Shivu Mahesh a ceramic and a visual artist from Bangalore will be teaching us how to create 3D scupltural forms using wheel thrown pottery as his primary tool, focusing not only on the final aesthetics but also the structural integrity and balance.
Dates 2nd February to 12th February 2026 (Check in 2nd Feb, Check out 12th Feb)
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 Shivu Mahesh, Bengaluru, India
Level Intermediate to Advanced
Duration 10 days
Firing No guarantee of fired objects. Course excludes firings. Facilitator may fire some pots if time allows.
Studio Hours & Materials
All days 10:30 am to 5:00pm (This includes teaching, supervision and practice on your own)
Optional self practice in the studio 5:00pm to 8pm
All materials will be provided
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.
Manual Instalment Payment Option
If you'd like to pay in two instalments, 50% to book now and 50% to be paid two months before the course starts, please email me at hello@slowpottery.com and pay via a manual bank transfer/UPI/ International bank transfer or use Wise.
The Intensive
In this course, we will focus on the creation of three-dimensional sculptural forms using the potter’s wheel as our primary tool. Rather than producing traditional symmetrical vessels, we will explore the possibilities of throwing multiple components that are then cut, altered, reshaped, and reassembled.
This method encourages experimentation with form and structure, pushing the boundaries of conventional wheel-thrown pottery. Attention will be given not only to the aesthetics of the final piece but also to the build ensuring that each sculpture is gravitationally balanced and structurally sound. Through this approach, students will gain a deeper understanding of both the technical and creative potentials of clay and wheel-thrown ceramics.
Daily Schedule
Day 1 – Course Introduction & Throwing Basics
We’ll begin with an overview of the course objectives, expectations, and a brief presentation to introduce students to the kinds of sculptural work we’ll be creating. The remainder of the day will be spent with students practicing to throw basic shapes and forms on the wheel. This session will also help me get a sense of where everyone’s at skill-wise so I can adjust the course to fit the group’s needs.
Day 2 – Concept Development.
Students will engage in brainstorming and discussions to begin developing personal concepts for their sculptures. We'll explore sources of inspiration, references, and themes. Sketching with dimensions and idea mapping will help students start to visualize how thrown forms can be altered and assembled into sculptural compositions.
Day 3 – Continued Ideation & Demonstrations.
Some students may need extra time to fully develop a strong concept, so we'll dedicate this day to refining ideas through discussion, sketching, and feedback. Alongside that, I’ll be giving demonstrations on wheel-thrown forms that students have sketched out or any shape that they find difficult, offering tips and guidance to help them overcome technical challenges and improve their skills.
Day 4 – Throwing all the elements.
Students will begin throwing individual forms based on their concepts. Attention will be given to consistency, scale, and how each element can eventually integrate with others. This is a day to produce a variety of shapes with intention, keeping in mind their future transformation.
Day 5 – Continued Throwing & Form Refinement
Throwing continues with a focus on refining shapes, throwing multiples if needed, and experimenting with proportion. Students are encouraged to push their technical limits while staying mindful of how each piece will fit into the larger sculptural vision.
Day 6 – Trimming and beginning assembly and composition.
Students will begin trimming, cutting, altering, and composing their thrown elements into a single sculptural form. Guidance will be provided on how to balance structure and design, and how to reinforce joins and connections. This stage will mark the shift from individual parts to unified pieces.
Day 7 – Ongoing Construction & Structural Balancing
Work continues on composing and assembling the sculptures. Emphasis will be placed on gravitational balance, composition, and securing structural integrity. Students will receive individualized feedback to help resolve design challenges and refine transitions between components.
Day 8 – Detailing & Surface Refinement
With the primary forms assembled, students will begin refining details—smoothing joins, defining contours, and enhancing textures or surfaces. This is also the time to make any final adjustments to ensure the sculpture is cohesive and structurally sound.
Day 9 - Final Touches & Preparation for Drying
Students will focus on finishing touches, resolving small issues, and making sure their pieces are ready for the drying and firing process. Proper drying methods and handling will be discussed to prevent cracking or warping.
Day 10 – Review, Reflection & Cleanup
We’ll conclude the course with a group review of the finished greenware pieces. Each student will present their work, discuss their creative process, and receive final feedback. The day will wrap up with studio cleanup and a discussion on next steps, including firing and potential surface treatments.
A Note By The Artist To Students
I’ve been practicing ceramics for nearly a decade, and over the years, it has become much more than just a medium for me—it’s a space for constant exploration and discovery.
I’m especially drawn to combining clay with other materials, experimenting with the ways different mediums interact and speak to one another. This ongoing dialogue between materials often leads to surprising and engaging results, creating experiences that invite viewers to connect with the work in a more layered and meaningful way. As an artist, I believe that the studio should be a space of continuous learning, both for myself and for my students.
Teaching has become an equally rewarding part of my journey as an artist. What I love most about it are the genuine connections I form with my students. Every individual comes in with a different perspective, and I see teaching as an opportunity to help them unlock their creative voice. I strive to create an environment where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and push their boundaries.
My focus is not just on developing technical skill, but also on helping students learn how to think through their ideas—how to plan, visualize, and bring their concepts to life with intention and confidence.
I find a lot of joy in designing exercises that are both fun and challenging—activities that help students understand clay not just as a craft, but as a versatile medium capable of expressive, sculptural language. These hands-on experiences foster growth, curiosity, and a deeper connection to material.
In this course, students will learn how to break down complex sculptural ideas into manageable forms. We'll explore how to use the potter’s wheel not just to make vessels, but to generate components that can be altered, combined, and assembled into thoughtful, dynamic sculptures. Emphasis will be placed on how to compose using multiple elements, how to create visual balance, and how to build structurally sound forms that maintain their integrity. Together, we’ll dive into everything from the technical aspects of throwing and joining, to the more abstract concerns of design, proportion, and storytelling through form.
By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of how to use clay as a sculptural medium—and more importantly, the confidence to use it as a personal voice in their creative journey.
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.
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.58,500/-
Single Occupancy Private Cottage - Rs.69,000/-
Manual Instalment Payment Option
If you'd like to pay in two instalments, 50% to book now and 50% to be paid two months before the course starts, please email me at hello@slowpottery.com and pay via a manual bank transfer/UPI/ International bank transfer or use Wise.
To Register
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 1st December 2025, we will provide you with a 100% refund.
- If you cancel between the 2nd December to 15th December 2025, we deduct 50% of the total fees as cancellation fees and refund you the remaining paid amount.
- Post 15th December 2025, 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.
- If your 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!