POTTERY WELLNESS COURSE

A Deep Immersion into Craft, Rhythm & Practice

Each year, a small group of international participants are welcomed into the studio for a period of focused immersion — a time to make, observe, refine, and integrate. The approach is holistic by nature: ceramics understood not only as a craft, but as a discipline and a way of orienting oneself in work and life.

During this time, participants are guided through core ceramic processes such as wheel throwing, glaze development, and traditional Baltic Obvara firing. Equally important are the quieter, often unseen layers of studio life: decision-making, pacing, repetition, refinement, and the rhythms that sustain a long-term practice. These elements are absorbed through proximity, shared time, and daily presence.

Living and working on site allows learning to extend beyond scheduled sessions and into everyday life. This closeness creates a natural container for observation, questions, rest, and gradual skill development — without pressure to perform, compete, or produce for outcome.

Competence and confidence emerge through sustained presence, repetition, and attunement over time. This course is designed to offer exactly that: continuity, space, and the conditions needed for meaningful progress.

**WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THIS opportunity?**

This program sits at the intersection of a structured pottery course and an artist residency. It offers both dedicated time and space to develop your own work at your own pace, alongside regular guidance and shared studio rhythm.
Set in a quiet rural landscape, the studio is surrounded by garden, animals, and open land — creating conditions that support focus, rest, and a slower, more attentive way of working.
The group is international and intentionally small, bringing together people at similar stages of commitment who are drawn to craft as a long-term practice rather than a short-term pursuit. Shared meals, studio time, and daily rhythms foster a sense of quiet community without pressure or comparison.
Workshops combine practical demonstrations, technical discussion, and insight into my approach to ceramics — how decisions are made, how processes are refined, and how a studio practice is sustained over time.
Beyond technique, the program offers exposure to the wider realities of studio pottery: pacing, material choices, workflow, business side of ceramics and the practical and philosophical considerations of working with clay as a livelihood or lifelong discipline.
The personal setting of our home studio creates a grounded, welcoming environment where each participant is supported as an individual and encouraged to work with confidence, care, and autonomy.

**What Past Participants Share**

“This course is far beyond just a ceramics course… the tranquil calm surroundings, wholesome food, beautiful lodging, and presence of horses, cats and dog… the place simply induces a state of calm and presence, inevitably translating into your state when working with clay.”
— Yakeen Hafouda, UK
“I spent a beautiful four weeks at Laima’s ceramics studio… friendships to treasure forever… pottery skills blossomed. Laima is an exceptional teacher who generously shared her artistry.”
— Heidi Allen, USA
“I left home for a pottery class but returned with so much more… this experience far exceeded anything I could have imagined… Laima and her space came into my life with an entire package of wisdom.”
— Eliza, Romania
“I attended Laima’s one-week pottery course… it was like living the life of my dreams… complete beginners could make a beautiful teapot by day three because it was structured so cleverly and carefully! Laima showed me techniques before I knew what I needed.”
— Anna, Poland
“My course with Laima was something that changed my future as a human and my path in pottery forever… I found life-long friends with the same passion… This course is so much more than just pottery learning.”
— Aino, Finland
“Laima’s studio is the perfect balance of beauty and functionality… she fostered creativity and was generous in sharing her extensive knowledge. I left a better potter and human; I owe that to Laima.”
— Zoe Main, USA

**Key Details — What Your Booking Includes**

Course fee covers all core elements of the immersion, allowing you to fully settle into the studio rhythm without ongoing logistical decisions.
Included
Accommodation at our family home next to the studio
Daily access to the professional pottery studio
30+ hours of guided group instruction
Two individual one-on-one sessions on the pottery wheel
Weekly Friday community lunches
Welcome meal and closing dinner
Materials and firings*
Group exhibition in the studio at the end of the course
Individual photoshoot of you and your exhibited work
As part of the course process, one ceramic piece will remain in the studio’s permanent collection.

About the Program

This opportunity is best suited to potters who wish to deepen their skills within a quiet, rural setting and a fully equipped working studio.

It particularly suits those with a genuine curiosity about the wider life of studio pottery — including how a practice is organised, sustained, and shaped over time — whether or not they intend to pursue it professionally.

Location & Setting

Laima Ceramics is located in the rural countryside of Zemgale, a region long known as the agricultural heartland of Latvia. The landscape here is wide and open, shaped by farming fields and long horizons.

The studio is part of a family farm and small horse sanctuary, surrounded by grazing land, an old apple orchard, and working fields. Horses live and move through the landscape as part of daily life, offering a grounding presence rather than an attraction. Seasonal changes — light, weather, harvest, and rest — are felt clearly and naturally here.

The nearest town, Bauska, is approximately 20 km away and offers basic amenities, while Latvia’s capital, Riga, is about 70 km from the property and easily reachable by car or public transport. This distance creates a balance: rural seclusion without isolation.

Living and working on site means becoming attuned to the rhythms of the place — early mornings, long studio days, shared meals, and evenings that slow naturally with the light. The environment supports focus, repetition, and rest, making it particularly suited to those who value uninterrupted time and a close connection between work, land, and daily life.

This is not a retreat setting designed to distract or entertain, but a working rural environment that quietly supports sustained practice and presence.

Laimes Horses by Elza Pallo Photographer 253.jpg

**Learning & Guided Sessions Include**

Introduction and orientation of the studio, land, and facilities
Wheel-throwing demonstrations (stoneware & porcelain), from cylinders to teapots
Glaze development and application guidance
Dinnerware day — creating functional tableware for home or professional use
Traditional Baltic Obvara (Raku) firing workshop
Extruder vase workshop
Porcelain cup hand-building workshop
Holistic introduction to horse communication and observation
Weekly additional group guidance sessions (e.g. kiln loading, glazing decisions, workflow)
Not Included
Personal food and groceries, Travel and transport expenses
Optional weekly yoga classes in Bauska with Kris (€10 / 2 hours)

Lessons, Daily Rhythm & Guided Practice

The course unfolds through a gentle yet well-held daily rhythm, balancing focused studio work with spaciousness, rest, and self-directed time. This structure supports depth of learning without pressure, allowing skills and understanding to settle naturally.

Most days include one or two guided studio sessions, which act as anchors rather than fixed “classes.” These moments may involve demonstrations, technical input, or focused exploration, and are complemented by hands-on work, observation, and conversation throughout the day.

Typical guided times include:

Morning session: 10:00–12:00
Afternoon session: 14:00–16:00 (on selected days)

Some mornings are reserved for individual wheel sessions, offering more concentrated, personalised guidance.

Outside of guided hours, participants have generous free time — to continue independent studio practice, rest, walk the countryside, journal, integrate, or connect quietly with others. This balance is intentional: learning deepens when it is not forced.

Regular group Q&A and studio meetings are shaped by the needs of those present. Topics may include studio workflow, design development, glazing questions, kiln use, or the business side of ceramics as well as all practical and philosophical aspects of sustaining a pottery practice — professionally or otherwise.

