Learn how to be a potter, the fun way
Ivy Susanti Depok
Over the years, rapid urban sprawl has gobbled up the green areas of Jakarta, children's playgrounds included.
When the weekend comes, children transform streets and roads into soccer fields or badminton courts, while others hit the mall.
Air and noise pollution are a constant nuisance, particularly for those who take time out for a leisurely stroll. While the very pulse of the city -- its skyscrapers and crowds and chaos -- attract many, it is probably time to take a break. What better way than to take your children on an out-of-town excursion, to a ceramic workshop.
The class is held at ceramic artist F. Widayanto's showcase house, in the green area of Beji, Depok, every Saturday and Sunday. The ceramic studio is in a one-hectare compound, and surrounded by a neatly trimmed garden. Widayanto's artwork, such as vessels and garden lamps are placed around the garden, where a stone path leads visitors to the ceramic workshop.
According to Widayanto, the workshop is aimed at introducing the art of making clayware to the public.
He said that school children regularly attend the weekend workshop. Besides which, there are also workshops on weekdays to encourage the participation of nine-to-fivers. Participants can work with clay to their heart's content, as the workshop opens for 16 hours over two days. Although, it is not uncommon for participants to enroll for another 16 hours.
"Working people usually attend the weekday workshop. Through this class, I hope that people will understand our working method, besides learning how to make ceramics," he explained.
A pottery session costs Rp 50,000 (US$5.30) per person, which includes a handful of clay, firing and an instructor. It takes around two weeks for your masterpiece to be ready to pick up.
"My workshop is different from those organized in malls. We use organic clay, while others use imported clay. Sometimes, at other workshops, you only get to paint ceramics," Widayanto said.
He added that he used organic clay taken from Sukabumi in West Java.
The simplest pottery technique involves molding objects, such as animals or vessels. An instructor is ready to assist you with this process, which comprises hours of cutting and pinching. A pottery wheel can achieve a more sophisticated finish.
When ready, the objects are dried so that they won't break when fired. Additional objects may be appended when the pottery is partially dry. When it turns white, or "biscuit" it is dry.
The pottery is then glazed, which heightens or masks the color of the clay. Other colors may be applied before firing.
If the sight of all those empty dishes makes you hungry, a traditional Indonesian restaurant is located within the compound. A Ceramic Tour package is available for between Rp 150,000 to 200,000, which includes a guide, lunch and the ceramic workshop. Bookings should be made in advance.
A display of Widayanto's work is also worth a peek, the collection includes "indoor" and "outdoor" pieces, including traditional handicrafts. His signature ceramic pieces are of animals and plants.
A shop next to the restaurant offers clayware ranging from utensils, to wall decorations, to earrings.
At the end of the day, you not only learn to make pottery at Widayanto's house, it's also a fabulous escape.
-- I-box: For more information, or to make a reservation, contact Rumah Tanah Baru: Jl. Curug Agung No. 1, Tanah Baru, Beji, Depok, 16428. Tel. (021) 775 7685, 775 7686 Fax. (021) 772 03294