Elio Cristiani is a Milan-based ceramic artist who left a career as Marketing Director to fully dedicate himself to working with clay. After discovering ceramics in 2007, he trained in Raku techniques with internationally recognised artists such as David Roberts and has since developed his own artistic practice, with works and collaborations in the field of contemporary design.

During his residency at the Lüsnerhof, Elio offers daily, individually bookable ceramic workshops open to guests of the hotel.

Participants are invited to create small ceramic objects such as cups, incense holders, and lanterns using pinch and hand-building techniques. The focus is on direct interaction with the material, exploring form through touch, rhythm, and simple construction. Finished pieces are then refined with engobe decoration.

A second part of the program introduces the philosophy of Kintsugi. Guests work with a broken ceramic bowl, learning about the symbolism of imperfection and repair. The piece is reconstructed using alternative materials such as adhesives and resins in place of traditional gold, shifting the focus from restoration to transformation.

This residency offers a hands-on experience with clay as a medium of process, presence, and change.

The workshops take place daily and can be added individually to the weekly programme during the stay for €59 or €79 per person.