Art of Wheel Throwing (5 Days)
Starts everyday (except Thursday)
Non residential
Level- Beginners to Intermediate
Time – 11AM to 1:30 PM & 3:00PM to 5:30PM
Total Duration – 12.5 HOURS
Location- Studio 1
Age – 18years +
Workshop Outline:
The course is spread over five sessions, each designed meticulously to cover various aspects of pottery wheel throwing.
Day 1: Let’s Get Started – Introduction to the potter’s wheel, tools, clay and wedging. We’ll introduce you to the potter’s wheel, the tools you’ll be using, and the feel of the clay. It’s all about getting comfortable and excited to create!
Day 2: Making Your First Forms – Refining centering techniques. Learn how to centre your clay and shape it into simple forms like cylinders and bowls. This session is all about finding your rhythm on the wheel. Our instructors will help you to get the basics of centering right. Practice till you get perfect. Remember, this is the fundamental step of getting better at working on the wheel, so no compromise, do your best!
Day 3: Playing with Shapes – Pulling, trimming, and altering shapes. Now that you know the art of centering, begin your journey to creating beautiful shapes. Take your skills up a notch by exploring advanced techniques like pulling clay into elegant shapes, trimming, and altering forms to make them uniquely yours.
Day 4: Adding Your Personal Touch – Introduction to surface decoration: carving and adding textures. This is where your creativity shines. We’ll show you how to decorate your pieces with carving, incising, and adding textures to give them character.
Day 5: Polishing and Perfecting – Focus on refining shapes, smoothing surfaces, and final touches. It’s all in the details! Spend this session refining shapes, smoothing surfaces, and putting those final touches on your pieces before they’re ready for firing.
Workshop Highlights:
- Structured learning from basics to intermediate wheel throwing.
- Hands-on practice and guided instructions.
- Creation of various pottery forms including cylinders, bowls, vases, and plates.
- Participants will have access to a lead instructor who will help you with techniques and there will be assistant instructors always available during your sessions.
- Firing and glazing are not included in the workshop fee. These are available at an additional charge of INR 500–800 per piece, depending on the size. The process takes approximately 1 week. Once your pieces are ready, you can collect them from Studio 1. If you’re unable to visit, we can courier them to your address at INR 300–400 per piece (depending on size). It will take 3-4 weeks for the pieces to be delivered (within India). For International shipping you can speak with us at the studio.
Location
At an elevation of 2100 m, Dharamkot is a small village in Kangra district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Famous for yoga, meditation and Hippies since the 1970s, Dharamkot is also known as a second home for Israeli tourists coming to India. We are 2 km above McLeodGanj, which is home to the Dalai lama and the Capital of the Tibetan government–in–exile.
The Retreat Centre is located amidst the pine and cedar forest, completely secluded from the hustle–bustle of everyday life, yet easily approachable by road with a 5-minute walk to the village. Dharamkot offers wide views of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. It has the world–famous Vipassana meditation centres– Dhamma Shikara and Tushita Meditation Centre.
The name Dharamkot Studio comes from the village of Dharamkot where it is located.
Weather
In July and August, Dharamkot experiences the lush beauty of the monsoon season, with frequent rainfall, misty mornings, and temperatures ranging between 15°C and 24°C. The forested landscape turns vibrant green, offering a peaceful, refreshing atmosphere ideal for slow living, creative work, and indoor activities like pottery, meditation, or reading. While the rain brings charm and quiet, it also means occasional slippery paths and travel delays. Still, for those who enjoy cooler weather, fewer tourists, and the calming rhythm of the rain, this is one of the most serene times to be in Dharamkot.
How to reach
By Air – Dharamshala airport (DHM) is the nearest airport which is around 20 km (50 minutes) from the studio, direct taxi (1500/-) to the studio will be available.
By Bus – Overnight journey from Delhi by semi-sleeper bus. The nearest bus station is Dharamshala (8 km), and from the bus station, you can take a taxi (Rs. 600/-) to the studio.
By Train – Pathankot (85km) is the nearest railway station, from Pathankot you can take public transport to Dharamshala and then a taxi to the Studio. Or you can take a taxi from Pathankot to the studio.
Team/Studio
The retreat is curated and conducted by a team of facilitators, resident artists and guides. In Dharamkot village we run 2 studio spaces, Studio-1 is for non-residential workshops while studio-2 is for the retreats and longer courses. Studio functions like an artist community, 20-30 resident artists, students and other staff members work and live here around the year in both studio spaces. So you will be a part of this community of artists fiddling with pottery wheels or bringing their imagination to life in this idyllic sanctuary.
Prices
Fees
Non residential:INR 10000/person (Including – taxes and all material)
How to book
For booking and any other query please email on info@dharamkotstudio.com or whatsapp/call on +91 98053 12554 (Vivek)
FAQs
Q. Do I need any prior experience in pottery?
A-No prior experience is required. However, individuals with some prior experience can also benefit from refining their skills.
Q. Do I need to bring anything with me for the pottery workshop?
A- You just need to bring your spirit of learning and artistic streak. We provide all learning materials and art supplies to you.
Q. Can my workshop be rescheduled in case I am unable to come?
A- Residential workshop cannot be rescheduled. Non-residential workshops can be rescheduled. New dates that you choose will be subject to availability.
Q: Can I self-practise after my daily workshops are done?
A- Yes, you can start self practice from Day 2. You’ll have to pay INR 1000 for a two hour self-practice session.
Q. What other program can I choose apart from this?
A- You can opt for the Pottery Retreat, the Artist Residency Program or 5 Weeks Beginners Course.
















































































































