Apprenticeship COURSE
Supporting the next generation of potters
Come and join our community of international pottery students and enthusiasts.
“Laima Ceramics” opens its doors once per year- for a 4-week period- for a selected group of international ceramic students for an holistic immersion into various techniques (woodfiring,obvara raku firing, porcelain wheel throwing and glazing masterclass).
Students have the opportunity to observe and be present for all the “behind the scenes” of running an all-round pottery business. We host regular short-term and long-term pottery workshops, make functional tableware and dinnerware for families and restaurants, create exclusive one-of ceramic art pieces, collaborate with chefs, food-photographers and interior designers, work wholesale with home&lifestyle designer shops and galleries around the world.
We know how essential it is to immerse yourself fully in the pottery craft and the hours needed to get good at something.
Students are provided with studio space and accommodation on-site.
ABOUT
We offer short-term apprenticeship course at the studio (4-weeks). This opportunity is most suited for beginner potters in their initial years of training wanting to develop their skills further in a quiet and rural space, yet fully equipped working studio.
The ideal applicant has a keen desire to learn about and engage in the life and business of studio pottery. You do not need to have years of experience or a formal academic education, but must be committed to the work required to become a professional. Keen interest and passion for pottery is crucial. Pottery requires patience and precision, it is the most scientific of all art forms.
Your development as a potter and engagement in studio life is paramount to your experience.
Small group up to 4 students.
PROPERTY
Located in the rural Zemgale countryside, closest town Bauska is 25km, the vibrant capital Riga convenient 70km away, surrounded by vast farming fields, horse farm and enchanted apple orchard. With no pressure to produce, as we promise no exhibition for residents, artists are free to fully immerse into their practice.
LESSONS
Every week we spend 2 days (usually Mondays and Fridays) on guided experiences- exploring all the various techniques and methods listed here. While Tuesday-Thursday is spent in self-directed practice.
We will be covering all these subjects across the 4 week course:
“Foundation” developing timing and rhythm to process work A-Z, intro to different materials and properties
“Glaze Alchemy” intro to glazing: basic theory, basic application of glaze (dipping, pouring, brushing), health&safety, details of available glaze working properties
“Wheel” pottery wheel demo day (can be with porcelain too)
“Dine in style” Dinner set half day course- intro to slab-rolling and insights in how we make thousands of plates for restaurants across the globe
“Horse Wisdom” - intro to horse communication via body-language and breath
“Clay Kundalini” hand-building techniques to make work for Raku, electrical or wood firing
“Baltic Raku firing”wonderful local tradition
“The Art of Tetris” - packing assistance to get your work across the globe
Additional weekly group Q&A sessions and group organising meetings, where we can cover topics from business-side of pottery to design development.
In group organising meetings we use framework from Byron Katie “The Work”
*Material and firing fee included up to 1x bisq firing to 980 C, 1.5 glaze firing to 1260 C, pre-mixed glaze, and 60kg of stoneware/clay
***We get a LOT of applications, so please make sure to read the Q&A with probably every question you might have - already answered! ;) We love clarity and transparency !
***This potter-in-training program is made for those already intermediate knowledge of pottery!
APPLICATION PROCESS
send you motivation letter to laimaceramics@gmail.com and link to your online platform or some images of latest work
we then schedule an online interview via Zoom or WhatsApp
after the interview confirmation you may proceed to reserve your spot by using the listing below - selecting the month of choice
we then add you on the WhatsApp group chat where we send all further details and connect the group
arrival travel info at the Q&A, arrival dates in the listing below
ABOUT ME AND THIS PLACE
Hello, my name is Laima. I grew up on this farm next to what is now the Artist Residency.
In 2013, after finishing my BA degree in the UK (Falmouth University), I set up my pottery studio in my childhood home, next to my parent’s agricultural farm.
In 2016, I had already outgrown the small studio space and with my ceramic income as well as EU funding - built the large "Laima Ceramics" space as well as renovated the attic known as the "Loft" which serves as accommodation for my students.
In 2020 I had the chance to take over the neighbouring 1878 brick building and give it a New Life. I call her "My Lady" and her spirit is rather flirtatious and full of gentle humour, she told me in the very beginning that she will be filled with people, who will all be nurtured and protected by her thick red brick walls. So, my job was to fulfil her wish to the best of my abilities. It is a special kind of honour to be trusted by a 142-year-old giant for her full renovation.
The house had been derelict for more than 10 years so the make-over was BIG- new sewage system, new water source, central heating, all new electric wiring, new roof, wood windows, wood doors. In the interiors, we used as much natural materials and local craftsmanship as possible. Featuring natural oak veneer flooring with flax oil, natural Lime paint, and linen curtains. Much of the furniture is locally made from hardwood, and doors and kitchen units are made from reclaimed wood boards. In 2021 it welcomed its first students :)
As a potter, I am mainly self-taught, and I give most of the credit for my work to my natural environment and simply the time invested in uncovering both the voice of the materials and my own creative voice.
The simplicity and genius of this approach are what I would love to share with people. What I consider most important is setting yourself up for success via the environment setting. That means- taking time out from your usual busy life into stillness. Here we provide you with exactly that. The location is quite isolated, you must make some effort to venture out. This we consider a gift because you soon find that in the stillness and lack of other agendas- you can get that perfect studio practice flow.
I invite you to take care of this place and let it nurture you in response. Find the gift of reciprocity available to us through every interaction.
It is our divine right to create a heavenly reality here on Earth, a Sanctuary where creativity can flourish.
By deciding to join me here - you are supporting and actively participating in helping me further nurture and develop this little corner of Earth that we hold as our Creative Sanctuary. Thank you!
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TestimoniALS from previous students