Eco Warrior Visiting Pottery Artisans

Ceramics are closely related to various Hindu religious ceremonies in Bali, with pottery conveying the message that earth, water and fire are metaphors for humans.  It is the Balinese belief that human beings originate from the earth, live thanks to water, and in the end are returned to their original earthly location, after Ngaben, the cremation ceremony. The process of making ceramics was introduced to the Eco Warrior students who were studying the theme of soil and farming.

In August, the students visited pottery makers at Arta Derau, Tegalalang, Gianyar. Puti, the business owner of the pottery, described the ceramics manufacturing process before the activity started. The students observed the equipment used to fire pottery inside the kiln. They engaged in a question-and-answer session on the material used, the method for creating ceramics, the temperature needed for combustion, the combustion process, the glazing process, the distribution of colors and paints, and ceramic sales and distribution.

The next step was to look for inspiration by looking at various examples of pottery that were ready to be traded. There was a wide variety of pottery that appealed, including plates, cups, bowls, teapots, ashtrays, beads, figurines, spoons, and many more. They moved around the workshop while enquiring how to create particular shapes. There were also other artisans working in the space, creating ceramics on potter’s wheels and painting ceramics that have been through the air drying process.

Following a tour of numerous workshop spaces, the students  had the opportunity to create pottery while being guided by the two facilitators. Each received one coloring set and 500g of clay, and they learned how to build cups using the pinch technique. The cup was then colored and decorated. In the second task, the facilitator gave freedom to the children to express themselves. The majority of them created incense holders in the shape of flowers, cats, initials, statues, and plants.

The activity closed with a break and sharing potluck. They reviewed the process of making pottery and became aware of the characteristics of the soil that can be processed into craft materials. They can’t wait for the finished ceramic products to be sent to them in 2 weeks following the glazing and firing process. (Assabti Nur Hudan)