Building Large Using Thrown and Hand built Parts
This 10-day intensive focuses on building large and complex ceramic forms using both hand building and wheel-thrown techniques.
The course emphasises structural planning, thoughtful joining techniques, and combining forms to create cohesive sculptural or functional pieces.
Alongside this, will experiment with multiple clay bodies and coloured slips to explore how they interact in form and finish.
Dates March 5-16th (Check in 5th March, Check out 16th March)
Slow Pottery Studio Location Velanga Orchard, Andhra Pradesh, India
Here's a guide to staying at our farm.
Accommodation & Studio Details below
Ceramic Artist /Facilitators Veena Chandran
Level Intermediate to mixed-level (not suitable for complete beginners; some pottery experience required)
Duration 10 days
To Book an Intensive
Please email me at hello@slowpottery.com with your name, intensive you'd like to book, accommodation preference and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
For payment, you can either pay the full amount, or If you'd like to pay in two instalments, we take 50% to book your slot and 50% to be paid two months before the course starts.
Cancellation Policy is mentioned below.
Note - If you'd like to sign up for two or three consecutive intensives you can stay with us at no extra cost during the break of three days. The Studio will be closed in preparations for the next intensive.
The Intensive
This 10-day intensive focuses on building large and complex ceramic forms using both hand building and wheel-thrown techniques.
Participants will explore a variety of surface textures and decorative methods through stretching textures on slabs, carving, and applying slips. The course emphasises structural planning, thoughtful joining techniques, and combining forms to create cohesive sculptural or functional pieces.
Alongside this, will experiment with multiple clay bodies and coloured slips to explore how they interact in form and finish.
Intermediate potters with prior experience will deepen their understanding of working at scale, texture composition, and surface development.
Note - This Intensive does not include a firing.
Schedule
Day 1: Ideas, Form & Beginning the Build
- Introductions, discussion of individual ideas and inspirations
- Sketching and brainstorming forms
- Understanding scale, proportion, structure and balance
- Discussion of clay bodies, materials, tools and textures
- Demonstrations: slab preparation, texture techniques and large-scale hand-building methods
- Participants begin their first large form
Day 2: Building Large: Structure & Technique
- Continuation of large-form hand-building
- Building techniques for working at scale
- Understanding joins, seams, supports and structural stability
- Demonstrations of methods for building upward and maintaining form
- One-on-one guidance and troubleshooting
Day 3: Building & Developing Form
- Continued development of individual forms
- Working with volume, proportion and movement
- Integrating texture and surface into the form
- Demonstrations based on challenges emerging from the work
- Individual guidance and problem-solving
Day 4: Refinement, Structure & Surface
- Continuing and refining large forms
- Strengthening joins and resolving structural challenges
- Developing surface, texture and details
- Exploring ways of creating visual interest without compromising structure
- One-on-one feedback and demonstrations
Day 5: Completing the First Build & Reflection
- Bringing the first large form to completion
- Final structural adjustments and refinement
- Assessing what worked, what failed and what could be improved
- Group discussion and individual feedback
- Reflection on techniques, challenges and discoveries from the first build
Day 6: A Fresh Start: Building Again
- Using the experience of the first build to begin a second form or new construction
- Revisit techniques that proved challenging during the first build
- Demonstrations of alternative approaches to structure, joining and construction
- Exploring how the same idea can be approached differently
- Focused individual guidance
Day 7: Wheel + Hand-building: Combining Parts
- Demonstration and practice of throwing components for large-scale work
- Exploring how thrown elements can be altered, cut, joined and incorporated into hand-built forms
- Combining thrown and hand-built parts
- Demonstrations of joining, reinforcing and integrating different components
- Continued development of individual projects
Day 8: Pushing Scale, Form & Surface
- Developing the second build further
- Exploring more ambitious forms and structural solutions
- Advanced joining and reinforcement techniques
- Texture, mark-making and surface development
- Problem-solving through hands-on demonstrations and one-on-one guidance
Day 9: Refinement & Final Making
- Final development and refinement of individual pieces
- Strengthening, finishing and resolving structural details
- Surface and texture refinement
- Talking about glazes, glaze techniques and firing techniques best suited for large pieces.
- Individual consultations and feedback
- Preparing the work for completion and presentation
Day 10: Review, Reflection & Looking Forward
- Final touches and completion of work
- Presentation of individual pieces
- Group critique and discussion
- Review of techniques, successes, failures and discoveries
- Discussion on taking large-scale hand-building further in individual practices
- Closing reflections and feedback
About the Ceramic Artist
Drawn to distinctive landscapes and passionate about creating impressions through sustainable methodologies, Veena initially pursued architectural training, obtaining formal qualifications in the field. She later pivoted from architecture to explore broader creative horizons, carrying forward the refined design principles and aesthetic sensibilities cultivated during her architectural education.
