Pottery & Ceramic Courses in India (5 weeks)
This full-time beginner course is designed for people who want to take pottery/ceramics forward as a profession or serious hobby.
Batch schedule
- 28 Aug – 1 Oct
- 9 Oct – 12 Nov
- 20 Nov – 24 Dec
Batch schedule
- 21 Aug – 24 Sep
- 02 Oct – 05 Nov
- 13 Nov – 17 Dec
Course details
Fees:
INR 105800 + 18% Taxes (including course fee and all materials)
INR 214700 + 18% Taxes (including course fee, all materials, private room, and all meals)
Seats: 5 students / batch
Please Note: For our Beginner’s Course, stay options are available only in Dharamshala. Goa batches are non-residential, and we’re happy to guide you to good stays close to the studio.
Course Outline: The five-week beginners’ pottery course at Dharamkot Studio is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the basic components required to work as a beginner ceramic/pottery artist.
Throughout the course, you will engage in structured tasks and projects that build technical skill, creative confidence, and a practical working knowledge of clay.
Course Components
The course covers the following key components, spread across the full five-week duration.
1. Techniques of Forming
You will learn both wheel throwing and hand-building techniques. Wheel throwing involves creating pottery on a spinning wheel, while hand-building focuses on shaping clay manually using different techniques such as coiling, slab building, and pinching.
2. Understanding Glazes, Glazing, and Firing
This component introduces you to the basics of glazes, which are decorative coatings applied to pottery before firing. You will learn about different types of glazes, their application techniques, and the firing process necessary to achieve the desired results.
3. Understanding Design and Self-Expression
The course emphasizes the importance of design in pottery and explores possibilities for self-expression. You will learn about design principles, explore different artistic styles, and be encouraged to express your creativity through your ceramic creations.
Studio gallery
Course planning
Course Structure
In week one, you will be taught the techniques of wheel throwing, surface design, and hand-building. Following the instruction, you will have ample practice time to hone your skills in these areas.
After two weeks, you have the freedom to choose whether you want to focus on wheel throwing or hand-building.
Course Objective
By providing a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental techniques, production methods, glazing, firing, and design principles, this five-week pottery course aims to equip you with a solid foundation as a beginner ceramic/pottery artist.
It allows you to explore different avenues of pottery and encourages your creative expression with clay.
Teaching-Learning Method
The curriculum includes basic theory, demonstrations, tasks, and mentor-mentee discussions over 6 working days.
Each week, there are teaching sessions, guided practice, and self-practice sessions.
During the course you will use mid-range (cone 5-7) stoneware clay/glazes in electric and gas-fired kilns.
Outcome & Important Notes
A final phase of the course is focused on exposure, reflection, and setting realistic long-term learning expectations.
Local Potter and Studio Tour
Visit local pottery studios and interact with skilled potters, gaining insights into techniques and practices.
Student Exhibition
Showcase your creations in a dedicated exhibition at the end of the course, celebrating your progress and creativity.
Important Notes
Ceramics is a vast subject and learning pottery as a skill can be a slow process that requires dedication and single-mindedness.
5 weeks of learning will create a basic understanding and confidence to pursue studio pottery. What we do here is set you up on a path as a potter; you will further need a lot of practice and individual study to achieve your goal of becoming a professional artist/potter.
Course Logistics
Working Hours
10am-5pm (6 days a week), Lunch – 1:30-3pm, Location – Studio-2 (art retreat centre).
How to Apply
To apply for this course, please email manoj@dharamkotstudio.com, specifying your preferred batch, accommodation, and a brief self-introduction. You can expect a reply within 1-2 days. Once we receive your email, we’ll send you the registration form for your application review. Admission prioritizes the quality of applications, followed by availability.
Booking / Cancellation / Rescheduling
The booking amount is 30% of the total amount and is non-refundable. Your course can be rescheduled in case of emergency.
Stay and Meals - Dharamshala
The accommodation is located amidst pine and cedar forests, just a 5-minute walk from the village while remaining quiet and secluded.
Participants staying with us receive a private room with an attached bathroom, balcony, WiFi, hot water, power backup, and views of the Dhauladhar mountains.
Healthy vegetarian meals are available at our in-house cafeteria, with vegan and gluten-free options on request. Several cafés are also within a 7–10 minute walk from the retreat centre.
Stay and meals Goa
The Goa Beginners Course is a non-residential program. Accommodation and meals are not included in the course fee.
However, we are happy to help participants find accommodation near the studio during the application process. There are several guesthouses, homestays, and rental options within walking distance of the studio.
AS SEEN ON
FAQs
Are there other stay options near the studio, if I want to live outside the premises?
Are there other stay options near the studio, if I want to live outside the premises?
There are many guest houses/home stays around the studio (10–15 minutes walk). We can provide a list of possibilities with contact numbers on request during the admission process.
Do I need to bring anything with me for the course?
Do I need to bring anything with me for the course?
No, you will be provided with everything you need including materials, tools, and aprons.
Can I start my own studio after this course?
Can I start my own studio after this course?
Yes. You will have the potential to establish a basic studio, but it requires high dedication, investment ability, and natural inspiration. Many students from the beginner’s course are successfully running studios.
What is the difference between pottery and ceramics?
What is the difference between pottery and ceramics?
Ceramics is a modern umbrella term that includes different clay families like terracotta, stoneware, and porcelain. Pottery is one part of ceramics. Ceramics also includes things like tiles, bricks, and sanitaryware.
Can I choose a shared room?
Can I choose a shared room?
No, we don’t offer shared rooms.
Can non-residential participants eat at the studio?
Can non-residential participants eat at the studio?
Yes, one can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the studio at a fair price.
Is there somewhere I can read the student testimonials?
Is there somewhere I can read the student testimonials?
Yes, please check this blog: What Did Our 5 Weeks Beginners Course Students Say About Their Experience.
Are there any advanced pottery workshops for experienced potters?
Are there any advanced pottery workshops for experienced potters?
Yes. Please check the advanced workshops link: https://www.dharamkotstudio.com/advanced-workshops/.