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Welcome to our Early Spring Pottery Retreat on the picturesque Aura farm! Nestled amidst nature's embrace, this intimate retreat promises a holistic experience like no other.
As the season awakens, join us for a heartwarming journey of self-discovery, creativity, and connection. Our days will be filled with pottery classes that allow you to mold your artistic visions, invigorating trek through the lush countryside, rejuvenating yoga and meditation sessions, and nourishing meals made from the farm's bounty.
Prepare to forge lasting bonds, share stories, and explore the medium of clay with Bridget Bodenham.
Retreat Fee: USD 1700 inclusive of all studio materials, glazes and firings, meals, accommodation, activities and a guided visit to Chandigarh for sightseeing and shopping.
Bridget Bodenham’s aim is always to seek new ways of making functional and sculptural works with clay. Working and living amongst a bushland setting in country Victoria, Australia, she feels immense joy to create within and is inspired by its changing landscape.
Bridget's approach to clay is fun, curious and always expanding in its possibilities. This workshop will be individually outcome based. Guided demonstrations and unique techniques will be shared with the group and exchanged between participants. Participants will create lasting skills and an approach to the material that will surprise and delight! Fun meets function. We hope you will join us and enjoy!
Arrive at Aura, get acquainted with the farm during an introductory tour, learning about its sustainable practices and meeting the team.
Introduction to the studio space along with a session with Bridget to understand the tone of the creative retreat.
We will explore several personal construction techniques e.g; slab, coil, pinched and wheel altered. Learn the artist’s approach to treat the material and what are the critical stages of its transformation. Introduction to making clay molds to use as a tool to form work and to explore surface and texture.
Welcome dinner in the main house, followed by a presentation by Bridget, sharing her insights and journey as an artist.
Start the day with some soothing Yoga and meditation followed by breakfast.
Demonstration of various wheel formed and hand formed forms. Share insights about tips and tricks where making may seem challenging.
Lunch.
Seek creative inspiration from something outside at Aura to bring into the studio and study. Plan and sketch the projects you desire to make/potential to make maquette.
Start to implement the first form you want to explore, small scale exploration of a larger piece.
Post studio time, freshen up before diving into a special North Indian dinner followed by some fun games.
Embark on a refreshing morning trek, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature, followed by a picnic-style breakfast by the lake.
Finalize sketches for the projects and interpret your ideas into a visual for the final piece. Start working on individual projects. Explore techniques that will assist your project on a one to one basis.
End the evening with dinner and discussions with Bridget on individual projects.
Begin the day with a tranquil yoga and meditation session, allowing your body and mind to find balance and serenity.
Explore surface treatments for texture, tone and decoration.
Head to a nearby village to witness how pottery is made traditionally in India. Pick souvenirs to take back!
Yoga and meditation followed by a fulfilling breakfast.
Incorporate all four days of clay and ceramic exploration into the individual project. Explore different applications of color via stain and glaze.
In the evening, gather around the crackling bonfire, sharing stories and laughter under the starlit canvas of the night.
Start with yoga and meditation, followed by breakfast on the pool deck.
Final day to learn all the skills and techniques of construction and surface exploration to complete your work.
Enjoy dinner and a presentation by Andy, your host, on her journey and style as a ceramic artist.
Get some alone time and relax this morning, followed by breakfast.
Wrap up projects in the studio by adding final touches, cleaning up and storing for drying.
Farewell dinner in the main house, share experiences and conclude the retreat.
Farewell breakfast together before proceeding to depart.
Pottery Retreat residents stay at the Potters Villa during their residency. The villa is a small building towards the far end of the property; it faces the orchard and is a two-minute walk from the studio. The villa is a cozy space with all rooms opening onto a central lounge where residents get together for meals, music and socializing with other residents.
The farm is home to great architecture, lawns and a myriad shades of green, making it inspirational for people with diverse interests.
Each room is tastefully furnished and equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a restful and relaxing stay. Sink into the plush beds after a long day of pottery, and refresh yourself in the privacy of your ensuite bathroom, complete with all the essentials to make you feel at home.
We believe in the power of food to nourish both body and soul, which is why we take pride in serving delicious vegetarian & non vegetarian meals made with farm grown/locally sourced produce.
Sprawled over 3 acres, Aura offers beautiful outdoor spaces for you to enjoy. Our infinity pool is open to our guests to use and enjoy. A walking path around the entire periphery of the property takes you through our fruit orchard, organic kitchen garden, ponds, potters villa and the meditation circle.
| DAILY SCHEDULE | |
|---|---|
| 7:00 - 8:00 am | Morning activity |
| 9.30 - 10:00 am | Breakfast |
| 10.30 - 1.30 pm | Studio time |
| 1.30 - 3:00 pm | Lunch and rest |
| 3:00 - 6:00 pm | Studio time |
| 6:00 - 7:30 pm | Rest and freshen up |
| 7.30-8:00 pm | Dinner |
| 8:00 - 10:00 pm | Interactive activity |
