Jo Davies X Aura
Pottery Wheel Immersion with Jo Davies
Oct 01-08, 2024
Welcome to our rejuvenating pottery, yoga, and meditation retreat in the heart of India. Participants will have the opportunity to create vessels on the wheel, drawing inspiration from the city of Chandigarh. Jo Davies will guide you to make bigger pieces by joining various wheel thrown components using sculptural techniques.
The retreat offers a structured program of rejuvenation, featuring daily yoga and meditation sessions set against the backdrop of tranquil landscapes. Our participants will not only engage in the hands-on experience of pottery but also enjoy homemade, farm-to-table meals that promote overall well-being.
Join us for a transformative journey that blends creative expression, mindfulness, and cultural exploration, providing a unique opportunity to recharge and rediscover balance in the midst of India’s timeless beauty.
Meet The Artist- Jo Davies
Jo Davies is a ceramicist who has been working with clay for over 20 years. Her specialism is throwing, creating shapes that innovate away from the norm, often using constructed, wheel-thrown components. She exhibits internationally and has worked with many galleries and well-known brands like the National Portrait Gallery in the UK, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Heals, Mulberry and Contemporary Ceramics in London.
Alongside her practice Jo Davies runs a Teaching Studio in East London, with a staff of dedicated tutors, specialising in wheel-throwing. Last year her book ‘Electric Kilns for Ceramics’, published by the Crowood Press, was released. She is passionate about making and about de-mystifying ceramics for people wishing to learn.
Retreat Schedule
Day 1: Tuesday, October 1st
Arrive at Aura, get acquainted with the farm during an introductory tour, and meet the team.
Introduction to the studio space, meet Jo Davies and discuss the projects we’ll be doing together.
Welcome dinner followed by a presentation by Jo sharing her motivations and work.
Day 2: Wednesday, October 2nd
Start the day with some soothing yoga and meditation followed by breakfast.
Start the first mini project in the studio with Jo. This will begin with wheel demos showing you how to construct fun, smaller vessels and vases from wheel-thrown components.
Lunch.
Post studio time, freshen up or take a swim before diving into a special North Indian dinner.
Day 3: Thursday, October 3rd
Begin the day with a tranquil yoga and meditation session, allowing your body and mind to find balance and serenity.
In the studio, continue the mini project begun the day before. More throwing demonstrations from Jo and practical guidance.
Head to a nearby village to witness how pottery is made traditionally in India. Pick souvenirs to take back!
Day 4: Friday, October 4th
Get some alone time and relax this morning, followed by breakfast.
Take a visit to Chandigarh city with Jo to see the unique Le Corbusier architecture in juxtaposition with Indian culture for inspiration for furthering the techniques we’ve learned in the previous two days.
Lunch in Chandigarh along with some shopping and sightseeing and the local market.
End the evening with dinner and discussions with Jo on individual projects for vessels inspired by Chandigarh and the surrounds over dinner.
Day 5: Saturday, October 5th
Yoga and meditation followed by a fulfilling breakfast.
Finalise project plans with Jo and begin to wheel-throw your next vessels in the studio alongside wheel-throwing demonstrations by Jo.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and unwind with a movie night in the home theatre.
Day 6: Sunday, October 6th
Start with yoga and meditation, followed by breakfast on the pool deck.
Continue to work on your vessels alongside wheel-throwing demonstrations by Jo.
Enjoy dinner and a presentation by Andy, your host, on her journey and style as a ceramic artist.
Day 7: Monday, October 7th
Embark on a refreshing morning trek, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature, followed by a picnic-style breakfast by the lake.
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: Tuesday, October 8th
Retreat Price
Retreat Fee: GBP 1800 inclusive of all studio materials, glazes and firings, meals, accommodation, activities and a guided visit to Chandigarh for sightseeing and shopping.
Your Stay
Pottery Retreat residents stay at the Potters Villa during their stay. 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.
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 t o 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 delicious vegetarian & non vegetarian 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
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 Jo for the company’s marketing purposes.
10. Residents must request a load of laundry, which is chargeable at INR 500 per load.