THE TAO OF CLAY:

CERAMICS AS CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE

JULY 29-31, 2022

They say clay is the new yoga: a popular, healing hobby. But, approached as a contemplative practice, ceramics is more than a relaxing way to spend a few hours. It can be a profound teacher and pathway to spiritual growth.

Join Taoist teacher and ceramic artist Lauryn Axelrod for an intensive weekend exploring the way putting our hands in clay can be spiritually enriching and personally transformative.

****This is NOT a workshop in which you will leave with a special technique, having made anything new, or with finished pieces to take home. This is about learning a process, a way of thinking about and working with clay that is more than just making mugs or learning to throw large forms. Through studio exercises, meditation, qigong, ancient Taoist teachings and more, you will discover a new approach to clay that will change the way you use clay.

In your free time, you can relax on the farm, appreciate walks in Vermont forest, and relish the beauty of our starry night skies. Mindfully prepared vegetarian meals using seasonal produce from the farm will delight, as will the simple, but comfortable accommodations and gathering spaces in the barn, farmhouse, cabins, outdoor tents, tea garden and forest hut.

This workshop is suitable for all levels from beginner to seasoned ceramicist.

INSTRUCTOR

LAURYN AXELROD Ceramic Artist and Taoist teacher, Lauryn Axelrod (Li Guang Ming) is the founder of Stone Bowl Farm. Lauryn came to ceramics through years of study in Japanese tea ceremony, Zen, Taoism and Gongfu Cha, so her studio practice is deeply rooted in spiritual practice. Her award-winning ceramic tea and table wares are exhibited, collected and used in exclusive tea shops and restaurants around the globe. Lauryn is also a lifelong practitioner of Qigong, and is an ordained 22nd Generation Taoist Priest in the Quanzhen Longmen Pai.

COST

Shared room in barn or cabin $350

Single room in barn or cabin $450

Camping (bring your own tent to camp in the field or forest with access to outdoor showers and toilets) - $300

Local option (no overnight lodging, includes meals) - $250

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

Morning: Qigong/meditation, breakfast, teaching session and studio practice

Afternoon: Lunch, studio practice, free time or tea meditation or hike

Evening: Dinner, teaching session