From Forming to Finishing

As the weeks unfold, the focus gradually shifts from generating forms to completing and refining work. This later phase includes:

Guided glazing and surface exploration
Kiln loading and firing preparation
A raku firing day featuring the traditional Baltic Obvara technique
Support in preparing work for final presentation

Weekends & Community Rhythm

Fridays
Fridays carry a softer, more communal tone. We slow the pace, share a long lunch together, and allow space for conversation and digestion — both literal and creative.
Saturdays
Optional, lightly organised excursions may include visits to Rundāle Palace, Bauska town, nearby spas, local restaurants, or nature and cultural outings. Participation is always optional; rest is equally valued.
Sundays
Reserved for rest. Studio access remains available 24/7, and some participants choose to work quietly on their own.

Materials & Firing

The following are included in the course fee:

Bisque firing and one full glaze firing per participant to 1260 °C (our 200-liter kiln holds approximately 50 pieces)
Pre-mixed studio glazes
40 kg of stoneware clay

Additional materials (such as porcelain) can be purchased directly from the studio or delivered within 48 hours from a local ceramic supplier.

**Wheel lessons**

We cover the full wheel-throwing process — from preparing the clay to centring, pulling a cylinder, refining form, and trimming. Attention is given to posture, timing, pressure, and the subtle decisions that shape both form and outcome.
For those with more experience, the work can deepen into more demanding territory: throwing porcelain (my personal focus), teapot making, and complex forms such as spheres or combined shapes. Guidance is always adapted to where each person is in their practice.
The wheel becomes a microcosm of practice itself. How you arrive, how you focus, how you respond to resistance, and how you let go are all reflected in the clay. In this sense, the art of living is quietly present within the act of throwing.

**Glaze Alchemy**

Gorgeous matte, lava, metallic, natural, and special-effect glazes are at the heart of our studio practice. During the course, we work with both glaze development and a range of application methods, always in relation to form, surface, and firing.
Guidance includes an introduction to glaze theory, health and safety, and practical application techniques such as dipping, pouring, and brushing. We also explore the working properties of the glazes available in the studio — how they move, layer, break, and respond in the kiln.
The focus is on understanding materials well enough to work with confidence, curiosity, and intention.
You’re welcome to explore a selection of our favourite glazes here.

**Dine in style**

This session focuses on creating a cohesive dinner set using slab-rolling techniques — allowing you to develop professional-looking plates and bowls within a short, focused period of time.
You’re guided through a system that balances precision with ease: how to plan proportions, work efficiently, and maintain consistency. Under this approach, it’s possible to produce a complete, harmonious set in just a few hours.
The method is shaped by long-term repetition. Over the years, we have made thousands of plates and bowls for restaurants around the world, refining each step toward greater efficiency, flow, and grace in the process.
Even for those already familiar with slab-building, this session often unlocks a new level of clarity — shifting how you think about rhythm, organisation, and scale in tableware production.
You’re welcome to explore examples of our dinner sets here.

**Horse Wisdom**

Many people arrive as complete beginners, sometimes even carrying a lingering fear or uncertainty around horses. This session is designed to meet each person exactly where they are.
We begin with a grounded introduction to the principles of horse communication — how horses perceive the world, read body language, and respond to breath, intention, and presence. From there, we move into quiet observation of the herd, followed by simple, respectful communication practices from the ground.
Safety is central. The priority is to create a calm, protected environment for both people and horses. As a sanctuary, this is a place where interspecies harmony and mutual respect guide every interaction.
After a full day in the pottery studio, the horses offer a different kind of attentiveness: mindful movement, regulated breath, and a sense of heart coherence that many find deeply restorative. Any sense of healing arises naturally here — shared, unforced, and reciprocal.
You can read more about our herd and this space here.

**Shared Expectations & Studio Ethos**

This program is shaped as a shared working environment rather than a school setting. Clarity around expectations helps ensure that time in the studio remains grounded, respectful, and generative for everyone involved.
**Commitment to Practice**
Participants are expected to work independently and spend substantial time in the studio developing their own work. Motivation and curiosity matter more than speed or output — practice, repetition, and presence are the foundation of the experience.

**Respect for the Space**
The studio is both a home and a working environment. Care for the space — physical, emotional, and energetic — is essential. A calm, attentive atmosphere supports focus, creativity, and the ability to work well over long periods of time.
**Clear & Considerate Communication**
Good communication allows the studio to function smoothly. Transparency, directness, and mutual respect are valued, especially when working and living in close proximity.
**Guidance & Exchange**
Guidance is offered generously and with care, while participants are invited to take responsibility for how they receive and integrate it. Alignment is established through the information shared on this page and through the application process, ensuring that expectations are clear on both sides.

Additional TRAVEL info at QA here

Application Process

To apply, please send a short letter to laimaceramics@gmail.com

In your message, please include:

a brief outline of your experience with ceramics
your motivation for joining this course
what you hope to explore or develop during your time here

Once your application has been reviewed and accepted, you’ll be invited to reserve your place via the listing below by paying the deposit.

After registration, you’ll be added to a private WhatsApp group where we share arrival details and practical information, and where you can connect with the rest of the group ahead of the course.

Featured

Courses

PRIVATE 4 day CERAMIC IMMERSION

Courses

€1,800.00

A private four-day ceramic experience designed around one participant — your own pace, interests and level.

The programme combines wheel throwing, hand-building and slab rolling. The programme is suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced potters. You don’t need to arrive with a specific project in mind — we can discover what you would like to make together and adapt the four days accordingly.

Bringing someone with you

Although the immersion is booked per person, you are welcome to come with a partner, friend or family member and share the experience. The programme can be adapted to two participants, even if you have different levels of pottery experience.

Our guest room has a 140 cm double bed, and we can also add an extra bed if you are travelling with a child or need separate sleeping arrangements.

The listed price is for one participant. If two people would like to take part in the ceramic immersion, the same price applies per person.

THE FOUR DAYS

The programme below is a basic proposed structure for beginners. Because this is a private immersion, the content can be adapted considerably to your experience and interests. Experienced potters may use the same time for more advanced wheel work, porcelain, teapots, lidded vessels, more complex forms or a specific project.

DAY 1 — Arrive, Discover & Make

11:00 — Arrival & Introduction

We begin at 11:00 with a tour of Laima Ceramics and the surrounding farm.

You’ll get to know the studio, the people who work here and the animals who are part of everyday life — including our horses, ducks, cats and dog.

We’ll introduce you to the studio, our clays and equipment, and give you an overview of the ceramic process, from preparing clay and making forms through to glazing and firing.

Afternoon — Hand-building

After the introduction, we get straight into making.

You’ll explore hand-building techniques and create your first pieces, while getting a feel for the clay and the different possibilities of working with it.

Depending on your experience, this can range from basic construction techniques to more considered or sculptural forms.

DAY 2 — Wheel Throwing

Morning — Demonstration & Practice

For beginners, we begin with a one-hour wheel-throwing demonstration, covering the fundamentals of preparing clay, centring, opening, pulling and shaping.

