Ceramic Wheel Throwing with Josep
Immerse in the ancient tradition of Cerámica Negra with Josep in Verdú, a picturesque Catalonian village and historic hub for the art form. Learn wheel-throwing techniques, create functional kitchenware, and discover the unique smoke-firing method that gives pottery its signature matte black finish. Outside the studio, explore Verdú’s charming streets, Romanesque churches, and enjoy the Catalonian sun.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1155
- Additional guest(s) (max 2)
- USD $570
Meet the Artist
Josep is a distinguished Spanish ceramic artist and the latest heir to his family’s multigenerational workshop, founded around 1730 in Verdú, Catalonia. He carries forward the region’s renowned Cerámica Negra tradition—firing pottery in a smoke-filled, wood-fired kiln to turn the clay black. Practiced in Verdú since medieval times, the technique traces its roots to the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Black, red, and white—among the earliest ceramic colors—also formed the core palette of Celtiberian culture.
Josep’s work bridges this ancient heritage with a contemporary sensibility. With over 25 years at the pottery wheel, he shapes each piece entirely by hand, without molds, allowing for spontaneity and uniqueness. His signature matte black surfaces, touched with silvery reflections, emerge from a 50-hour firing where flames and smoke create organic variations in beige, gray, and black. The result is a raw, elemental aesthetic—timeless yet strikingly modern.
Though deeply rooted in tradition, Josep continually evolves his practice. He experiments with 3D-printed ceramics, exploring how digitally produced striations on the clay’s surface transform under ancestral firing, and uses enamel finishes to adapt historic forms for modern, functional kitchenware.
With infectious enthusiasm and deep reverence for his craft, Josep is dedicated to teaching others and preserving Cerámica Negra—ensuring this rare and powerful tradition continues to thrive and inspire.
Josep’s work bridges this ancient heritage with a contemporary sensibility. With over 25 years at the pottery wheel, he shapes each piece entirely by hand, without molds, allowing for spontaneity and uniqueness. His signature matte black surfaces, touched with silvery reflections, emerge from a 50-hour firing where flames and smoke create organic variations in beige, gray, and black. The result is a raw, elemental aesthetic—timeless yet strikingly modern.
Though deeply rooted in tradition, Josep continually evolves his practice. He experiments with 3D-printed ceramics, exploring how digitally produced striations on the clay’s surface transform under ancestral firing, and uses enamel finishes to adapt historic forms for modern, functional kitchenware.
With infectious enthusiasm and deep reverence for his craft, Josep is dedicated to teaching others and preserving Cerámica Negra—ensuring this rare and powerful tradition continues to thrive and inspire.
VAWAA Includes:
- Learn wheel-throwing techniques, perfecting movements to shape any form you desire.
- Work with traditional red clay, shaping your pieces entirely by hand and basic tools.
- Create functional kitchenware such as mugs, plates, water jugs, and bowls.
- Finish your pieces with regular firing and food-safe enamel glaze for everyday use.
- Gain insight into the ancient Cerámica Negra smoke-firing technique, unique to Verdú, which creates the signature matte black finish with silvery reflections.
- Experiment with decorative pieces using this centuries-old smoke-firing method, historically practiced in Verdú when homes had no running water, to achieve the same signature finish. (Note: The 50-hour wood-fired process means pieces will be shipped after firing, at an additional cost.)
Explore Verdu, Catalonia
Verdú is a small historic village in Catalonia, about 90 minutes west of Barcelona and just 5 kilometers from the town of Tàrrega. Known for its centuries-old tradition of Cerámica Negra, Verdú exudes medieval charm with its narrow cobblestone streets, stone houses, and landmarks like the 11th-century Castell de Verdú and 13th-century Sant Pere Church. Catalonia itself is rich in cultural heritage, with archaeological remains from prehistoric, Iberian, Roman, and medieval periods offering insight into the civilizations that have shaped it. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees, it sits within the Costers del Segre wine region. Today, Verdú is a quiet, creative hub where Catalan heritage, slow living, and artisanal craft thrive—making it an inspiring destination for artists and travelers alike.
Additional Details
The best time to visit Verdú is during the sunny months (April-October), when the warmth and light helps the clay dry quickly. In winter (November to March), the drying process takes longer, which can delay finishing and firing. While winter visits are possible, the clay must be fully dry before finishing techniques can be applied.
This VAWAA is not available for longer durations.
Children accompanied by a guardian, elders, and people with accessibility issues are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, the pottery wheel technique is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Josep speaks Spanish, Catalan, and a little English.
This VAWAA is not available for longer durations.
Children accompanied by a guardian, elders, and people with accessibility issues are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, the pottery wheel technique is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Josep speaks Spanish, Catalan, and a little English.