill into a working pottery studio. What started as a personal pursuit of the perfect glaze formula has grown into a respected atelier known throughout Tuscany and beyond.

Our philosophy remains unchanged: every piece must honor the material. Clay has memory. It records the pressure of thumbs, the speed of the wheel, the humidity of the air on the day it was thrown. We work with these variables rather than against them, allowing each creation to emerge with its own distinct personality.

Today, our team includes five dedicated artisans, each bringing unique expertise in wheel throwing, hand building, glazing, and kiln management. Together, we produce approximately 2,000 pieces annually, each one touched by human hands at every stage of creation.

Interior of ceramic workshop with pottery wheels and shelves

Our Core Values

These principles guide every decision we make in the studio

Authenticity

No shortcuts, no compromises. We use traditional methods because they produce superior results, not because they are fashionable.

Education

We believe in sharing knowledge. Our workshops aim to demystify the craft and inspire the next generation of makers.

Sustainability

Local clay, natural glazes, wood-fired kilns when possible. We minimize our environmental footprint without sacrificing quality.

The Workshop

Our studio occupies a restored 18th-century building in Siena's artisan quarter. The thick stone walls maintain consistent humidity levels essential for proper clay storage, while large north-facing windows provide even, natural light throughout the day.

We operate three electric wheels for daily production, one traditional kick wheel for demonstrations and special projects, and two kilns: a modern electric kiln for reliable bisque firings and a gas reduction kiln for achieving the distinctive atmospheric effects in our glazes.

Visitors often remark on the atmosphere of focused calm that pervades the space. This is intentional. Ceramics demands patience and presence. Our environment reflects those requirements.

Ceramic pieces drying on workshop racks before firing

Our Process

Creation begins with clay preparation. We blend locally sourced terracotta with imported stoneware bodies to achieve the balance of workability and fired strength our designs require. Each batch is tested before use.

Throwing happens in focused sessions. An experienced thrower can produce dozens of cups in a single sitting, but we limit output to maintain the meditative attention that distinguishes handmade from merely hand-touched.

After initial shaping, pieces dry slowly over several days. Rushing this stage invites cracking. Patience here prevents heartbreak later. Trimming, handles, and decorative elements are added once pieces reach leather-hard consistency.

Bisque firing transforms fragile greenware into durable ceramic. Glazing follows, each piece dipped or brushed according to the effect desired. The final firing brings everything together, fusing glaze to clay in the heat of the kiln.

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. Prices shown are indicative and may vary based on project specifications. Actual lead times depend on current workshop capacity and order complexity. Please contact us for accurate quotes. Individual results from workshops vary based on participant experience and aptitude. Ceramica Artistica reserves the right to modify offerings without prior notice.

Our Story