Conscious Clay: Intuitive Ways to Creativity
Dates– 7 – 12 Nov, 2025
Level– All levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Facilitators/Artists: Vineet Kacker
Number of participants: 8
Fees:
INR 78500 +18% Taxes /person
INR 144000 +18% Taxes/ 2 people
(Including– Private room, all materials, all meals, city tour and wellness sessions.)
About the Workshop
This workshop is designed to be a crash course in clay and creativity!
The workshop alternates between demonstrations and modules that help explore the nature of clay as a material, and free-wheeling exercises that jump straight to individual creative expression. We’ll be working with clay in different ways of making: cutting, pinching, pulling, stretching, joining and different ways of decorating: using stamps, slips, and carving.
This workshop is for you if:
- You have always wanted to do something creative
- You love clay and want to explore it in different ways
- You have skills but lack the confidence to express yourself
- You are looking to break out of preconceived ways of thinking/working
About the Artist
After graduating as an architect in 1989, Vineet Kacker studied ceramics at Andretta Pottery, Himachal and Golden Bridge Pottery, Pondicherry. He attended a post-experience program at UWIC, U.K., and apprenticed with British ceramists Alan Caiger-Smith and Sandy Brown.
He is a recipient of the Charles Wallace Fellowship and the Fulbright Grant. Co-founder of the Contemporary Clay Foundation, he has been part of the curatorial team of the Indian Ceramics Triennale, editions 2018 and 2024.
He is a current member of the International Academy of Ceramics, Geneva. His work is a part of several collections – notably KNMA, India; Icheon Museum, Korea; the FULE Museum, China; the Mark Rothko Art Center, Latvia. Vineet works from his studio in Gurgaon, India, and in Andretta, Himachal Pradesh.
Workshop Schedule
7th Nov – Check–in before 11 AM, take your time to settle in, visit the studio, meet other participants and attend your first clay session from 4 PM – 7 PM.
8th, 9th, 10th, 11th Nov – These days of the workshop include different sessions between 11 AM – 1:30 PM and 3:30 – 5:30 PM. Between the breaks there will be a mix of city tour, hike, meditation, and sound bath sessions.
12th Nov – Check–out at 11 AM after breakfast.
How to Apply:
To apply to this course, write an email to manoj@dharamkotstudio.com
Write – about yourself, your motivation to join this workshop, about prior experience with clay.
Your email will be reviewed and replied to within 3-5 days. There is no last date to join this course, admissions are on an availability basis.
Cancellation/rescheduling – The booking amount will be 30% of the total amount, which is non-refundable. However 50% of this amount can be used to take other programs such as retreats or other advanced workshops.
Stay:
The accommodation and studio lie amidst the pine and cedar forest, completely secluded from the hustle-bustle of the town yet easily approachable by road and just a 5-minute walk away from the village. We have single and double-occupancy rooms. To ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, we only pair friends or travelling companions in shared rooms — so you’ll either have the space to yourself or share it with someone you know.
All the rooms are with attached washrooms, high–speed WiFi, power backup, hot water, electric kettle, heaters/fan, private balcony and modernist aesthetics. You will have a view of the Dhauladhar mountain range from your room!
Laundry and taxi services are available at the property.
Meals:
An in–house cafeteria provides delicious and healthy vegetarian food. Vegan or gluten-free food is also available on request. All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) are included in the price. Apart from our in–house cafe there are many other cafes to explore, just a 7-10 minutes walk away from the retreat centre.
Weather:
Autumn (Oct–Nov): 10°C–25°C | Crisp air, clear skies
Bring – Sunglasses, hiking shoes and light clothes with a light jacket for cooler evenings.
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 AC semi-sleeper bus. These buses are comfortable and safe, you can book the on Redbus app. 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.
AS SEEN ON:
FAQs:
Q. Are there any prerequisites for joining this workshop?
A. This workshop is intended for intermediate to advanced ceramic artists. Participants should have prior experience working with clay.
Q. What is included in the workshop fees?
A. The fees cover accommodation (private room), all materials, all meals, city tour, wellness sessions (hike, meditation, and sound bath), and the workshop itself.
Q. What materials and tools are included in the workshop?
A. all materials and tools for the workshop are provided.
Q- Will my pieces be fired and glazed after the workshop?
A- Pieces under 12 inches can be fired/glazed and shipped to your address after the workshop with extra charges. 800-1500/pc depending on the size within India, international shipping charges will be extra.
Q. What is the food arrangement like?
A. All Indian vegetarian meals will be provided, with a focus on healthy, balanced options. If you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, please inform us in advance.
Q. Can I extend my stay before or after the workshop?
A. You may extend your stay at Dharamkot Studio subject to availability. Please contact us to inquire about extra nights.