What Did Our 5-Week Beginner’s Course Students Say About Their Experience?

“An experience that provided a distinct and engaging contrast to my professional pursuits.”

My name is Sahitya, and I am based in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, where I am professionally engaged in aqua farming. My work involves a direct interaction with the soil, within an agricultural context rather than an artistic one.

Recently, I undertook a five-week pottery course from Dharamkot Studio, an experience that provided a distinct and engaging contrast to my professional pursuits. The entire process was extremely fulfilling and felt a great sense of joy.

I found particular satisfaction in the techniques of wheel throwing, and the exploration of glazing proved to be a surprisingly profound and enjoyable process. This experience has cultivated a newfound appreciation for the creative potential inherent in working with clay, and I’m looking forward to exploring it more.

“The instructors and how the course is structured really inspired me to get out of my comfort zone of throwing on the wheel, and try out new hand building techniques.”

When I decided to take a six month sabbatical from work, I knew I wanted to dedicate time to building up my skill in pottery and once I’d stumbled across the Dharamkot studio on Instagram, it felt like a calling.

Having now completed the 5 week beginner’s course, I know it’s been the best decision I ever made for myself and has been everything I dreamed of and so much more.

The instructors and how the course is structured really inspired me to get out of my comfort zone of throwing on the wheel, and try out new hand building techniques like coiling and sculpting larger pieces that I wouldn’t have ever thought to try.

Gentle Geometry: My first ever ceramic collection was slowly built around the concept of exploring the combination of geometric shapes in a softer, more gentle way. This involved exploring a mix of angular, clean lines, with slightly more rounded forms, and what better way to really depict ‘gentle geometry’ than the female form.

Meet Barbara, Bonita, and Bijli – each with a mysterious story to tell, a mind of her own, and unafraid to take up her space in the world.

“Ceramics is the perfect metaphor for life: much is outside your control, things will break, and the process itself teaches you more than the outcome ever could.”

I came to the 5-week pottery course with a couple of months of pottery experience under my belt. What I discovered in this magical Himalayan forest was both humbling and transformative.

My wheel throwing skills dramatically improved, but I was quickly humbled by all the things that can go wrong in the process—from the first touch of clay to the nerve-wracking kiln opening.

This course has allowed to experiment and observe my approach to pottery. As a product designer, I’m wired to solve users’ problems through digital experiences. I noticed this same mindset naturally flowing into my ceramic work—I gravitate toward functional pottery that solves everyday problems.

This discovery felt like finding my artistic voice. My mission going forward is clear: creating beautiful, functional pieces that are both problem-solving tools and accessible art.

“The time, care and precision required to make something as simple as a cup or a bowl is something I feel I have fallen in love with.”

Prior to my time at Dharamkot Studio, my experiences with clay had been limited to some weekly classes with friends. It has been so special to have so much time to commit to learning about pottery, and to explore the different processes involved.

My exploration of different techniques was carefully guided and aided by our lovely tutors, who were encouraging, honest, and knowledgeable. However, fairly early into our time in the studio I was drawn to carving and have chosen to make it a big part of my practice.

Use of colour is something I explored and experimented with during this time as well; you will see lots of greens, blacks and darker tones, with sporadic pops of vibrant colours. I enjoy contrast, and playing with different colour combinations brought me great joy!

My time at Dharamkot studio has been inspiring and exciting. I’m very grateful to have had this opportunity and hope to continue learning.

“This course gave me the space to play—to let go of precision and see where curiosity could lead.”

My name is Kanupriya Padwar. I’m an Interior Designer with a background in UI/UX design, currently based in Delhi. Over time, my creative practice has naturally gravitated toward ceramics—particularly hand-pinched forms where I actually love the little imperfections that show up.

I completed a five-week pottery course at a studio in Dharamkot, where I was mentored through a range of techniques that helped expand my approach to ceramics. I worked on the wheel, explored new forms and shapes, and had fun experimenting with glazing and black firing.

This course gave me the space to play—to let go of precision and see where curiosity could lead. Now, I’m looking forward to working more with clay, experimenting and seeing where my style goes next.