Learn Stoneware Pottery at Mantra
Mantra Pottery is offering beginner pottery courses from 4th September 2023 to 18th November 2023. Whether you’ve always wanted to try your hand at pottery or are looking to develop your skills, this is the perfect opportunity to learn from experienced potters in a supportive and creative environment. Our courses will cover everything from the basics of wheel throwing to glazing and decorating techniques. Limited spots are available, so don’t wait to sign up and start your pottery journey with us!
The aim is to impart enough knowledge to continue self study and practice (throwing is mostly a steady practice that improves with time and frequency). Ultimately it is up to the student to progress to whatever level they wish to achieve by assiduous practice.
We work on traditional kick wheels and the work is highly physical and so students require to be quite fit and to be free of any physical encumbrances that might hinder wheel work. You can’t hope to develop realistically as a potter if you have back problems for example.
Another consideration is that you are working in a production pottery and although you will have separate space, you will be sharing it with other men and women. Simple toilets for both sexes are there; clean drinking water is easily available and tea breaks are there twice a day.
Please note that food and accommodation are not included in the course fee, and students will need to manage these themselves. However, we are happy to provide recommendations for nearby accommodations and dining options. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
Further details will be provided after receipt of the filled out application, on approval and an offer of a place will only be confirmed by receipt of course fee in advance. In case of cancellation, this will not be refundable. Course fees need to be paid strictly before the commencement of the course.
2 Weeks Beginner Course
This beginners course is a perfect opportunity to learn how to make pots on the traditional kick wheel.
Duration: 2 weeks
It consists of working 6-8 hours a day for 5 days a week (Monday to Friday), totalling into 10 days.
Fee: Rs.9000/- (including GST)
The cost of glazing and firing your pieces are extra and charged at cost price plus depreciation.
Please note that the firing schedule is according to the production, so if you want your pieces (upto 4 pieces), we will glaze them and they will need to be collected at a later date once they’re ready or shipped at extra charges.
Topics covered in the beginners course:
- Introduction to Pottery
You will learn what pottery is, what are the various types of clay and glazes, and the process of how a lump of clay is made into a glazed ceramic piece. - Basics of pottery wheel / throwing on the kick wheel
You will learn how to wedge, how to center the clay on the traditional kick wheel, how to pull the walls. You will also be learning how to make handles and attach them to your cups. Please note that forming a cylinder shape on the wheel would be the end goal of a beginners course as the cylinder is the basis for any other form on the wheel. Depending on your progress, you will be introduced to other forms such as bowls, cups and small vases. - Handbuilding techniques
Few sessions are dedicated to the various handbuilding techniques. You will learn coil, slab and pinching methods that form the basics for any shape and form. - Preparing your pots for the firings
Once you successfully make the forms, you will learn how to prepare them for the first firing called Bisque firing. This includes, trimming, turning, scrubbing, drying and sanding.
4 Weeks Intensive Course
This intensive course is a perfect opportunity to learn how to make pots on the wheel as well as freehand (using multiple techniques.).
Duration: 4 weeks
It consists of working 6-8 hours a day for 5 days a week (Monday to Friday), totalling into 20 days.
Fee: Rs.17000/- (including GST)
The cost of glazing and firing your pieces are extra and charged at cost price plus depreciation.
Please note that the firing schedule is according to the production, so if you want your pieces (upto 6 pieces), we will glaze them and they will need to be collected at a later date once they’re ready or shipped at extra charges.
Topics covered in the beginners course:
- Introduction to Pottery
You will learn what pottery is, what are the various types of clay and glazes, and the process of how a lump of clay is made into a glazed ceramic piece. - Making your own clay body
You will start with learning how to make clay body, mixing it, sieving it and wedging it. - Basics of pottery wheel / throwing on the kick wheel
You will learn how to center the clay on the traditional kick wheel, how to pull the walls. Depending on your progress, you will be introduced to other forms such as bowls, cups and small vases. - Preparing your pots for the firings
Once you successfully make the forms, you will learn how to prepare them for the first firing called Bisque firing. This includes, trimming, turning, scrubbing, drying and sanding. - Decorating your pots (Dependant on your progress)
Decorating your ceramic pots is an important part of the ceramic process. In this course, we will learn about various techniques to decorate your pots, such as slip trailing, sgraffito, and wax resistance methods. We will also explore how to choose the right decoration for your pot, depending on its size, shape, and texture. - Introduction to Glazes (Dependant on your progress)
Glazing is a crucial step in the ceramic process, and can greatly impact the final appearance of your pottery. In this course, we will provide an introduction to glazes and their properties. While we won’t cover glazing in-depth, this introduction will provide a good foundation for future exploration and experimentation with glazes.
If you have any further questions mail us at mantrapottery@gmail.com