This is followed by one hour of guided practice, giving you the chance to try the techniques yourself with individual guidance.

For more experienced potters, this time can instead be used to work directly on the techniques, forms or projects you want to develop.

Afternoon — Guided Wheel Throwing

We return to the wheel for another one-hour guided session, focusing on your individual progress and helping you develop greater control and precision.

After the guided session, you’ll have time to continue working independently at your own pace.

The level of work can be adapted to you — from learning the fundamentals to developing more complex forms, working with porcelain, making teapots or exploring other techniques and projects.

DAY 3 — Wheel Throwing & Preparing the Dinnerware

Morning — Wheel Throwing

We continue with wheel throwing, building on the previous day's work.

Opportunity for more repetition and refinement.

Afternoon — Slab Rolling & Dinnerware Design

In the afternoon, we move on to slab rolling in preparation for your dinnerware project.

Before making, we look at the principles behind designing functional dinnerware. We consider proportion, scale, ergonomics and how a piece actually lives in everyday use — how it feels in the hand, how it is eaten from, washed, stacked and stored.

You’ll learn how to roll and handle slabs, work with templates and think about how individual pieces can form a cohesive collection.

Rather than simply making a plate or bowl, the aim is to understand the relationship between design, function and making.

You’ll then prepare the slabs and components needed for shaping your dinnerware on Day 4.

DAY 4 — Shaping Dinnerware & Refining Your Work

Morning — Shaping the Dinnerware

We begin shaping your dinnerware using the slabs prepared on Day 3.

You’ll create your own plates and bowls while considering proportion, shape, function and consistency between pieces.

We look at how a small collection can feel cohesive without making every piece identical, and how the handmade quality can remain visible within a considered design.

Afternoon — Trimming & Finishing

In the afternoon, we return to the pieces thrown on Days 2 and 3.

You’ll trim and refine your wheel-thrown forms, making adjustments where needed and adding finishing details such as handles, lids or other elements.

We’ll then review the work created during the immersion and explore glaze and surface options, considering how different finishes will interact with the forms you have made.

YOUR IMMERSION, YOUR PROJECT

Although the four-day programme has a suggested structure, this is a private experience and can be adapted to you.

If there is something specific you would particularly like to learn or make, we can build the programme around it.

If you would like the experience to extend beyond ceramics, part of the programme can be adapted to include an introduction to our approach to horses and inter-species communication at Laimes Zirgi.

This may include observing the herd, learning to read horse body language, basic ground communication and simply spending time with the horses.

COURSE RHYTHM

4 days / 3 nights

The guided studio day generally runs from 10:00–16:00, with a lunch break in between.

There is also plenty of opportunity to continue working independently outside the guided sessions.

Arrival & Departure

Arrival is at 11:00 on the day of the course.

Departure is after 16:00 after the final studio session on Day 4.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

4 days of private ceramic instruction
Clay and basic studio materials
Firing of your work
Glazing in one glaze colour for up to 20 finished pieces/5kg
Accommodation at our family home
Use of the studio during your stay
Shuttle service to/from Bauska if needed

Materials allowance: up to 10 kg of stoneware clay.

Finished pieces are fired after the course and shipped to you once completed. Shipping costs are additional.

LOCATION

The immersion takes place in my light-filled ceramic studio in rural Zemgale, Latvia, surrounded by fields, an apple orchard and our horse sanctuary, Laimes Zirgi.

25 km from Bauska
70 km from Riga
Approximately 1.1 hours from Riga International Airport
5 minutes from the magnificent Rundāle Palace

The studio, horses and accommodation are all part of the same small rural setting.

ACCOMMODATION

You’ll stay at our family home, a historic brick house originally built in 1878 and carefully renovated in 2021.

The house is shared with our family, including our five cats and one dog. The horses' paddock and stable are between the house and studio, just a short walk away.

Your accommodation includes:

Private guest room with a 140 cm double bed and kitchenette
Shared bathroom with shower and washing machine
Bed linen and towels
Wi-Fi

The studio is a two-minute walk from the house.

MEALS

Meals are self-catered.

The accommodation has a kitchenette where you can prepare your own breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you have rented a car, you can also use the evenings to explore the surrounding area and visit local restaurants. Q&A — local restaurants

GETTING HERE

We are approximately 20 minutes by car from Bauska Bus Station and around 1 hour 10 minutes by car from Riga International Airport.

If arriving by public transport, we recommend travelling to Bauska Bus Station. We can provide a shuttle to and from Bauska when needed.

If you are arriving by Bolt taxi from Riga Airport, you can come directly to the studio.

A rental car gives you more freedom to explore the surrounding area, visit Rundāle Palace and go out for dinner.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Q&A — travel tips, arrival information and practical considerations

Booking Terms & Conditions

HOW TO ENQUIRE

Write to us at laimaceramics@gmail.com and tell us:

Your previous pottery experience, if any
What you would particularly like to learn or make
Whether you will be travelling with a companion

Courses

Porcelain Mastery Course — 24-28 May 2027

Courses

from €1,490.00

This immersion is designed to help you experience porcelain from multiple angles within a focused and highly practical format. Rather than working exclusively at the wheel or solely through hand-building, we combine both approaches throughout the course, allowing techniques to inform and strengthen one another.

Limited to just four participants, the immersion offers a supportive, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of individual guidance. Whether you're taking your first steps with porcelain or refining an existing practice

What We Explore

Wheel-thrown porcelain
Slab building and hand-built forms
Surface texture and decoration
Functional design principles
Cups, bowls, plates, serving ware, and teapots
Studio workflow and efficient making methods

Along the way, you'll develop:

Better control and sensitivity with porcelain
Stronger understanding of form and proportion
Confidence moving between wheel and hand-building techniques
Efficient processes for creating cohesive collections

Many participants arrive expecting “a pottery class” — and leave with something far deeper.

“I left home for a pottery class but returned with so much more. This experience far exceeded anything I could have imagined.”
— Eliza, Romania

Wheel Throwing

We begin with the foundations: spiral wedging, centering, opening, pulling cylinders, shaping forms, and trimming.

Depending on your skill level, we may explore:

Larger forms
Teapots and lidded vessels
Handles and attachments

Having guided hundreds of students through their first experiences with clay, I teach with a balance of precision and intuitive understanding, helping each participant find an approach that feels both effective and natural.

Hand Building & Heirloom Dinnerware

Alongside wheel work, we will explore hand-building techniques that allow beautiful, functional pieces to emerge quickly and efficiently.

Together we create:

Slab-built dinnerware
Textured porcelain cups
Plates and serving pieces

I share the methods used within my own studio practice and hospitality collections, including approaches that make it possible to create coherent, professional-looking tableware set.

Course Rhythm

4 days and 4 nights (arrival on 24 August, departure on 28 August)
4 hours of guided sessions per day
Daily rhythm: Morning session 10:00–12:00, Afternoon session 14:00–16:00
Studio remains open to you beyond guided sessions

Location

The immersion takes place in our light-filled studio in rural Zemgale, surrounded by open farmland, an apple orchard, and the horse sanctuary.