An introductory pottery workshop sparked her passion for ceramics, igniting an ambition to master the craft and establish herself within this artistic domain. Her enthusiasm and inquisitive nature led her to Pondicherry, where she studied under the guidance of internationally acclaimed ceramic artists Ray Meeker and Deborah Smith at Golden Bridge Pottery. During this formative period, her artistic aspirations materialized as she explored diverse clays, forming techniques, and wood firing methods, developing a distinctive artistic language.
Nature remains her fundamental wellspring of inspiration. She extracts abstract elements from her natural observations and manifests them through her preferred medium—clay. This process allows her to embed her innermost thoughts and aspirations, creating work that represents a synthesis of external influence and personal expression.
Following her studies in Pondicherry, Veena has showcased her work in prestigious exhibitions both internationally and throughout India. Her artistic journey has included residencies in Tasmania and Australia with Neil Hoffmann, and participation in the Wood Firing Symposium in Estonia and Denmark.
Her portfolio encompasses various installation projects, notably "Alchemy"—a collaborative venture with a microbiologist that resulted in site-specific installations for an academic institution.
At her studio in Pune, Veena continues her relentless exploration of clay's boundless possibilities, transforming earth into vessels of meaning that speak to something primal and eternal in the human experience—each piece a testament to her belief that in art, as in nature, true beauty emerges from the perfect balance of intention and surrender.
Artist Statement
Veena perceives the world as an intricate composition of lines and planes—a harmonious interplay of shapes that converge to form a transcendent universe. Within this realm, she finds her sanctuary, where the tactile process of sculpting clay brings order and meaning to her existence. Though flexible in approach, she remains unwavering in her artistic vision and convictions.
In this dimension of creation, clay nourishes her spirit and artistic identity.
Nature serves as her perpetual muse, with its endless capacity to inspire. A single tree reveals new secrets to her imagination across changing seasons and contexts. She meticulously recreates the earthy palettes discovered in soil formations and stone textures. The complex patterns of fissures across drought-stricken terrain captivate her artistic eye, while the organic choreography of branches and foliage presents an endless source of mystery and wonder.
Through clay—itself an element of nature—she translates these familiar yet profound visual experiences. This medium becomes the vessel through which her deepest thoughts and aspirations find expression, merging external inspiration with internal reflection in each created piece.
In the moment of creation, fragments of her essence transmute into clay, giving voice to the ineffable.
Residencies & Conferences
2020- Facilitator of an Anagama firing at Golden Bridge Pottery
2019 International Wood firing Symposium, Guldagergaard, Denmark
2016 Kohila Wood firing Symposium
2013 “Clay Push” Ceramic Conference at Gulgong, Australia.
Artist in residence at Reedy March Pottery with Neil Hoffmann, Tasmania, Australia
Group Shows
2025 Royal Society of British Artists Annual Exhibition, London
2024 Terra Sculpt, Mumbai, India
Design Mumbai, Mumbai, India
Interwoven Histories: Art Traditions of the Silk Route, New Delhi, India
Elemental ‘Panch Bhuta’, Ahmedabad, India
Touch, Pune, India
2023 Follow the White Rabbit, Pune, India
2022 Life With Objects: Domestic Fragilities, travelling show Mumbai and Chennai
2019 Group exhibition at Gulgagergaard, Denmark. Part of the International Wood firing Symposium
2018 Medley in Ceramics 8, The Renaissance Art Studio, Pune
2017 The Mask Project, Monalisa Kalagram, Pune
Contours, Art2Day, Pune
Alchemy, Installation work, Flame University, Pune
2015 Vessels Redefined, Terra Forma, Taj Vivanta, New Delhi
Under Construction, Art N Soul Gallery, Worli, Mumbai
2014 The Gang of Nine, The Attic, New Delhi
Mrittika II, Bhopal
Bridges, Stainless Gallery, Delhi
Cluj International Ceramics Biennale, Cluj-Napoca Museum of Art, Romania
2013 The Bucket Show, Forum Art Gallery, Chennai
The Match Box Show, Travelling exhibition, Australia
The Delegates Exhibition, Clay Push Ceramic Conference, Gulgong, NSW, Australia
Creative Studios Art Gallery, Deloraine, Tasmania, Australia.
“Pune Biennale” – Bal Gandharv Art Gallery, Pune
2012 “Tiles Forever” Indian Habitat Center, New Delhi
“Jeff Shapiro & Friends”, Gallery Square Circle, Kala Kendra, Auroville
2011 “Continental Drift, Anagama in South India”, group show at Deloraine, Creative Studios Art Gallery, Deloraine, Tasmania, Australia.
Sculptural Teapots: The Year of the Rabbit, Shanghai.
“Lotus Art Show”, Coomaraswamy Hall, Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, Mumbai.
Clay - Work Experience
2013 Several Wood and Salt firings at “Reedy Marsh Pottery” with Neil Hoffmann, Tasmania, Australia
Anagama firing workshop with Jack Troy, Golden Bridge Pottery, Pondicherry
2012 Anagama firing workshop with Jeff Shapiro, Golden Bridge Pottery, Pondicherry
2010 Smoke/ pit firing workshop with Rebecca Maeder (Switzerland), Golden Bridge Pottery, India.
Raku workshop by Sandeep Manchekar, Mumbai
2010/2009 Trained in wheel throwing and wood firing at Golden Bridge Pottery with Ray Meeker, Pondicherry, India.
