A hands-on clay jam in Goa celebrating creativity, community, and clay
Whether you’re cooped up in the bosom of the Himalayas or skirting the beaches of Goa, creative experiences are never far away. In a place like Mandrem, where nature itself invites us to play on its serene beaches, under cashew and palm trees, basking in the gilded sunlight, creative experiences are nourishment for the soul. They stir curiosity, revitalize the mind, and open us up to the world.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Mandrem either. From browsing local art galleries to strolling through Goan markets and promenades, there’s a lot to explore. But if you’re looking for something more hands-on, there’s nothing better than the Clay Circle.
Bound by Clay – The Goan Clay Community
Anyone exploring creative activities in the general Arambol, Mandrem area is bound to stumble upon the thriving clay community of Goa. Composed of clay artists, potters, sculptors, and professionals supporting them, the clay community is an ever-expanding network of people bound by their love of clay. Truly, the thriving clay community of Goa welcomes everyone – beginners, artists, families, groups, and solo travelers! Creative experiences involving clay also serve as wells of rejuvenation which is why they’re centres of attraction for people from all walks of life.
“But why clay?” – one may ask. Simply put, because clay is fun! You can shape it, mold it, blaze and harden it, color and decorate it, take it apart, and put it back together. Over and over again, without waste. Earthy, endlessly plastic, and sensitive to touch, clay is the perfect substance for creativity, artistic expression, and just plain old fun. And because working with clay is inherently meditative, clay circles in Goa also double-up as centers of art meditation. But the main purpose remains bringing people together for a clay jam in a closely knit intimate setting.
What is the Clay Circle?
The Clay Circle is an informal, community-led art event where people from all over the world come together in an intimate space to play and create with clay. No prior experience with clay is required. All you need are your hands and an active imagination. Everything else – the clay and the basic materials – is provided.
While many clay and art events focus on techniques, deliverables, and results, the Clay Circle purposefully shuns these in favor of the process itself. The philosophy is simple: make the process fun and engaging, and everyone naturally becomes attuned to the present. After all, we learn best when we’re having fun. Combined with the shared community aspect, the Clay Circle becomes more than an event. It is a healing experience that brings us closer to ourselves and to others.
The Clay Circle is frequently visited by artists from several domains. From clay, ceramic, and movement artists to painters, musicians, singers, and DJs, the Clay Circle is a melting pot for the arts, where it is not just clay but art itself that is celebrated. In an atmosphere rich with creativity, inspiration can come from anywhere, be it the beats and the harmonies embellishing the air or clay artists performing live clay transformation rituals, motivating participants to get messy and open up their minds to the possibilities of clay.
A Clay Jam in an Intimate Setting!
The Clay Circle is often a pleasant surprise to newcomers. Even those who didn’t think they had a creative bone in their body end up surprising themselves with what they’re able to create. The casual, relaxed atmosphere of the Clay Circle fosters openness, creativity, and conversations. Here, you don’t just mold clay but also shape your experience of the day.
Imagine yourself in a calm studio setting on a relaxed Sunday afternoon. You sit at a table with people like you, all playfully engaged with their ball of clay, steeped in chit-chat, sharing laughter and stories, and being inspired from one another. There are no instructions or rules; no formal teaching to trip you up. You’re free to explore the creative outflow and go wherever it takes you.
In fact, participants are encouraged to create whatever they feel like and the pieces never fail to delight and inspire. To bring them to reflect on their creations, participants are further encouraged to write a short note that describes what they made and their thoughts behind it. This simple act strengthens ties with one’s creation and imbues it with meaning that goes well beyond the ball of clay. Each person carries within them their own story which invariably comes out in the form of clay. As such, the notes also allow others to glimpse at their inner world for a while, to break boundaries and be inspired by them, just as they too inspire others.
Why Dharamkot Studio Started Clay Circle
Clay Circle began with a simple idea. To establish a space where people can come together and create with clay – without the pressure of rules and expectations.
Indeed, it’s not so much about learning a new skill at the Clay Circle. But being present, making with your hands, and connecting with oneself as well as others in the shared creative space. Clay is first and foremost a medium for feeling and self-expression, not technique. What you feel while working and exploring with clay and what you discover matter more than being skillful or “doing it correctly”. No wonder then that people from all walks of life come to Clay Circle to unwind, spend time with others, and be part of a shared creative moment.
The Clay Circle is also open to artists from all backgrounds. Painters, musicians, writers, designers, or anyone curious about making art is sure to find something at the Clay Circle that enriches their work and life. The pliable versatility of clay truly makes it the shared language of creation. And the intimate community space of the Clay Circle breeds comfort and familiarity that brings us closer to our fellow human beings, as well as ourselves.
The Clay Circle is very much a beginner-friendly pottery event. It is also the perfect family activity in Goa where everyone from kids and adults come to explore clay and art in a free, intuitive way. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking to broaden your horizons, an artist in search of the muse, or a family looking for experiences to cherish for a lifetime, Dharamkot Studio’s Clay Circle in Goa invites you to an afternoon of merrymaking, clay modelling, and fun conversations.