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10-2026 – Isabella Fazzo – Freedom and Structure in the Creative Process 2026/27
An on-line course that ends with a hands-on workshop at La Meridiana
Empower creative abilities and the critical mind
Introduction
Freedom and Structure in the Creative Process is designed for those who want to explore and activate the creative mind and revitalize their work in accordance with their unique self. The instructor will guide students with exercises and will provide tools to inspire ongoing, independent artistic development of ideas and techniques. As a group, we will develop different aspects of our being, broadening our consciousness of concepts of wholeness and change.
Freedom
Every authentic creative gesture is a source of energy, originating from individual, internal strength. What matters more than its uniqueness or brilliance is that it be conceived and matured through internal dialogue. Every authentic gesture—even the simplest of gestures— nourishes us and is woven into the material we choose to use; it imbues us with positive feelings and shapes meaningful objects. These we can then gladly share with others.
Structure
Freedom and Structure in the Creative Process not teach techniques in a conventional aesthetic code, rather it supports an individual path where each student develops their own way to express their intent. Inner freedom and technical sensitivity thus meet in a balance that invigorates the maker’s dialogue with their materials.
Programme and Logistics
The course takes place over a time span of 11 months, starting with an online group meeting in March of 2026 and ending with an in-person workshop in January 2027. It includes ten online group meetings and five one hour long individual online meetings. During the group meetings, a variety of exercises will be assigned to stimulate and empower both the creative abilities and the critical mind. Projects will be assigned for practice in clay and in 2-D formats.
In addition, there will be will be two online guest instructors to hold lectures, a short on line workshop and provide additional feedback to students. During the individual meetings, students will discuss ideas as well as challenges of implementation they have encountered during their “homework” . In conclusion of the course, all students and the instructor will meet for a 2-week-long (ten working days) workshop at La Meridiana. During this time, students will produce their personal project to be displayed in the final group exhibition.
The group meetings are scheduled at specific times. Within reason and upon request PRIOR to the start of the course, there may be the possibility of changing the time or the dates. For the individual meetings, Isabella will agree on the exact timing with each student within a timeframe of availability that may include either weekdays or weekends.
It is mandatory for participants to have access to a ceramic studio at home. Some previouse experience with clay is desirable.
Maximum number of students is of 8.
The artist
Isabella Fazzo was born in Milan. She studied art at the Royal Forest of Dean College in Gloucestershire, England. In 2008, she obtained a Master of Arts in Ceramics from U.W.I.C. Cardiff Metropolitan University. Furthermore, she studied under the guidance of Pietro Elia Maddalena, founder of La Meridiana. She lives in Florence where she works and teaches, collaborating with various institutions. She says of herself: “I move in many different fields of creativity and teach in these fields with joy and passion. Life has brought unexpected as well as surprising experiences and perhaps most importantly, has led to look at it always with fresh sight. ” http://www.isabellafazzo.com
| Artist | Isabella Fazzo |
|---|---|
| Level of Course | Some experience required |
| Technique | Handbuilding, Sculpture |
| Deposit for booking | Euro 1000 |
- Aims of the course
- Workshop fee & Lodging
- Additional information
- Payment and Refund Policy
- Comments of previous participants
Aims of the course
-Develop creativity at home through individual and group exercises, research, two and three -dimensional work.
– Establish a dialogue with materials that embraces every aspect: technical, formal, conceptual, spiritual.
– Understand and learn to use the mechanisms of analogies and symbols.
– Create a personal dialogue with your internal and external reality, free from prejudices and expectations.
– Get in touch with your creative energy and develop your own personal language.
–Deepen and broaden your use of ceramic techniques, understand and explore their intrinsic meaning.
– Learn to work with the materials available, using the time you have at disposal.
– Develop a personal project, rooted in and inspired by your inner truth.
Workshop fee & Lodging
The costs listed include both: the workshop fee and the lodging during the final two weeks at La Meridiana:
Standard shared double room with shared bathroom at maximum 15 minutes walking distance from La Meridiana. Final course cost: Euro 5240
Standard single room with shared bathroom at maximum 15 minutes walking distance from La Meridiana. Final course cost: Euro 5600
Private apartment at maximum 15 minutes walking distance from La Meridiana. Final course cost: Euro 6200
Course cost without lodging: Euro 4800
Additional information
The cost of the course includes:
- 25 hours of online group meetings.