Professional Experience & Qualifications
2010 Set up ceramic studio “Farishtey Creations” in Pune
2009-2010 Training in ceramics at Golden Bridge Pottery, Pondicherry, under guidance of Ray Meeker and Deborah Smith.
Completed several wood-firings and was part of firing crew for August 2009 Anagama firing.
2008-2017 Visiting lecturer, Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Architecture, Pune
2015-2016 Visiting lecturer, Brick College of Architecture, Pune
2006-2008 Chief architect, Shelter Associates, an NGO working for rehabilitation and up-gradation of housing and infrastructure for slums in Maharashtra.
2006 Bachelor of Architecture, Pune University.
Studio Facilities & Environment
The Slow Pottery studio is situated in Velanga Orchard, surrounded by mango trees. Our focus on natural light and airflow creates a minimal, inspiring space for our students. The local Kerala tile roof and glass tiles provide shade and brightness, even in the hottest months.
Maximum number of students per batch 9
Studio Hours & Materials
All days 10:30am to 5:00pm (workshop time)
Additional studio access from 5:00pm to 8pm
All materials will be provided
Studio facilities
We have an electric wheel for each student, one electric kiln, a small kitchenette with unlimited freshly ground coffee, plenty wedging tables to spread wide with projects along with a restful chai spot to catch a break during long work hours. Ample shelves, stoneware clay, all materials required for each intensive is a given.
Hoping the studio fosters inspiring intensives and nurtures a space where creativity, ideas, and positive energy flourish.
Farm Stay & Accommodation - Velanga Orchard
Velanga Orchard is located in Andhra Pradesh in a village known as Jambuneradipalli, a mango orchard, skirting a reserve forest at the foot of a hill with a couple of lakes nearby. Surrounded by shrub forests endowed with over a 100 species of birds and animals.
Here's a guide to staying at our farm.
The Stay
- We have individual cottages for single occupancy, a shared accommodation for double occupancy.
- The cottages are built using vernacular design, local material and vintage aesthetics. The space is surrounded by neem, coconut, teak trees, under the canopies of mango trees, with the hill at the back and lush green all around.
Single Occupancy Private Cottage
Living space: Single bed with a side table, a study table and chair, Storage space for your belongings, with some décor elements.
Kitchenette: Kettle, hot plate, basic utensils, mini fridge, a clay water dispenser, basic cutlery.
Private bath & small patio
No air conditioners
Our common space for students has a laundry room for DIY Laundry, a dining where all meals including evening snacks will be provided, all day coffee & tea stations, a hang out space, library/study.
*The design of furniture varies in all cottages.
Double Occupancy Shared Cottage
Living space: Two Single beds with a side table, a study table and chair, two storage space for your belongings, with some décor elements.
Kitchenette: Kettle, hot plate, basic utensils, mini fridge, a clay water dispenser, basic cutlery.
Attached bath & small patio for two.
No air conditioners
Our common space for students has a laundry room for DIY Laundry, a dining where all meals including evening snacks will be provided, all day coffee & tea stations, a hang out space, library/study.
Here's a guide to staying at our farm.
Fees
Inclusive of the course, firings, materials & tools, studio time, valuable time with guest teacher, stay, wholesome home cooked meals and snacks, farm activities, tax for the entire duration of the course.
Double Occupancy Shared Cottage - Rs.80,000/-
Single Occupancy Private Cottage - Rs.92,000/-
To Book an Intensive
Please email me at hello@slowpottery.com with your name, intensive you'd like to book, accommodation preference and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
For payment, you can either pay the full amount, or If you'd like to pay in two instalments, we take 50% to book your slot and 50% to be paid two months before the course starts.
Cancellation Policy is mentioned below.
Note - If you'd like to sign up for two or three consecutive intensives you can stay with us at no extra cost during the break of three days. The Studio will be closed in preparations for the next intensive.
Once the payment is made, we will get back to you with a welcome mail. If you'd like to chat about the course, the stay, travel, schedule a call or more, please write to us at hello@slowpottery.com and I'll personally get back to you within one working day.
Cancellation Policy
- If you cancel before and on the 5th January 2027, we will provide you with a 100% refund.
- If you cancel between the 5-20th January 2027, we deduct 50% of the total fees as cancellation fees and refund you the remaining paid amount.
- Post 20th January 2027, we will not be providing any refund.
- In case of International payment refunds, the customer bears the transfer fee. It will get automatically deducted by the payment gateway.
- In case of medical emergency informed at-least a week in advance, we can consider rescheduling the course (upon providing proof) Refund is not possible. Less than a week, we will not be able to help you.
- Due to any reason, you have to leave during the course, we won't be able to give you a refund or reschedule.
- We follow this policy without any exceptions.
- We take three to four weeks to process the refund.
Hope to see you soon!