Distances:

25 km from Bauska
70 km from Riga
Approximately 1 hour from Riga International Airport (RIX)
5 minutes from the magnificent Rundāle Palace, one of the Baltic region's most celebrated historic estates

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in our family home — a historic brick building dating back to 1878 and lovingly renovated in 2021.

The atmosphere is quiet, relaxed, and deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. The house is shared with our family, five cats, and one friendly dog. Between the house and studio lies the horses' paddock, where the rhythm of daily life naturally unfolds.

Guests are accommodated across three rooms:

A twin room with two single beds and privacy divider (linen curtain)
Small private room
Large private room with double bed and with kitchenette

All rooms include bedding, towels, Wi-Fi, and access to a fully equipped kitchen.

Meals are self-organised, and participants often choose to cook and share meals together, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere beyond the studio hours.

The kitchen is stocked with our handmade pottery, offering a chance to live with and use the pieces throughout your stay—from morning coffee and tea rituals to shared dinners around the table. A farewell dinner is provided on the final day of the immersion.

The studio is only a two-minute walk away from the house..

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Most groups choose to share a rental car, which offers greater flexibility for evening outings, restaurant visits, or local exploration.

If arriving by public transport, we recommend coming by Bolt taxi, in which case most participants remain on the premises throughout the immersion. We also offer a shuttle service to/from Bauska for anyone arriving with public transport.

What's Included

16 hours of guided instruction
Small group of only four participants
All materials, Bisque firing, glazing, and final firing*
Accommodation for four nights
Continued access to the studio outside teaching hours

* Includes 12.5kg of porcelain and glazing in single color of up to 20 pieces/5kg of work.

Finished pieces are glazed and fired by us within 4 weeks after the course and shipped to your home (shipping costs additional).

Places are intentionally limited to four participants to ensure personal guidance and ample studio access throughout the immersion.

Practical Information

Q&A with travel tips, arrival information, and practical considerations

Arrival
Arrival is scheduled for evening of 24 May, between 17:00–18:00, allowing time to settle in and ease into the space.

Departure
Departure is on 28 May after 18:00. Please note that this is still a full and active day with shared dinner at 16:30.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Application

If this immersion resonates with you, write to laimaceramics@gmail.com and include:

A short introduction about yourself
Your experience level with ceramics

We look forward to welcoming you into our studio and sharing four days of porcelain, craftsmanship, and creative exploration.

Courses

Sold Out

Courses

Immersion Course — 3-7 May 2027

Courses

€900.00

To get notified for the next immersion select:
“Get notified by email when this product is in stock” on the bottom of the listing.

Would you like to experience this immersion with your own group of family, friends, or colleagues? Private groups of up to 4 participants can be arranged on request. Get in touch and we can find suitable dates together.

A surprisingly rich learning journey — even in just four days

This immersion is designed to cover a wide range of ceramic techniques within a short, focused time frame. Rather than working in a single modality, we usually combine wheel practice with hand-building techniques, allowing skills to cross-pollinate and deepen quickly. This integrated approach often leads to remarkable progress, even for complete beginners.

“Complete beginners could make a beautiful teapot by day three because the course was structured so cleverly and carefully.”
— Anna, Poland

The course is custom-made for small group, creating a close, friendly atmosphere where your individual needs, pace, and curiosities can be met. You are welcome as a complete beginner or with previous experience — the structure adapts fully to the group.

What We Explore

Across the four days, we work with:

Wheel throwing (stoneware and, if suitable, porcelain)
Hand building (slab-rolling, coiling, textural work)
Functional forms such as cups, bowls, plates, teapots
Glazing and surface exploration
Holistic horsemanship and inter-species communication

The practices are intentionally interwoven, allowing you to:

Strengthen coordination and sensitivity at the wheel
Translate wheel skills into confident hand-built forms
Understand efficiency, flow, and repetition in functional ware
Experience how presence and energy directly shape material outcomes

Many participants arrive expecting “a pottery class” — and leave with something far deeper.

“I left home for a pottery class but returned with so much more. This experience far exceeded anything I could have imagined.”
— Eliza, Romania

Wheel Throwing

We begin with strong foundations: preparing clay, centring, pulling cylinders, shaping, and trimming.
Depending on the group’s level, we may move into porcelain throwing, teapots and lidded forms, spheres and complex combined shapes/

Having guided hundreds of beginners, I bring a precise yet intuitive teaching style, making each step accessible technically and energetically. The microcosm of the wheel holds the whole art of living.

Hand Building & Heirloom Dinnerware

Alongside the wheel, we may explore:

Slab-built dinnerware, allowing you to create a coherent, professional-looking set within hours
Porcelain cups with texture and nuance

Through repetition and refinement, I share the principles of ease, efficiency, grace, and flow — the same principles used in my restaurant work worldwide.

Glazing

Matte, lava, metallic, natural, and special-effect glazes are central to my work. You will learn both about glaze characteristics and diverse application methods, with an emphasis on surfaces that feel grounded, alive, and intentional. See some of our glazes here.

Horses & Presence

You’ll observe herd dynamics, practise basic ground communication, and experience the grounding, nervous-system regulation horses naturally offer. After long studio days, this space often becomes a quiet recalibration — for body, breath, and attention.

Course Rhythm

4 days and 4 nights (arrival on 17 May, departure on 21st may)
4 hours of guided sessions per day
Daily rhythm: 10:00–16:00 with a shared lunch break in-between
Studio remains open to you beyond guided sessions
Each course day includes a shared lunch, eaten together as part of the rhythm of the immersion.

Location

The immersion takes place in my light-filled studio in rural Zemgale, surrounded by vast farming fields, an apple orchard, and the horse sanctuary Laimes Zirgi.

25 km from Bauska
70 km from Riga
~1.1 hour from RIX airport
5 minutes from nr1. Latvia tourism destination the splendid Rundāle Palace

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in our family home, a historic brick building originally built in 1878 and carefully renovated in 2021. The house offers a quiet, grounded atmosphere and is shared with our family, including our five cats and one dog. The horses’ paddock and stable sit between the house and the studio, forming part of the daily rhythm of the place.

Shared second floor for up to three guests, Shared kitchen and bathroom
Second floor: One twin room with 2 single beds and linen separation in-between
Second floor: One private single room
First floor: One large en-suite room with private kitchenette

Bedding, towels, Wi-Fi, and a fully equipped kitchen are provided. The horses graze just outside, and the studio is a two-minute walk away.

MEALS

Lunch: A shared lunch is provided on course days
Breakfast & Dinner: Self-catered using the shared kitchen.
Some participants occasionally choose to drive to a nearby restaurant for dinner; this is optional

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

If arriving by public transport, we recommend coming by Bolt taxi, in which case most participants remain on the premises throughout the immersion.

Some groups choose to share a rental car, which offers greater flexibility for evening outings, restaurant visits, or local exploration. We also offer a shuttle service to/from Bauska if needed.

