en
October 4 - 11
José Mariscal
José Mariscal works primarily with porcelain — chosen for its refinement, clarity, and pure whiteness. His wheel-thrown forms, often classical and understated, reflect a continuous search for harmony between shape and surface. His great fascination: crystal glazes. The dialogue between form and crystal structure is an ongoing investigation for him. He spends hours at the wheel, already imagining the moment the piece emerges from the kiln — with crystals in exactly the right places, in exactly the right density.
His work is defined by clean, precise forms combined with glazes full of living crystal patterns. Mariscal constantly seeks the balance between technical control and the material’s inherent surprises, drawing inspiration from nature, light, and horizon lines.
This retreat is an intensive workshop combining his Korean-influenced throwing style (with his own personal twist) and his expertise in crystal glazes. Throughout the week, he will focus on refining the participants’ throwing skills. He also teaches crystal glaze preparation and application, and the retreat concludes with a raku reduction firing — always full of unexpected results.
José is recognized as a Master Craftsman by the Generalitat de Catalunya, is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics, and is a sought-after instructor. He teaches worldwide, and his work appears in museums, private collections, and international ceramic journals.
The Lessons
Level: Intermediate & Advanced
The Content
5 October – Wheel Throwing: Introduction to Centering and Stretching
We begin with José Mariscal’s centering and stretching technique. Each participant practices creating the tallest possible forms.
6 October – Wheel Throwing: Belly Shapes and Closing Forms
We continue on the wheel, focusing on pieces with a “belly” and learning how to close them cleanly. We also begin working on necks.
7 October – Wheel Throwing: Miniatures & Larger Pieces
We practice both miniature pieces and larger forms, continuing the work built up over the previous days. Some porcelain pieces will need to be re-thrown or refined so they can be glazed during the crystallization workshop.
8 October – Biscuit Firing & Advanced Wheel Work
We prepare pieces for the biscuit firing, including making pedestals for the crystallization firing. At the same time, we continue on the wheel with more complex shapes such as plates and bowls.
9 October – Glaze Preparation & Application
We prepare glazes and apply them to the work. An intensive day focusing on crystal glazes and the best application methods.
10 October – Advanced Crystallization & Wheel-Thrown Textures
José offers additional information about crystal formation and answers questions while the kiln runs. Afterwards, we return to the wheel to experiment with textures.
11 October – Results, Acid Treatment & Raku Post-Reduction
We open the kiln, remove pieces from the pedestals, perform an acid treatment on selected works, and finish with a Raku post-reduction firing to bring out copper reds. A day full of surprises and hands-on analysis of the results.
The Teacher
Mariscal works from his studio in Albons — rooted in tradition, yet always pushing forward. He deliberately chooses porcelain for its clarity, softness, and refinement. On that pure foundation, he explores how form and surface strengthen one another.
His central focus is crystal glazes: complex, temperature-sensitive finishes where chemistry, timing and precision meet. Crystals form in the tension between control and unpredictability — and that tension defines his work.
For Mariscal, every pot is a dialogue:
form ↔ crystals, crystals ↔ form
He searches for the balance between solid technical mastery and the poetic, almost cosmic imagery that crystal structures can evoke.
He draws inspiration from landscapes: sky, sea, plant motifs, and horizon lines. Many of his crystals resemble star fields, organic growth, or frozen motion.
As an international instructor, he teaches around the world (USA, UK, Belgium, Paris, Manises, Gouda, Aubagne…) and creates learning spaces centered on knowledge exchange and experimentation. In 2013 he organized the first Crystalline Congress in La Bisbal — now a major reference point for this technique.
October 4 - 11: Throwing, Crystal Glazing & Raku Firing with Jose Mariscal
Daily schedule:
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yoga - optional 7:00 -8:00
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breakfast 8:15 - 8:45
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class 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (lunch at 12:30 PM)
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3:00 PM free
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5:30 PM - 7:00 PM opportunity to practice on the wheel
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7:00 PM dinner
On October 9 and 11 the days are extra long
What is included?
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Daily ceramic lessons
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All necessary materials
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Optionally one hour of gentle yoga every morning
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner, wine, snacks and refreshments, 1 x a restaurant visit
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An activity (hiking, truffle hunting, safari tour, beach visit or museum visit)
To book
Below you can book this retreat and secure your spot. Please indicate which room you'd like to book. You can view the various rooms, their prices, and the cancellation policies under " Prices & Terms ." I hope to see you soon at Ceramicaza in the Dream House.
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