Aura Pottery

Alberto Bustos X Aura

Filaments and Textures Retreat with Alberto Bustos

Dec 09-16, 2024

Partake in a transformative pottery retreat aimed at enhancing both your artistic skills and your perspective on creativity and expression. The primary focus of the workshop is the direct manipulation of clay by hand, eschewing the use of tools. This approach fosters direct communication between participants and the medium, facilitating a deeper connection to the creative process.

Under the expert guidance of Alberto Bustos, attendees will learn to instil their ceramic creations with emotional depth, mastering the art of storytelling through their pieces with unfettered creativity, unconstrained by technical concerns.

Embark on this enriching journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion at the Filament and Textures Retreat with Alberto Bustos. Experience a harmonious blend of artistic expression, mindfulness practices, and exploration of India’s rich cultural tapestry.

Meet The Artist- Alberto Bustos

Born in the city of Valladolid, Spain, Alberto Bustos was raised in a predominantly urban environment. Throughout his formative years, he harboured a profound yearning for the natural world. While some may perceive his sculptures as bearing influence from botanical elements, such assumptions fall short of capturing their true essence.

For Bustos, each creation encapsulates a pivotal moment within his personal journey, reflecting how he felt the lack of oxygen and light in the city. Though, one can see hope in frustration, calm in struggles as well as green colour in a white whole in Alberto’s work. He has won many prizes for his work and Alberto is now a proud member of International Academy of Ceramics.

Retreat Schedule

Day 1: Monday, December 9th

Arrive at Aura, get acquainted with the farm during an introductory tour, and meet the team.

Introduction to the studio space, meet Alberto Bustos and discuss the projects we’ll be doing together. Hands-on activity: construction of plates without mechanical means.

Welcome dinner followed by a presentation by Alberto on ceramic techniques and trajectory.

Day 2: Tuesday, December 10th

Start the day with some soothing yoga and meditation followed by breakfast.

Demonstration of the usage of ceramic stains and exploring textures.

Lunch.

Continue studio time, modelling new forms.

Dinner.

Day 3: Wednesday, December 11th

Begin the day with a tranquil yoga and meditation session, allowing your body and mind to find balance and serenity.

Studio time.

Lunch.

Explore new perspectives on textures and texture creation with Alberto Bustos.

Post studio time, freshen up before diving into a special North Indian dinner followed by some fun games.

Day 4: Thursday, December 12th

Get some alone time and relax this morning, followed by breakfast.

Work on your projects based on the learnings.

Lunch.

Continue modelling new forms.

Dinner.

Day 5: Friday, December 13th

Yoga and meditation followed by a fulfilling breakfast.

Assembly of the forms made during the first 4 days with Alberto.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and unwind with a movie night in the home theatre.

Day 6: Saturday, December 14th

Embark on a refreshing morning trek, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature

Continue to work on your projects. More demonstrations

Enjoy dinner and a presentation by Andy, your host, on her journey and style as a ceramic artist.

Day 7: Sunday, December 15th

This day is for relaxing, observing and soaking in everything that you learnt.

Wrap up projects in the studio by adding final touches, cleaning up and storing for drying.

Farewell dinner, share experiences and conclude the retreat.

Day 8: Monday, December 16th

Farewell breakfast together before proceeding to depart.

Retreat Price

USD $2700 inclusive of all studio materials, glazes and firings, meals, accommodation, and all the mentioned activities.

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.

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 – 9:00 pm

Interactive activity

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 60 days prior to arrival at Aura Pottery. Last minute Bookings (booked within 60 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 60 days prior to arrival: 20%.
If cancellation is received from 60 days to 31 days prior to arrival: 50%.
If cancellation is received less than 31 days prior to arrival: 100%

4. All finished work will rest and dry in the studio for a few weeks before it is fired by the studio and shipped to each participant.

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 Alberto Bustos’s for the company’s marketing purposes.

10. Residents can request a load of laundry, which is chargeable at INR 500 per load.