The 20th of August marked the end of a trainee camp in the heart of Sicily, Sciacca. Over the course of the month, I had the opportunity to explore and experiment with majolica, a technique dating back to the 15th century that is still very much alive in Sciacca today, where the streets are filled with craftsmen producing decorated plates and ceramics by hand.
My tutors were Eugenio Sclafani and his son Giuseppe, both well known in Sciacca. Working from a small bench in their workshop, surrounded by white glazed plates and bowls, I had the space to experiment freely. Over the month I created around six sculptures and fifteen small plates, each aimed at capturing a decorative Sicilian style. I also visited many of the local ceramic artists in their studios, seeing firsthand the work that goes into their craft, and took part in conversations about tourism and its relationship with traditional Sicilian craftsmanship.
Another important figure during this camp was Cosimo Barna, an artist from Sciacca who has also exhibited in Milan. I had several sessions with Cosimo at his home studio, where he encouraged me to continue developing my prawn series. I enjoyed working freely on paper across different media, and valued our conversations about his own artistic path. Cosimo’s feedback was direct and constructive, and it pushed me to think more critically about my own work.
This month in Sciacca was a continuation of my personal artistic journey, and I’m confident the experience will shape the work I go on to create next.