What’s Included

16 hours of guided instruction
Materials and firings*
Accommodation at our family home
Shared lunch
Shuttle service to/from Bauska if needed

* Includes 10kg of stoneware, glazing in single color of up to 30 pieces/5kg of work. Finished works are shipped to you after firing (shipping costs are additional).

Who Is This For?

Anyone drawn to:

Clay, craft, and functional beauty
Horses and embodied communication
Learning deeply in a small, attentive group

From first-time makers to advanced ceramicists — this immersion meets you exactly where you are.

Practical Information

Q&A with travel tips, arrival information, and practical considerations

To make local travel easy, we encourage the 4 participants toshare a rental car.
We also offer shuttle service to/from Bauska if you choose to use public transport instead.

Arrival
Arrival is scheduled for 3 May in the evening, between 16:00–20:00, allowing time to settle in and ease into the space.

Departure
Departure is on 7 May after 16:00. Please note that this is still a full and active day, with final moments in the studio.

Booking Terms & Conditions

You’re also welcome to follow along on Instagram @LaimaCeramics for a closer sense of the studio rhythm, materials, and day-to-day life behind this immersion.

How to apply?

Write to me at laimaceramics@gmail.com , include short description of you and where you are at your journey.

We hope to meet you in Latvia!

Courses

Sold Out

Courses

JUNE POTTERY course with woodfiring

Courses

€1,800.00

SUMMER 2026 · 9–22 June

13-Day Pottery & Wood Firing Immersion

Hand Building · Wheel Throwing · Heirloom Dinnerware · Horses

Applications for 2027 will open this December — you’re welcome to subscribe below to be notified when they do.

A once-a-year deep immersion into clay, fire, and presence

This 13-day summer immersion is offered only once per year. We conclude the course by taking part in a traditional Latvian wood-firing event — a rare opportunity to experience fire, community, and ritual as part of your learning journey.

This is a beginner-friendly course — no prior experience with pottery or horses is required.
At the same time, the depth of immersion supports intermediate makers who wish to learn woodfiring, slow down, or expand their skills.

Why this immersion is different

Learning ceramics well requires time, repetition, and presence.
This course is designed to give you exactly that.

You are invited to fully inhabit the craft — with:

24/7 access to the studio
On-site accommodation
Structured guidance balanced with spaciousness
Group learning and individual attention

The days unfold at a steady, nourishing pace, allowing skill, confidence, and sensitivity to grow naturally.

“This course is far beyond just a ceramics course… the tranquil calm surroundings, wholesome food, beautiful lodging, and presence of animals induce a state of calm and presence that translates directly into the work with clay.”
— Yakeen, UK

Week 1 · Foundations for Fire

The first week focuses on hand building and wheel practice, preparing work specifically for the wood firing.

All pieces created during Week 1 are made from local red earthenware clay, traditionally used for reduction firing.

We explore:

Coiling and slab techniques
Sgraffito carving for decoration
Burnishing and polishing, resulting in a deep black, silky-smooth surface after firing

This process invites patience, touch, and intimacy with the material.

Wheel Throwing

We cover strong foundations:

Preparing and wedging clay
Centring and pulling cylinders
Shaping and trimming

For participants with experience, we can explore:

Teapots and lidded forms
Spheres and combined shapes

Week 2 · Form, Function & Fire

In the second week, we expand into dinnerware:

You will:

Learn slab-built heirloom dinnerware techniques
Have space to revisit, refine, and explore techniques independently

The immersion culminates in three days of communal wood firing, where your first-week pieces are fired together in a living, breathing process shaped by fire, timing, and collaboration.

The Setting

The studio is located in the rural Zemgale countryside, surrounded by wide farming fields, an old apple orchard, and the horse sanctuary Laimes Zirgi.

20 km from Bauska
70 km from Riga
~1 hour from RIX airport
5 minutes from Rundāle Palace

To make local travel easy, we encourage the 4 participants toshare a rental car.
If you don’t drive, that’s absolutely fine — you’re welcome as a passenger too.

What’s Included

24/7 studio access
13 nights of on-site accommodation
20 hours of group guidance
2 individual wheel lessons
Materials and firings*
Welcome lunch & final celebratory dinner

*Includes up to 20 kg of clay for wood-firing (unlimited amount of pieces) and up to 20 electric-fired pieces (or up to 5 kg of finished work).

Wood-fired pieces may be taken home in hand luggage. Electric-fired pieces are glazed, fired, and shipped to you 3–4 weeks later (shipping charged separately).

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided at our family home, a brick house built in 1878 and lovingly renovated in 2021.

Second floor features:
- 1 twin room (2 single beds)
- 1 small private single room
- Shared kitchen & bathroom
First floor features:
- 1 larger double room (140 cm bed)
- Private kitchenette

All rooms include bedding, towels, Wi-Fi. The horse paddock borders the house, and the studio is a 2-minute walk away.

Practicalities

Who is this for?
Beginners and intermediate potters alike.

Where?
A light-filled studio in the Latvian countryside — simply search Laima Ceramics on Google Maps.

Led by
A guest tutor, with the workshop hosted and facilitated by the Laima Ceramics team throughout the experience. → Meet the team here

Arrival
Arrival is scheduled for 9 June at 11:00, when we begin with orientation and settling in.
A welcome lunch will follow at 13:00.

Departure
Departure is on 22 June. Please note that this is still a full and active day — we will be opening the wood kiln in the morning/early afternoon, followed by a final shared lunch around 14:00 at the guest house Balta Māja.

Many participants choose to carefully pack their wood-fired pieces into their luggage after lunch, so allow extra time for this process.

Plan your departure after 17:00, and avoid booking early flights so you can fully experience the closing moments of the course.

Investment

total €3,600 including the accommodation

Payment Plans available.

How to Apply

Write to laimaceramics@gmail.com and include a short introduction and where you are on your journey. After confirmation, you may proceed with reservation via this listing.

🔗 Q&A with travel tips, arrival information, and practical considerations
📷 Follow behind-the-scenes on Instagram @LaimaCeramics
📄 Booking Terms & Conditions

With warmth,
Laima

Courses

TestimoniALS from previous participants

Yakeen Hafouda

UK, 2025 (June course)
“Laima’s courses are far beyond just a ceramics course .. not only did I learn so much from a technical aspect thanks to Laima’s teaching style, which emphasized guided tuition intertwined with downtime to practice and explore skills, but this course also directly and indirectly teaches the deeper aspects of working with clay.
The tranquil calm surroundings, wholesome food, a beautiful lodging, the horses, cats and Dzera the dog .. the place simply induces a state of calm and presence, inevitably translating into your state when working with clay.
I think this combination of insight into the techinical and deeper dimensions of the craft is what made this experience so unique for me. “
Heidi Allen

