Andy X Aura
Crafting Bold Ceramics with Andy
A Hand Building Experience with Groggy Clay
October 14 - 21, 2024
About the Retreat
What to Expect
- Hands-On Learning: Immerse yourself in intensive, hands-on sessions where you’ll master techniques like coiling, pinching, and surface decoration.
- Explore Groggy Clay: Learn to shape, carve, and decorate with groggy clay, a textured material that requires both skill and patience.
- Create Large-Scale Art: Conceptualize and bring to life 24-inch high pottery pieces, working backward from your vision to the finished product.
- Holistic Experience: Beyond pottery, enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Aura Farm, organic meals, and evenings filled with fun and camaraderie.
Meet Anuja a.k.a. Andy
Anuja, fondly known as Andy in the studio, is a self-taught potter whose work is celebrated for its bold scale and intricate surface decoration. Specializing in creating large collective pots, Andy employs traditional techniques such as coiling and pinching to craft pieces that are as imposing as they are delicate. Her mastery of groggy clay—a textured material known for its robustness—sets her apart in the pottery world. Andy’s skill in carving this challenging medium results in striking, durable pieces that stand as a testament to her artistic vision and technical expertise.
Andy’s Artistic Philosophy
- Process Over Product: Andy emphasizes the importance of the creative process, believing that each step is as valuable as the finished piece.
- Collaboration and Learning: She is passionate about sharing knowledge and fostering a collaborative environment where ideas and techniques are exchanged freely.
- Inspiration from Nature: The serene environment of Aura Farm greatly influences Andy’s work, with natural elements often reflected in her designs.
Retreat Schedule
Day 1: Welcome & Introduction
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Introduction to the Retreat
- Meet the participants, Andy, and the Aura Pottery team.
- Tour of the Aura Farm and Studio.
- Introduction to the retreat’s objectives and schedule.
- Learn to prepare and create your own groggy clay.
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Lunch Break
- Enjoy a delicious organic Indian meal.
- Relax and soak in the serene surroundings.
- 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Getting Acquainted with Groggy Clay
- Hands-on session to familiarize yourself with the properties of groggy clay.
- Practice basic shaping and handling techniques.
- Review and study of fired large groggy pots
- 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Welcome Dinner & Icebreaker Games
- A presentation by Andy
- Q&A session/icebreaker conversations
- Enjoy a warm welcome dinner with the group.
Day 2: Conceptualization & Design
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Visualizing Your Creation
- Learn about the process of conceptualizing pottery pieces.
- Start sketching and planning your designs.
- Explore Andy’s techniques for visualizing and planning large-scale works.
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Lunch Break
- Relax with another wholesome meal.
- Take a stroll around the farm or rest in your accommodation.
- 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Starting the Build
- Begin the initial stages of building your pottery piece.
- Receive tips and guidance from Andy on how to bring your design to life.
- 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Pool Party
- Unwind with a poolside gathering.
- Enjoy snacks, music, and a relaxed evening with fellow participants.
Day 3: Building Techniques
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Advanced Building Techniques
- Focus on the coiling and pinching methods.
- Learn how to build the structure of your pottery with groggy clay.
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Lunch Break
- Share a meal and discuss the morning’s progress.
- 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Continuing the Build
- Continue working on your piece, focusing on refining the structure.
- Receive personalized feedback and tips from Andy.
- 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Movie Night
- Enjoy a relaxing movie night with the group.
Day 4: Shaping & Refining
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Shaping Your Pottery
- Learn techniques for refining the shape and form of your piece.
- Work on intricate details that define the overall structure.
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Lunch Break
- Take time to recharge with a nourishing meal.
- 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Fine-Tuning the Details
- Focus on the finer aspects of your pottery, ensuring balance and proportion.
- Andy will share her expertise on achieving intricate details.
- 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Group Dinner & Storytelling
- Share dinner with the group.
- Engage in a storytelling session where participants can share their pottery journey and inspiration.