- 5 hours of individual online lessons.
- Two guest lectures.
- In-person workshops at La Meridiana of ten (10) full working days in the studio.
- Clay and firing within reason during the hands-on workshops (please note that requests for materials beyond the school’s normal stock and for firings of extra-large pieces cannot be guaranteed).
- Lunch during the workshop days.
- Welcome breakfast.
- Welcome and farwell dinner.
Not included:
- Materials for at-home assignments during the year.
- Lodging during the hands on workshop at La Meridiana.
Payment and Refund Policy
A deposit of 1000€ is required at registration. After submitting the registration form, you may proceed with the payment on-line. If you choose to pay by bank transfer, the registration will be confirmed once the deposit has been accredited in our banking account. The balance is due in twop instalments:
the 1st instalment is due by April 7th 2026.
The 2nd instalment is due by September 23rd 2026.
Cancellation policy
You may withdraw within 14 days of registration without incurring in any penalties and will have the deposit fully refunded. No refund of deposits past 14 days of registration, pursuant to articles 53 and following of the EU consumer protection legislation.
You may withdraw from the course up to April 3rd, 2026 without being required to pay the first instalment of the balance. The deposit of €1,000 is non-refundable.
You may withdraw from the course between April 3rd and September 22nd, 2026 without being required to pay the second instalment of the balance. In this case, the deposit of €1,000 and the first instalment of the balance are non-refundable.
For cancellations made from September 23rd, 2026, the second instalment of the balance must be paid in full. The deposit and the balance remain non-refundable.
If La Meridiana cannot hold the course due to unforeseen events beyond our control, La Meridiana reserves the right to offer a voucher for a different course of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years. The deposit will be transferred to the new course.
Comments of previous participants
“Here’s my thoughts: In this course, I have felt my creative process profoundly deepen and extend into realms previously uncharted within my imagination. The one-on-one sessions with Isabella, along with the wisdom shared by guest lecturers, have collectively encouraged me to adopt a more dimensional perspective in approaching my art practice. In our meetings, Isabella has skilfully revealed the nuances of my inner voice, akin to how a therapist may unveil profound insights from unexplored corners of one’s psyche.”
Sarah
“It is a caring and supportive environment to grow and explore, guided by someone who genuinely wants to see us find our creative voice. Working together over the whole year helps to really shift my practice and to take risks and explore.”
Martine
“My goal was to come into the class without any pre-conceived notions of what I might make, and to see where the process might take me. From the very start, the curriculum has nurtured that objective. To add to the exercises that we have done in pursuing our individual projects, there have been recommended films, readings, and fascinating guest speaker presentations. The opportunity to meet with both the group as well as Isabella monthly has further enhanced the process.”
Elisabeth
“The course has given me insight into some of the influences in art of ancient and current philosophical debates, and it has helped me to better understand the role of free exploration and experimentation in making art. I have learned so much from Isabella, from the invited instructors and from my fellow students, whose work — and their comments on my work — has challenged and inspired me to think about ceramics in new ways.”
Marcie
“Isabella is a wonderful guide through the meanders of the creative process. Her class showed me how to structure my process without compromising creative freedom. I found confidence in my work and in the possibility of bringing it with me into my future practice. I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone who’s starting their artistic journey and wants to find their own voice.”
Valentina
“I think Isabella Fazzo is one of the best ceramic teachers I have known so far. Besides her enthusiasm and commitment, she also provides that very important spiritual and personal part, next to the content. The powerpoints were interesting: the didactic material was perfect.What I liked most were the individual meetings where Isabella could really ‘read’ me and give personal advise.”
Elise
“Isabella, your work helped me connect ceramics with the hidden parts of the soul. It also contributed with your immense cultural knowledge and the reinterpretation of it applied to ceramics. I wanted to thank you personally for the energy you have put into this project that has surpasses expectations.”
Mariana
“This year long course was a stimulating creative experience. Isabella Fazzo is a bright, generous and most engaged artist and teacher. She listens carefully and is able to highlight aspects that can be useful in each individual’s creative journey. As the title announces, this course will give you the openness to free your creative outlook, yet at the same time help you narrow and structure the work in a well rounded output. I would strongly recommend anyone looking for «focus and freedom» to work with Isabella.”
Helena