USA, 2025 (July course)
“I spent a beautiful four weeks at Laima’s ceramics studio in July 2025. It was one of the most relaxing and rewarding experiences of my life, certainly of my artistic life. I was housed in a beautiful upstairs apartment, sharing quarters with my three retreat-mates. We bonded immediately and spent our free time exploring Latvia, cooking for one another, and celebrating our successes in the pottery studio. Friendships to treasure for always.
A day in my Latvian life looked like this: I would wake with the sun (early) and join Laima for qi gong in the shimmering field (she’s a great teacher!). Then I would eat a quick breakfast and take a long walk on the dirt road, admiring the wheat fields. There were cats to pet (even brand new kittens), a dog to love, horses to admire. The theme of the month was abundance. The cherry trees, raspberries, strawberries, all the berries, everything was showing off for us. Pottery would begin at 9 am and we would work until lunch. Back in the pottery studio by 2 pm. As evening approached, I would join my retreat-mates for dinner. I often took another walk, just reveling in nature. Once a week, I joined Laima at her favorite local yoga studio (a must-do experience!).
Laima and her husband Krisjanis also took us to local events, like a pop-up food festival and Latvian folk singing. One weekend we had a spa day (sublime!). The nights were long because the sun didn’t go down until midnight.
But most of our time was filled with clay - making, making, making. I created a new dinnerware set (big plates, small plates, bowls), a number of vases (big and small), pitchers, and coffee cups, oh my! Laima’s partner-in-making, Oksana made us laugh and feel cared for with her gentle tutorials. Between Laima and Oksana, my pottery skills blossomed.
At the end of our journey, after our Baltic raku firing, we had an exhibition of our work, which was finely photographed by the talented Krisjanis.
Laima is an exceptional teacher who generously shared her artistry. “
Vanessa

Austria, 2025 (4-day custom made course)
Absolutely fantastic pottery experience with Laima Ceramics in Latvia!

“I learned so much during the courses — not just about technique, but also about creativity and expression. The location was magical: peaceful and incredibly relaxing. Surrounded by nature, cats, and Laima’s inspiring artworks, I spent hours observing Laima’s stunning and inspiring work — a true creative boost.
Highly recommended!”
Eliza

Romania, 2025 (4 day immersion)
“I left home for a pottery class but returned with so much more than that.
I set out to learn from a talented artist I had admired for a long time on Instagram. I studied her work, dreaming of one day achieving that level of skill. But looking back after these days spent in her company, realized I was mostly focused on her final pieces rather than the person creating them.
Something about her work resonated with me intuitively, and in recent years, I’ve been letting my intuition guide me more and more.
When the time came to choose a pottery class, I had two options, but the decision to attend Laima’s was almost effortless.
Had certain expectations in mind, but now that the class is over, I can say with certainty that my expectations didn’t even come close to capturing the full experience.
Laima is incredibly generous, sharing far more than just her pottery skills. What she offers is something that can’t be fully described, it must be lived, felt. And lately, I’ve been doing a lot of “feeling.” Maybe more than I can handle. It’s overwhelming, to say the least. This experience was an emotional whirlwind, pushing me to look inward, question the “why” of things, and trust the process more.
Now, after spending this time in such an inspiring company, I can confidently say this experience far exceeded anything I could have imagined.
People are mysterious, people are beautiful and every person we meet has a lot of lesson for us. If only we take the time to listen. Laima and all her Universe , came into my life with an entire package of wisdom, one that I will be unfolding for a long, long time. And I promise to take my time with it, even if it feels overwhelming.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and for open heartedly accepting me into your space, into your home.
Your energy is deeply felt and know I will continue to feel its impact for a long time to come. I’ll be reflecting on how this experience has shaped me, trying my best to make sense of it all.”
IG @klay_ceramic
Andrea

Austria, 2025 (4-day immersion)
“I spent four wonderful days in March at Laimas place – during that time the weather changed from rain to snow to sun all seasons at once – and i could not be happier about it.
We were a lovely group of three women learning from Laima and experiencing these workshop-days together. We had the chance to cover many different topics, gained lots of practical advice, tipps & tricks about pottery and inspiring insights about horses.
We had a lovely time chatting, exchanging stories and quiet moments. We enjoyed delicious home cooked lunches, got to meet the animals on site and received plenty of cuddles from cats and dog :)

Thank you Laima and Krišjānis for having us. “

IG @rea_clay_creations
Hanna and Jane

Estonia, August 2025 ERASMUS Internship
“Thank you for welcoming us as interns into your ceramic studio and your beautiful home. It was truly an incredible experience and we feel so fortunate to have learned from such a talented and inspiring ceramicist.
Your creativity, patience and generosity made this time unforgettable. Not only did we gain valuable skills and insight into the world of ceramics, but we also got to experience the peaceful rhythm of rural life, surrounded by horses, cats and nature.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of your world for a little while, we will carry everything we learned - in the studio and beyond- with us as we continue on our creative paths.”
Alex

UK, 2024 (2 week residency + individual lessons)
“I arrived at LaimaCeramics unaware of what awesome time lay ahead. From minute one I was welcomed into the fold and inducted well.
The sessions were delivered really well and my skills were greatly improved by Laima's and Oksana's training.
Punctuated with moments of hilarity, the setting is beautiful and I had a chance to unwind in the country side when not potting. I strongly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys the craft. Thanks again team.”
Renata

Switzerland 2024 (4-day course)
"When I went to Latvia with my husband and our 9 months old baby, it was like a dream and I had a feeling that this experience would be something spectacular.
I already have some experience with ceramics, but Laima's approach has brought me much more ease in my work, the knowledge of how to work more efficiently and organized and a great desire to make my dreams come true. I feel that this is exactly what I needed.
The whole space of the studio, the energy of the place, the experience gained and the very nice friendly and professional approach of Laima and Oksana gave me more than I could have expected.
I think I will take advantage of this experience for a long time. It was everything soo great, that I would love to come back and attend another course. Thank you Laima for everything "
Arthur & Katja

Custom made 4-week course, January 2024
“We had a wonderful time at Laima's. Early January, we arrived in winter wonderland, sun reflecting off the pristine white snow. We left a month later, as an early spring began to break out, bidding farewell to our horse friends as they trudged serenely through the fresh mud. In between, we found out a great deal about clay, throwing, glazes, and overcoming frustration.
Novices on arrival, we had everything to learn. And learn we did, thanks to Laima's lessons and her wise stewardship of our journey to a full dinnerware set. While we were gradually learning the complex skill of throwing on the wheel, Laima made sure that our cupboard filled up thanks to a variety of techniques, including slab-rolling and hand-building.
We got the hang of throwing after about a week and a half, and even went as far as making teapots and throwing porcelain.
By the end, we had 118 pieces, including some made-to-order for our friends and relatives. Whenever someone said, "we could do with a..." or "I just broke my...", we could fly to the rescue.
It has been strange coming back to a world without our own workshop and losing our superpower.
Thank you once again to Laima, Krisjanis and Oksana, we hope to be back one day.”
ZOE MAIN

