New ways with clay

Dates: 4-10Apr, 2025
Level: Intermediate/advanced
Facilitators/Artists: Reyaz Badaruddin and Elodie Alexandre
Number of participants– 10
Seats available- 10
Fees:
INR 84500+18% Taxes /person
INR 144000+18% Taxes/ 2 people
(including-  materials, private room and meals and local tours/activities.) 

Workshop Outline:

This process-oriented workshop is best for art enthusiasts looking for new directions in their ceramic practice. This workshop is designed to help participants gain skills in the medium, go deeper into their practice and discover the possibilities within. Through a series of guided hand-building exercises, participants will experiment with creative ways to work with clay. The workshop includes making sculptures, using various hand-building techniques and other creative tools (such as 2D tracing and collage) and learning how to reflect and apply creative thinking. This workshop is a real mind-opener for those who want to explore the medium in new ways. In the workshop we will be using terracotta clay, different slips and other tools.

About Artists:

Reyaz is an Indian ceramic artist who has participated in several national and international shows and residencies. He also taught ceramics for many years in New Delhi. He trained both in India and the UK.

Élodie is a French artist who specialises in ceramics and drawing. She holds a BA and MA in ceramics from Cardiff School of Art and Design, UK.

Workshop Schedule:

5th Apr – Check–in before 11AM, take your time to settle in, visit the studio, meet other people and attend your first pottery session from 3 PM – 7 PM.

6, 7, 8, 9 & 10– These days of the workshop include pottery sessions between 11AM-1:30PM and 3:30- 5:30PM.

11th Apr –The check–out is at 11 AM after breakfast.

How to Apply:

To apply to this course, write an email to manoj@dharamkotstudio.com

Attach – your CV/Resume/portfolio (ceramic/ Pottery)

Write – about yourself, your motivation to join this workshop, about prior experience with clay.

Your email will be reviewed and replied to within 3-5 days. There is no last date to join this course, admissions are on an availability basis.

Cancellation/rescheduling – The booking amount will be 30% of the total amount, which is non-refundable. Your course can be rescheduled in case of emergency.

Stay:

The accommodation and studio lie amidst the pine and cedar forest, completely secluded from the hustle-bustle of the town yet easily approachable by road and just a 5-minute walk away from the village. We have single and double-occupancy rooms. We don’t put up strangers together- so you will either have the whole room or share it with someone you bring along.

All the rooms are with attached washrooms, high–speed WiFi, power backup, hot water, electric kettle, heaters/Fan private balcony and modernist aesthetics. You will have a view of the Dhauladhar mountain range from your room!

Laundry and taxi services are available at the property.

Meals:

An in–house cafeteria provides delicious and healthy vegetarian food. Vegan or gluten-free food is also available on request. All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) are included in the price. Apart from our in–house cafe there are many other cafes to explore, just a 7-10 minutes walk away from the retreat centre.

Weather:

Mar– Jun: The summer season in the mountains can be an absolutely stunning time of year. With the snow melted away and the sun shining, the mountains come alive with an array of colours, scents, and sounds. The temperature during the day can range from pleasantly cool to warm, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The air is crisp and fresh, with a sweet scent of pine and other mountain flora.

Bring – Sunglasses, hiking shoes and light clothes with a light jacket for cooler evenings.

How to Reach:

By Air – Dharamshala airport (DHM) is the nearest airport which is around 20 km (50 minutes) from the studio, Delhi, direct taxi (1200/-) to the studio will be available.

By Bus – Overnight journey from Delhi by AC semi-sleeper bus. These buses are comfortable and safe, you can book the on Redbus or zingbus app. The nearest bus station is Dharamshala (8 km), and from the bus station, you can take a taxi (Rs. 600/-) to the studio.

By Train – Pathankot (85km) is the nearest railway station, from Pathankot you can take public transport to Dharamshala and then a taxi to the Studio. Or you can take a taxi from Pathankot to the studio.

FAQs:

Q- What are the other activities apart from the workshop. 
A- Apart from the workshop, there are 4 other activities- yoga, meditation, nature walk and local sightseeing tour during the time period of 6 days.

Q- Will my pieces be fired and glazed after the workshop? 
A- Pieces under 12 inches can be fired/glazed and shipped to your address after the workshop with extra charges. 800-1500/pc depending on the size within India, international shipping charges will be extra.

Q- Can a beginner join this workshop? 
A- This workshop is only for the people who have some basic knowledge and experience of working with clay.

Q- Do I need to bring anything with me for the course?
A- No, All the materials, tools, apron, hand towel will be provided.

Q- Can I use the studio space for additional practice after the workshop or for an extra night’s stay?
A- No