Austin Coudriet X Aura
Furniture Getaway Retreat with Austin Coudriet
Nov 05-12, 2024
Welcome to the Furniture Getaway Retreat, where we embark on an extraordinary journey of merging the rich history of clay with the design and functionality of furniture —a fusion of two timeless crafts, each steeped in its own tradition.
Over the course of this immersive retreat, you will experience exhilarating demonstrations and engaging hands-on practice as you learn the secrets of crafting ceramic furniture!
Nestled in India’s tranquil countryside, this retreat offers a perfect blend of creativity and relaxation. During the retreat, enjoy organic farm-to-table meals, rejuvenating yoga, a scenic trek, and fun-filled evenings. Explore the secrets of ceramic furniture making while indulging in a vacation of self-discovery and connection.
Join us on this seven-day journey led by expert ceramicist Austin Coudriet, as we celebrate the amalgamation of form and function, where clay meets the practicality of furniture design, resulting in creations that inspire, captivate, and elevate the spaces they inhabit.
Meet The Artist- Austin Coudriet
Austin Coudriet, is a ceramic sculptor, designer, and educator originally from Lincoln, Nebraska. Son of an architect, he is Inspired by deconstructivist architecture, modernist design, mid-century modern furniture, scaffolding and clouds. Austin creates sculptural compositions from various forms and shapes as well as design oriented furniture.
Austin is currently a long term artist in residence at the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts located in Helena, Montana. There he is able to pursue his passions of teaching, and working as a studio artist. He has done a number of residencies, most recently he was a long term resident artist at the Clay Studio of Missoula in Missoula, Montana (2021 -2023). In 2021 Austin completed a two year residency at the Clay Art Center in Port Chester, New York. He has also been a short term resident Arrowmont School of Arts and Craft, and the Lux Center for the Arts.
Retreat Schedule
Day 1: Tuesday, November 5th
Arrive at Aura, get acquainted with the farm during an introductory tour, and meet the team.
Introduction to the studio space, meet Austin and dive into designing, sketching, and begin maquettes.
After lunch participants will continue their maquettes and furniture designing.
Welcome dinner in the main house followed by a presentation by Austin sharing his work.
Day 2: Wednesday, November 6th
Start the day with some soothing yoga and meditation followed by breakfast.
Austin will begin with demonstrations and technical aspects of making bigger structures.
Lunch.
Austin will show the best way to build the piece for optimal strength and to maximize time efficiency.
Post studio time, freshen up or take a swim before diving into a special North Indian dinner.
Day 3: Thursday, November 7th
Begin the day with a tranquil yoga and meditation session, allowing your body and mind to find balance and serenity.
After breakfast, dive into the intricacies of making ceramic furniture.
Post lunch, Austin would demonstrate how to make the internal structure and other technical aspects.
Unwind and show your drawing skills with a game of pictionary.
Day 4: Friday, November 8th
Get some alone time to relax this morning, followed by breakfast.
A visit to Chandigarh city to see the unique Le Corbusier architecture in juxtaposition with Indian culture. After a special South Indian style lunch, we head back to the studio.
Loading the kiln with the maquettes for a slow bisque firing.
End the evening with dinner and discussions with Austin on individual projects.
Day 5: Saturday, November 9th
Embark on a refreshing morning trek, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature, followed by breakfast by the pool.
Work on your furniture and get insights on how Austin works. Refer to the sketches and work on surface adornments.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and unwind with a movie night in the home theater.
Day 6: Sunday, November 10th
Start with yoga and meditation, followed by breakfast on the pool deck.
This day would be dedicated to finishing the pieces, refining the leather hard surface using different tools.
Enjoy dinner and a presentation by Andy, your host, on her journey and style as a ceramic artist.
Day 7: Monday, November 11th
Begin the day with a tranquil yoga and meditation session, allowing your body and mind to find balance and serenity.
Austin will talk about the drying process, kiln firing schedules, and surface finish options for large furniture. Participants will work in the studio for the last time on any adjustments.
We end this retreat with a farewell dinner, letting the experience seep in.
Day 8: Tuesday, November 12th
Farewell breakfast together before proceeding to depart.
Retreat Price
USD $2450 inclusive of all studio materials, glazes, and firings (up to 2 kgs), three fresh meals daily, housing accommodation, and all the mentioned activities. (This amounts to USD $350 per day for an all-inclusive, all-immersive workshop retreat)
*Each participant will need to arrange their own travel.
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
Breakfast
Studio time
Lunch and rest
Studio time
Rest and freshen up
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 Austin for the company’s marketing purposes.
10. Residents can request a load of laundry, which is chargeable at INR 500 per load.