Manel Caro: Technology and ceramics meet in María

I’m always curious to find out about what people are up to locally and recently got talking to Manel Caro after seeing some of his ceramics online. Manel and his wife Rosa moved to Almería for, in his words, “the space” during the pandemic late last year and lives just a few kilometres away from us in a stunning cortijo in the Sierra María Natural Park. I couldn’t pass on an invitation to meet up and have a closer look at his work.

Manel is a product designer, ceramic artist and art school teacher from Girona. He also assists a number of well known Spanish sculptors realise their designs. His enthusiasm for his is highly infectious. His process combines state of the art 3D printing with arguably one of the oldest art forms. In short, the pieces are designed on a computer and molds are 3D printed into which clay or porcelain is then poured. The technology can create anything, from, say, a large vase to small intricate pieces that would be impossible to create by hand. His products range from small pieces that can be used in jewellery making, through custom crockery and small containers to larger sculptural items and vases.

From their cortijo, Manel and his wife Rosa combine their skills to offer a unique holiday experience combining a 6 day ceramics course along with massage therapies and yoga. Options include bed & breakfast, full board, or if clients wish to stay elsewhere and just attend, a 3D printing and ceramics course (options are available in Maria and Vélez-Blanco) that’s fine too – though having sampled Manel and Rosa’a hospitality myself I’m not sure anyone would want to enjoy anything less than full board; they’re lovely people. No experience in either 3D printing or ceramics is necessary and in just 6 days clients will be armed with everything they need to know to get started themselves.

For more information contact Manel and Rosa at potterholyanda@gmail.com or via Instagram. Courses are available in English, Spanish or Catalan.

Alan Gandy

Alan, along with Elle, is the owner of Spain Buddy. He was born in the North of England (Lancashire) and travelled extensively before eventually settling in Almería. Alan has 3 sons from the first of his 18 marriages, (Sam, Joe & Ben) who are all now adults. You can read more articles by Alan on his personal blog at AlanGandy.com and see more of his photography on his photography website as well as on Flickr and Instagram.
Also, for less than the price of a cup of coffee each month you can help support Alan’s photography (and get some freebies into the bargain). Click here to visit his Patreon page to find out more.