Hello!
Continuing our tradition of posting real student journeys, which are not testimonials or reviews but journals by our students. Here's one by Neha Porwal, my student during the August 2024 batch. Give it a read :)
Week 1: Beginnings
Starting our pottery journey at Velanga Orchard felt like the beginning ofething truly special. From the moment we arrived Karthik and Nikita’s warm
hospitality wrapped us in its peaceful embrace. He made sure we felt completely at home, letting us dive into the craft while they took care of the rest.
With Nikita guiding us, we learned the basics—centering clay on the wheel, shaping our first simple forms. But it wasn’t just about the pottery; it was about meeting new friends who quickly became like family. That first week was all about discovery—full of excitement, with a few moments of frustration as we got the hang of things. But as each day passed, our skills grew, and so did our bond as a group.
We capped off the week with a perfect trip to the lake—kayaking, enjoying a cozy campfire,
and sharing food and drinks. It was the ideal way to relax and connect with each other. Here’s to the start of our pottery adventure, full of promise and potential!
Week 2: Discoveries
As the days went by, our confidence and skills grew stronger. Week two at
Velanga Orchard was all about progress—both in our pottery and in our friendships. We focused on creating functional tableware, and it was incredible to see how much we’d learned in such a short time. Each piece showed the effort and care we put into mastering the basics.
The atmosphere was one of determination, with everyone pushing through their initial challenges. Between moments of quiet concentration and bursts of laughter, we found that pottery was as much about the joy of learning together as it was about the craft itself.
Week 3: Into the Kiln
This week was all about anticipation and transformation.
As we waited for the firing to finish, you could feel the excitement in the air. There’s
something truly special about knowing that the same hands that shaped the clay are now bringing it to life with fire. Opening the kiln was a moment of pure joy—seeing our pieces come out, each one unique and beautiful, was incredibly rewarding. This is the magic of pottery—every step is its own adventure.
Week 4: The Final Touches
Our last week at Velanga Orchard was a celebration of everything we’d
accomplished. ✨ We carefully loaded our creations into the kiln, layering them with coal, cow dung, wood, and other materials for the pit firing. The mix of predictable and unpredictable elements made the process all the more exciting.
We spent our days glazing, firing, and finally, admiring the results of our hard work. The group photo at the end of the week captured more than just our smiles—it told the story of our entire journey: the frustrations of the first week, the determination of the second, and the enthusiasm of the third, all leading up to this moment of achievement.
Our final trip to the lake on Friday was bittersweet, knowing it was our last time kayaking, gathering around the campfire, and sharing food and Satori together. Seeing our finished pieces, ready to use, was incredibly satisfying. But even more special were the bonds we formed along the way. This experience wasn’t just about learning a craft; it was about connection, growth, and the joy of creating something beautiful together.