USA, 2022 (Internship)
“I had the time of my life at Laima Ceramics! This was one of the greatest opportunities I’ve ever had the privilege to partake in. Laima’s studio is the perfect balance of beauty and functionality, which makes sense considering the beautiful pottery she makes.
Not only did I get to learn her methods, but also she championed me to find my own! I learned all kinds of things from production pottery to glaze theories, and everything in between! She fosters creativity and is generous in sharing her extensive knowledge. She encouraged myself and the others in the studio to read her glorious little library of books, which broadened my horizons even more! Laima empowers you to dig deep within yourself and pull inspiration from the world around you and utilize the creativity that you may not even know you had within you! Her home and family farm are absolutely stunning and are the perfect place to go if you want to dive into the world of ceramics and get renewed in the beauty that surrounds you!
I also have to shout out Oksana, who is Laima’ AMAZING assistant! The hard work and humor she brings to the studio is inspiring and lifts everyone around her.
Latvia quickly became one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited! (And I’ve visited A LOT) Now, I don’t know if it’s because of how beautiful it is as a country or if I just adored Laima, her family and Oksana… or if it was the potato pancakes! Maybe a combination of all of these!
All and all, I left a better potter and human, I owe that to Laima.”
Anna

Poland, 2023 (1 week course)
“I attended Laima’s one-week pottery course in September 2023, and I can say without exaggeration that it was life-changing for me. I knew that pottery is quite a complicated thing in comparison to other hobbies because it is expensive, very time-consuming, and requires good skills and special tools.
Being there was like living the life of my dreams for a week. The place is marvellous - there are no people around for about 3.5 km, just deer, horses, cats, and dogs. The huge studio is full of beautiful pieces - I’ve spent hours just sitting there and staring at them.
The course still seems to be a pure miracle for me. No one believed that a complete beginner like me could make a beautiful teapot on the 3rd day of the course (because it was structured so cleverly and carefully!) Laima said true mastery requires time, but she can teach everyone how to throw on the wheel in one week to inspire further development. And she did so with her kind and bright smile, guessing and showing me techniques before I knew what I needed. It’s your calling to be this rare teacher remembered for a lifetime.
During the course, I made my ceremonial tea set, set of sgraffito porcelain plates and amazing Baltik Raku pieces. All the pieces were safely packed, sent, and arrived at me in a month. “
Aino

Finland, 2023 (Apprenticeship course)
“My course with Laima was something that changed my future as a human and my path in pottery forever.
Laima is really unique person in this kind of world we live nowadays. She is open and understanding, but really what stroke to me was her way of dealing group dynamic, how sacred it was to her to keep the group dynamic working even we had our up and downs, she was supporting us all the way trough.
And should not forget the importance of Oksana in studio - her presence shines the day and really we all felt like family in there together.
The most important lesson from Laima was her encouragement for me to go forward as an artist in ceramics, to believe in my talent and also to trust in myself. And that was exactly what I needed from this month.
I found life-long friends from different ages with same passion, sharing this magical one month together.
This course is so much more than just pottery learning. If you get the chance to learn from her - jump for the chance! “
FLORENCE WILLIAMS

UK, 2021 (Internship)
”My time spent with Laima in the depths of Latvian wintertime solidified and developed my understanding, appreciation, and absorption with clay. Not only was the experience deeply grounding in that it reinforced my previously held belief that I wanted to pursue ceramics through and beyond the treatment of it as purely a hobby, but it also expanded my ideas regarding what I myself may be capable of through utilisation of it as an endlessly practical, functional and beautiful material.
The experience in the studio I can truly say I found to be transformational. Not only for the exposure to so many different kinds of learning - from Laima’s way with horses, to the endurance of the cold, to dealing with breakages and disappointment in the studio - but also for the time it allowed me to think, to be quiet, to indulge in introspection and to consider where I wanted my priorities to lie post-apprenticeship. This allowance of time to think is a part of the role which I feel I personally may have somewhat undervalued in my past experiences of learning a new skill. Yet, having a space to breathe, to be alone, to think about one’s own motivation and passion, is a greatly underrated aspect of the apprenticeship that I am - three months post-leaving - still benefiting from.
I am endlessly grateful to Laima - as well as Kristine, Dzera, Minne and Dzeronimo - for providing a space to learn, grow, connect, and explore during such an unprecedented period of time. I very much hope to return to the studio to swim in that feeling of peaceful productivity once again.”
esther palmer

UK, 2020 (Artist Residency)
“The studio is a brilliant environment for working, equipped with everything you might need to explore new ideas. It invited creative thinking and productivity, but also peace, and wellness, with a constant stream of herbal tea to take you through the day.
It was a hugely immersive experience being in the middle of nowhere, having no distraction, and therefore the ability to truly relax. The studio backs on to Laima’s beautiful orchard and garden, where she grows her own veg and keeps her very sweet goats. It was a lovely space to take a walk and breaks throughout the day. There is also a little pond that I would swim in in the mornings, and after Sauna on Sundays, which were probably my favourite thing of all.
I feel so happy to made a friend out of Laima, she was kind and open and generous with her time and experience. We had loads of lovely chats about the lessons of pottery, and her animals and life in general. She has carved out a true home for herself, one which I would love to go back one day!”
https://www.estherpalmerceramics.co.uk
EVA GILDER HODGSON

UK, 2020 (Artist Residency)
“Experiencing Laima's world was a beautiful experience. The communal studio created a creative environment which was nurturing and explorative.
My understanding of clay and appreciation of slow making was enriched, as was my mindfulness as I slowed down in the calming landscape. Laima's world is full of passions and connections with nature, and I found these influences reflected in the making process and outcomes.
Her home was shared open heartedly, and her generosity and friendship will be remembered very fondly.”
MAY ANGELINE

UK, 2022 (Internship)
“I spent a few months at Laima’s studio in a truly immersive experience. The week days were focused on producing a range of designs, which exposed me to new techniques and skills as well as an understanding of the discipline of production pottery.
Laima would often work alongside, openly talking about her approach and philosophies and inviting observation of her making. She also gave some insights into the commercial aspects of running her own business and successful studio. I really appreciated Laima’s encouragement for exploration and willingness to share her experiences.
I had the freedom to work on my own pieces and creative practice. Having a beautiful and well-equipped studio at my doorstep, and engaging in a little community of avid creatives in the middle of the Latvian countryside - it was a unique microcosm in which I could indulge in my love for ceramics. I gained a lot from my time there and I’m very grateful that this opportunity came my way.”
ELIZA KIMBERLY