Day 5: Surface Decoration
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Exploring Surface Decoration
- Dive into surface decoration techniques like carving, attaching and texturing.
- Andy demonstrates her signature methods for enhancing the visual appeal of pottery.
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Lunch Break
- Discuss ideas for surface decoration over lunch.
- 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Applying Surface Decoration
- Begin applying surface decoration to your pottery piece.
- Experiment with different textures and finishes under Andy’s guidance.
- 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Creative Challenge Night
- Participate in fun games like Pictionary
Day 6: Finishing Touches
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Adding Final Details
- Focus on the final touches to perfect your piece.
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Lunch Break
- Enjoy a leisurely meal and prepare for the final stages of your work.
- 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Preparing for Firing
- Receive guidance on how to best finish and preserve your creation.
- 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Farewell Celebration & Poolside Dinner
- Dinner by the pool.
- Reflect on the week and enjoy a night of fun and camaraderie
Day 7: Reflection & Departure Preparations
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Final Group Reflection
- Finish your pieces and reflect on your learnings from the week
- Pack and store your pieces for drying and firing
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Lunch Break & Free Time
- Enjoy your last meal at Aura Pottery.
- Spend the afternoon relaxing, exploring the farm, or making any final touches.
- 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Packing & Preparation for Departure
- Final insightful discussions with Andy.
- 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Final Dinner
- Enjoy a quiet final dinner, reflecting on the week and the friendships formed.
Day 8: Departure
- Morning: Departure
- Participants leave Aura Pottery with new skills, and inspiration to create bigger pieces.
- Note:
- Participants will pack and leave their pieces in the Aura Pottery studio for drying.
- The works will be fired within 3-4 weeks of the retreat.
- Firing and shipping charges are additional based on the weight and size of your work.
- Firing of your work is optional.
- Your work will be shipped to you within 8 weeks of the retreat.
Retreat Price
USD: 1100 (International wire transfer)
INR: 92500/- (18% GST applicable)
Price is inclusive of all studio materials, and three fresh meals daily, accommodation, and all the mentioned activities.
*Each participant will need to arrange their own travel to Aura Pottery.
Your Stay
Pottery Retreat residents stay at the Potters Villa during their time here. 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, making the retreat a fulfilling experience..
The farm is home to great architecture, lawns and a myriad shades of green, making it inspirational for people with diverse interests.
Your Room
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.
Your Meals
We believe in the power of food to nourish both body and soul, which is why we take pride in serving simple home cooked meals made with farm grown/locally sourced produce.
Your Surroundings
Sprawled over 3 acres, Aura offers beautiful outdoor spaces for you to enjoy. Grab a book & a beverage and find yourself by our infinity pool. After a busy day in the studio, take a dip in the pool and relax. 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. You could also find a great spot for a picnic & catch some hammock time.
Terms
1. A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the price of the Booking is required within 7 days of us issuing a booking confirmation
2. The balance of the price of the Booking is payable 30 days prior to arrival at Aura Pottery. Last minute Bookings (booked within 30 days of departure) must be paid in full before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in cancellation of the booking.
3. All cancellations should be made in writing. The following cancellation charges will be payable:
If cancellation is received more than 30 days prior to arrival: 20%.
If cancellation is received from 30 days to 15 days prior to arrival: 50%.
If cancellation is received less than 15 days prior to arrival: 100%
4. Firing charges are INR 100/ 100 grams. We need 3-4 weeks to fire the pieces.
5. Shipping charges will apply as per logistics company estimates.
6. Participants must be at least 18 years or older to attend this retreat.
7. Prices and Schedules/Itineraries as shown on the website are subject to change. We reserve the right to change retreat/day trip/event prices, or prices of individual add-on components, without prior notice.
8. Participants must notify at hello@aurapottery.com of any dietary restrictions and allergies at the time of booking.
9. You acknowledge that retreat photographs and images which include you can be published by Aura Pottery or Austin for the company’s marketing purposes.
10. Residents can request a load of laundry, which is chargeable at INR 500 per load.