Bas-relief, Sculpture and Casting with Maja
Immerse yourself in sculptural techniques with renowned artist Maja in Camaiore, a picturesque Tuscan village near Pietrasanta’s famed bronze foundries and marble artisans. From clay bas-reliefs to wood, stone sculptures, bronze, and porcelain casting, explore a variety of techniques while delving into Tuscany’s rich sculptural heritage. Beyond the studio, visit Carrara’s quarries, savor local cuisine, and experience the region’s timeless charm.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1185
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $480
Accommodation
- One Guest
- USD $650
- Additional guest(s)
- USD $50
Meet the Artist
Maja is a renowned sculptor whose practice spans bas-reliefs, ceramics, concrete, resin, and metals, working across both human and architectural scales. Originally from Switzerland, Maja’s sculptural journey began at 26, when she discovered her passion for stone sculpting. She soon moved to Tuscany, home to world-renowned marble artisans and the famed bronze foundries of Pietrasanta. Today, she lives her dream, working from her studio in the Tuscan countryside, surrounded by an olive grove and lush gardens. Her work is both local and global, with exhibitions across Europe and seven years of residencies in Iceland.
Maja spent 15 years focused on bronze before discovering bas-reliefs, which became her passion and led her to explore new materials like acrylic resin, aluminum casting, concrete, plaster, and ceramics. Her expertise now spans clay and plasticine modeling, porcelain casting, metal welding, and traditional wood and stone sculpting.
For Maja, sculpture is a way to connect with others and share common inspiration. Surrounded by foundries, marble studios, and artisans, she welcomes the opportunity to guide you through the creative process, helping you expand your skills while drawing inspiration from the beauty of Tuscany.
Maja spent 15 years focused on bronze before discovering bas-reliefs, which became her passion and led her to explore new materials like acrylic resin, aluminum casting, concrete, plaster, and ceramics. Her expertise now spans clay and plasticine modeling, porcelain casting, metal welding, and traditional wood and stone sculpting.
For Maja, sculpture is a way to connect with others and share common inspiration. Surrounded by foundries, marble studios, and artisans, she welcomes the opportunity to guide you through the creative process, helping you expand your skills while drawing inspiration from the beauty of Tuscany.
VAWAA Includes:
- Craft your sculpture journey choosing from a variety of techniques suited to your skill level.
- All levels: Model a bas-relief in terracotta clay, using simple plaster casting techniques to create ceramic tiles or artistic bas-reliefs.
- Beginners: Learn to sculpt wood and stone forms using hand tools.
- Intermediate: Learn to sculpt a form on a structure and cast it in acrylic resin or plaster using a simple rubber mold. Alternatively, cast your sculpture in wax and prepare it for bronze casting (additional fee for rubber mold and bronze casting at a foundry).
- Advanced: Explore sculpting techniques to create a plaster mold for slip casting in porcelain, or use a rubber mold to cast in resin (additional fee for rubber mold).
- Visit Pietrasanta and nearby bronze foundry to witness the bronze casting process.
- Visit marble quarries in Carrara and local sculpture studios to explore the local scene.
- Visit Lucca, home to many decorative bas-reliefs on churches and public buildings.
- Option to hike the Apuan Alps or beach south of Viareggio, savor local Tuscan cuisine, or rent a mountain bike to explore the area if time permits.
Stay at Maja's
Stay with Maja in a private, 50 square meter apartment with a large attached terrace looking out into the surrounding landscape. Amenities include a private room with a double bed, pull-out sofa, high-speed WIFI, small corner kitchen, and large private bathroom, complimentary eggs from Maja’s chicken, homegrown vegetables (depending on seasonality), and access to Maja’s garden and BBQ grill. A wood stove is available for the winter, and there are ventilators for the summer months. The apartment is accessible from the outdoors by a few stairs. Maja has a friendly dog and cat who may wander around the outdoor areas of her property.
For a more affordable and private option, you can choose to stay in the cabin on her property suitable for nature lovers only. Available in summer (June-August) and Winter (November-February), it is located in the middle of an olive grove, complete with a view of the sea, accessible via a short, steep trail which does not have nighttime illumination. Amenities include two single beds, a small corner kitchen, private bathroom, and wood stove. There is no WIFI or air conditioning in the cabin.
For a more affordable and private option, you can choose to stay in the cabin on her property suitable for nature lovers only. Available in summer (June-August) and Winter (November-February), it is located in the middle of an olive grove, complete with a view of the sea, accessible via a short, steep trail which does not have nighttime illumination. Amenities include two single beds, a small corner kitchen, private bathroom, and wood stove. There is no WIFI or air conditioning in the cabin.
Explore Camaiore, Tuscany
Camaiore, located in the heart of Versilia and just 30 minutes from Pisa and 15 minutes from Pietrasanta, is a charming Tuscan town at the foothills of the Apuan Alps, close to the Mediterranean coast. Its historic center features medieval churches, cobblestone streets, and lively markets, while the surrounding countryside offers olive groves, hiking trails, and the beautiful Candalla Waterfalls.
As a gateway to Pietrasanta, Tuscany's "City of Artists," Camaiore is perfect for art lovers, with nearby marble studios, bronze foundries, and galleries. The Museum of Sacred Art in Palazzo Tori-Massoni offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history. For outdoor enthusiasts, the UNESCO-recognized marble quarries of Carrara and the stunning Apuan Alps are just a short drive away. Camaiore, along with its vibrant Versilia region, offers a blend of art, nature, and culture, providing diverse experiences for every traveler.
As a gateway to Pietrasanta, Tuscany's "City of Artists," Camaiore is perfect for art lovers, with nearby marble studios, bronze foundries, and galleries. The Museum of Sacred Art in Palazzo Tori-Massoni offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history. For outdoor enthusiasts, the UNESCO-recognized marble quarries of Carrara and the stunning Apuan Alps are just a short drive away. Camaiore, along with its vibrant Versilia region, offers a blend of art, nature, and culture, providing diverse experiences for every traveler.
Additional Details
The best times to visit Camaiore are in spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October), when temperatures are mild and tourist crowds are thin. It’s best to avoid July and August, when the weather is hot and tourist crowds are thick.
This session can be extended for up to 30 days. Please add a note in your booking request. Children 5 years and older accompanied by a guardian, people with special needs, and wheelchair users are welcome to attend, though the bathroom is located at the house and is not specially equipped for wheelchairs. For young children, Maja recommends adapting the duration of the studio session to accommodate shorter attention spans.
Ceramic firing after the date of your VAWAA is included. For an additional fee, Maja can ship your finished works.
Maja speaks fluent German, Italian, English, and French, and she is conversationally fluent in Spanish.
This session can be extended for up to 30 days. Please add a note in your booking request. Children 5 years and older accompanied by a guardian, people with special needs, and wheelchair users are welcome to attend, though the bathroom is located at the house and is not specially equipped for wheelchairs. For young children, Maja recommends adapting the duration of the studio session to accommodate shorter attention spans.
Ceramic firing after the date of your VAWAA is included. For an additional fee, Maja can ship your finished works.
Maja speaks fluent German, Italian, English, and French, and she is conversationally fluent in Spanish.