Learn how to be a potter, the fun way<\/p>\n
Ivy Susanti
\nDepok<\/p>\n
Over the years, rapid urban sprawl has gobbled up the green areas
\nof Jakarta, children's playgrounds included.<\/p>\n
When the weekend comes, children transform streets and roads
\ninto soccer fields or badminton courts, while others hit the
\nmall.<\/p>\n
Air and noise pollution are a constant nuisance, particularly
\nfor those who take time out for a leisurely stroll. While the
\nvery pulse of the city -- its skyscrapers and crowds and chaos --
\nattract many, it is probably time to take a break. What better
\nway than to take your children on an out-of-town excursion, to a
\nceramic workshop.<\/p>\n
The class is held at ceramic artist F. Widayanto's showcase
\nhouse, in the green area of Beji, Depok, every Saturday and
\nSunday. The ceramic studio is in a one-hectare compound, and
\nsurrounded by a neatly trimmed garden. Widayanto's artwork, such
\nas vessels and garden lamps are placed around the garden, where a
\nstone path leads visitors to the ceramic workshop.<\/p>\n
According to Widayanto, the workshop is aimed at introducing
\nthe art of making clayware to the public.<\/p>\n
He said that school children regularly attend the weekend
\nworkshop. Besides which, there are also workshops on weekdays to
\nencourage the participation of nine-to-fivers. Participants can
\nwork with clay to their heart's content, as the workshop opens
\nfor 16 hours over two days. Although, it is not uncommon for
\nparticipants to enroll for another 16 hours.<\/p>\n
\"Working people usually attend the weekday workshop. Through
\nthis class, I hope that people will understand our working
\nmethod, besides learning how to make ceramics,\" he explained.<\/p>\n
A pottery session costs Rp 50,000 (US$5.30) per person, which
\nincludes a handful of clay, firing and an instructor. It takes
\naround two weeks for your masterpiece to be ready to pick up.<\/p>\n
\"My workshop is different from those organized in malls. We
\nuse organic clay, while others use imported clay. Sometimes, at
\nother workshops, you only get to paint ceramics,\" Widayanto said.<\/p>\n
He added that he used organic clay taken from Sukabumi in West
\nJava.<\/p>\n
The simplest pottery technique involves molding objects, such
\nas animals or vessels. An instructor is ready to assist you with
\nthis process, which comprises hours of cutting and pinching. A
\npottery wheel can achieve a more sophisticated finish.<\/p>\n
When ready, the objects are dried so that they won't break
\nwhen fired. Additional objects may be appended when the pottery
\nis partially dry. When it turns white, or \"biscuit\" it is dry.<\/p>\n
The pottery is then glazed, which heightens or masks the color
\nof the clay. Other colors may be applied before firing.<\/p>\n
If the sight of all those empty dishes makes you hungry, a
\ntraditional Indonesian restaurant is located within the compound.
\nA Ceramic Tour package is available for between Rp 150,000 to
\n200,000, which includes a guide, lunch and the ceramic workshop.
\nBookings should be made in advance.<\/p>\n
A display of Widayanto's work is also worth a peek, the
\ncollection includes \"indoor\" and \"outdoor\" pieces, including
\ntraditional handicrafts. His signature ceramic pieces are of
\nanimals and plants.<\/p>\n
A shop next to the restaurant offers clayware ranging from
\nutensils, to wall decorations, to earrings.<\/p>\n
At the end of the day, you not only learn to make pottery at
\nWidayanto's house, it's also a fabulous escape.<\/p>\n
-- I-box:
\nFor more information, or to make a reservation, contact Rumah
\nTanah Baru:
\nJl. Curug Agung No. 1, Tanah Baru, Beji, Depok, 16428.
\nTel. (021) 775 7685, 775 7686
\nFax. (021) 772 03294<\/p>",
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