USA, 2020 (Internship)
“Laima allowed me to explore materials without barriers and create without rules. Even when she doubted my loud and impractical ideas, she never scolded or discouraged them, but instead was always there to step in with support if you asked. Always concerned with giving us our own time to build our craft, Laima’s scheduled workday was laid back yet extremely productive.
She showed me a path forward in ceramics, one that upholds creative authenticity yet sustains as a viable lifetime career.
Having done ceramics for just a year by the time I came to my apprenticeship, I was so thrilled with all of the resources Laima’s studio had to offer.
I had never experienced or heard of space with such an expansive offering of different clays, generous workspaces, an extremely well-stocked glaze room, the ability to fire pieces in multiple environments, and true freedom to explore. A ceramicists dream.
I am still missing the farm and studio— dinners with the crew, movie nights and karaoke singalongs, always searching for a wandering cat, late nights trying and failing and trying again in the studio, and the sunlight streaming in.
Aside from ceramics, our time was filled with getting to know Latvia. It makes me laugh to think about strolling through the countryside and town with our wild pack of dog, cat, horse, and human. I was struck by the kindness of Laima’s family who involved the apprentices in countless family activities and supported me through many stressful times, becoming a lifeline while navigating Covid-19 so far from home. I will never forget my experience, Laima, the people and animals I loved, and I can say with confidence I will return one day with joy and excitement.”
MARIS BORN

ESTONIA, 2018 (Internship)
“I had this amazing opportunity to stay with Laima for 3 months in the wintertime. On the very first day, I got to see how friendly and open Latvians are with foreigners. I arrived on Sunday and straight away Laima hosted me with herbal tea and introduced me to her friends and the day ended in the sauna. Every Sunday is a sauna day!
Laima was very easy to communicate with. Every workday we went to the studio and she gave me some duties to do. At the same time, she was working on her own things next to me, so I had a chance to learn from her all the time. Laima was very trusting in me and let me work on the tasks however much time I needed. She gave me a lot of freedom to do my own ceramics also.
Laima has so much knowledge of ceramics and different techniques. But still, every day she had a lot of passion to learn more and more new ways how to express herself through ceramics. That was impressive and made me push myself even more, to continue my journey on this ceramic field.”
SILVIA CHITI

ITALY, 2019 (Internship)
“I'm very glad this opportunity came through. I started working with ceramic two years before going to Laima's, and I was already in love with it...but once there it was better than I could ever imagine: a fantastic studio equipped with all the things a ceramist can dream of and plenty of different clays, from local one to stoneware and also English porcelain!
And last but not least, Laima with her experience and her discreet presence was always creating a relaxing environment.
I gained a lot of experience and self-confidence in the making process: accomplishing every working day different tasks that Laima was giving to me and developing my skills working with new materials and trying new shapes.
I felt I always had the freedom to choose what to explore and how to develop my ideas. And whenever doubts came over, Laima was there with helpful comments.
The place is immerse in the countryside, I sometimes engaged myself with Laima's horses, with her dog Džera and with her garden too...or sometimes just listening to whistling birds or powerful tractors and relaxing your eyes contemplating nature.”
KRISTA OZOLA

LATVIA / UK, 2019 (Internship)
"My internship was two beautiful months of learning, exploring and witnessing artistry and craftsmanship.
Starting with zero experience in ceramics, I feel I grew to have a solid foundation and understanding of it. Laima gave a relaxed and supportive environment to freely explore my own ideas and style while I also really enjoyed being involved in the process of helping her with the studio tasks and learning the different techniques and stages of the making process through the practice and observation.
Laima’s place is surrounded by countryside with calm and peaceful environment. so when in need of a break from the studio, there’s a lush garden to inspire from or the presence of Laima’s beautiful horses. I am ever so grateful for this experience and opportunity!”
Niusia

2023, Poland (Artist Residency)
“The decision to undergo this ceramic residency at Laima Ceramics was informed by my love of the natural world, and being allowed the space to learn from Laima, the landscape and fellow apprentices, while having access to a fully operational studio was enjoyable, challenging and rewarding.
It was a pleasure to be surrounded and informed by Laima's similar ethos and appreciation of nature and to have shaped clay into objects that formed a series of land art installations around the Latvian countryside.
To be offered a space to be creative feels more important now more than ever.”
LAURA ELIZABETH GISLER

USA, 2019 (Internship)
“My time at Laima’s expanded my skills and the breadth of my practice extensively. Laima is incredibly generous with her vast and diverse knowledge of ceramics - from different bodies and compositions to glaze experiments to firing techniques and art/craft as activism philosophies - she was just the kind of enthusiastic master you hope to practice with, always up to let me try and wise beyond her years. In particular, I wanted to build out my wheel practice, and during my time as an apprentice she gave me opportunity, guidance, and support during the patience-building exercises.
During the days, I was involved in making her designs and got to run or participate in various inter-workings of her highly-functional and productive studio.
We also ate vegan, tried living zero waste, practiced yoga, and observed a Sunday sauna ritual throughout the summer and fall. As with all practices and collaborations, I learned so much about myself, my environment (including the Latvian countryside), and the wonderful artists, family, friends who passed through the studio during my time. It was a challenging, exploratory, deep learning experience for which I am extremely grateful.”
Thomas SCHUTE

Germany, 2020 (Internship)
“Laima introduced me to the craft in a gently-paced and considerate way. She was always available for questions and I learned a lot, as would be the case anyway for a beginner; with her guidance however I had somebody to accompany me throughout different stages of my learning process and help me along through roadblocks without interrupting my own explorations.
I had a wonderful experience at the studio and Laima was very generous with her time.
Unfortunately I had to cut my stay short due to Corona, but Laima offered to store my unfinished works for me so I could finish them at a later time.
When things don’t go as planned it’s easy to reach a common understanding with Laima.
I am very grateful to her. She is a very dedicated, committed and detailed potter as well as wonderful teacher, mentor and just a lovely person.
Her demands in terms of work hours and your contribution to the studio as an intern are really fair.
If you dedicate your time and manage wisely, you will get a lot out of your stay at her studio.”
Andrew Maher

Ireland, 2023 (Apprenticeship course)
“The two months I was staying at Laima Ceramics was one of the best experiences I’ve had.
The sense of family is so welcoming and the learning opportunities to excel in your skill is brought out there.
One of the most peaceful and beautiful places I’ve been.”
Maud

Apprenticeship course October 2023
“The 4 weeks at Laima Ceramics honestly changed my life. Laima’s place is truly inspirational, embodying how dreams can be turned into reality.
The studio is absolutely gorgeous and a bright space to work and be in. Then you have the ever lovely Oksana, a sunshine in the room with her warm personality and contagious laughter. The Laima family includes also Dzera, the sweet sweet dog, cats and horses - who teach many lessons of their own to the ones willing to listen.
At times I felt frustrated that I did not receive more guidance, but later I learned this to be a great gift. The gift of allowing us to explore freely and make mistakes!
Thank you Laima. Not just for the extensive knowledge you shared and the confidence I gained with clay but also for the magic that happens when beautiful people come together and connect. “
Monika

Apprenticeship course, October 2023
"My time as an apprentice with Laima was one of the more impactful things I have done in my life.
The farm is a truly unique place with great energy. I grew as a potter, both technically and creatively.
The friends and connections I made were very deep as well. At times things were challenging, making deadlines, learning new techniques, navigating group dynamics and there were mice!
But through our journey Laima was a solid mentor and gave us a great place to express ourselves.
Latvia is a really special country, and it was a great way to learn about and experience the culture.
On many levels I recommend the experience. It's important to be self motivated and set the right expectations, and if you can do that you'll have a great time."