“I loved it all :). The introduction on the wabi sabi concept with the guided meditation, some theory on ceramics and the cup making itself.”

“The studio was cozy and the atmosphere relaxed. I liked all the aspects. I think it's a good mix of "entering in the moment"/preparation for mindful activity, a bit of explanation, be able to be creative and work with your hands”

Uma Experiences

  • BLEND ARTWORK and UMA EARTH

    Join BLEND ARTWORK and UMA EARTH for an enchanting workshop that invites you into the world of Wabi Sabi through the art of making your very own Matcha Set. In this unique experience, you will create a beautiful matcha bowl and a chasen holder, embodying the essence of Wabi Sabi philosophy where imperfection is celebrated and simplicity is revered.

    Embracing Wabi Sabi Philosophy

    Wabi Sabi is a profound Japanese aesthetic that appreciates the beauty found in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. This philosophy encourages participants to find joy in simplicity and to reflect on the transient nature of life, making it a perfect backdrop for crafting your own matcha set.

    Workshop Details

    Date: Friday, November 8th, 2024

    Time: 19:00 - 21:30

    Location: BLEND ARTWORK, Nieuwe Binnenweg 305A, Rotterdam

    Ticket Price: €75 (includes coffee, cake, and your handmade matcha bowl and chasen holder)

    Duration: 2.5 hours

    What to Expect

    Creative Matcha Set Making

    Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you will delve into the art of handbuilding ceramics to create a matcha bowl and a chasen holder. Participants will explore various textures and shapes, allowing their pieces to reflect the serene principles of Wabi Sabi.

    From Clay to Masterpiece

    After crafting your matcha set, your creations will undergo a drying process before being fired and glazed in our studio. They will be ready for pickup approximately 2-3 weeks after the workshop.

    Why Attend?

    Spaces are limited for this enriching journey into artistic expression and mindfulness. By embracing Wabi Sabi through the creation of your own matcha set, you’ll not only craft functional art but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty in everyday rituals.

    Book your spot now to embark on this transformative experience!


  • Japanese Pottery Workshops

    Join us for an immersive ceramic workshop at The Uma Life, designed for anyone eager to explore their creativity and craft unique pieces of art. Held in our cozy studio in Delft, sessions are available on Thursday evenings or Friday mornings, lasting 2.5 hours.

    Workshop Overview

    Participants will have the choice to create:

    Two Cups or Bowls

    A Ramen Bowl & Spoon

    A Matcha Set (including a matcha bowl and a chasen holder)

    Techniques Offered

    You can choose from various hand-building techniques, including:

    Wabi Sabi Technique: Mould your clay by pinching it into shape, allowing for organic forms and textures.

    Slab Building Technique: Roll out slabs of clay to construct your pieces, perfect for creating geometric designs.

    Nerikomi Technique: Mix different colours of clay to create a marbled effect, adding depth and uniqueness to your creations.

    Guided Experience

    Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you will be taken through each step of the process. By the end of the session, you will have two completely handmade ceramic pieces to take home.

    Post-Workshop Process

    Once your creations are finished, they will need to dry for 2-3 weeks before being fired twice at high temperatures and finished with a transparent glaze. You will receive a notification when your pieces are ready—approximately three weeks after the workshop—at which point you can either pick them up or have them shipped to you.

    No Experience Necessary

    This workshop is suitable for all skill levels; no prior experience is needed. Come and unleash your creativity in a supportive and inspiring environment!

    Spaces are limited, so be sure to book your spot soon!

  • DISCOVER THE ART OF KINTSUGI

    Join us for an enlightening journey into the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, where imperfections are celebrated and brokenness is embraced as part of the object's history. In this workshop, you will delve into the essence of wabi-sabi philosophy, finding beauty in the imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.

    Bring along your broken ceramic glazed object and learn the meditative art of repairing it using the timeless Kintsugi technique. Our experienced instructors will guide you through each step, helping you mend your item with a touch of gold lacquer, transforming its cracks into stunning golden veins.

    Discover the profound symbolism behind Kintsugi as you witness your piece undergo a metamorphosis, turning its flaws into intricate patterns that narrate a tale of resilience and transformation. Unleash your creativity as you imbue your mended object with newfound character and elegance.

    Immerse yourself in this hands-on experience that transcends mere craftsmanship, inviting you to contemplate the beauty of impermanence and the strength found in embracing life's brokenness. Join us in this workshop and embark on a journey of rediscovery and renewal through the art of Kintsugi.

    Suitable for all levels and no prior experience is required. Duration 2,5 hours.

  • NERIKOMI MARBLING CUPS

    At our Nerikomi workshop, participants delve into the art of working with stoneware clay to create exquisite marbled patterns. This ancient Japanese technique involves blending different types of clay to produce unique designs.

    Participants begin by learning about the characteristics of stoneware clay and how various types can be combined to achieve desired colors and textures in their creations. The process involves hand-mixing and layering the clay to form a visually striking marbled sheet.

    Once the marbled sheet is prepared, participants move on to the hands-on segment of the workshop where they mold and shape the clay into two distinctive handmade cups. With expert guidance, attendees explore different shaping techniques to bring their cup designs to life.

    By the end of the Nerikomi workshop, participants walk away with not only a deeper understanding of working with stoneware clay and creating marbled patterns but also with two beautifully crafted handmade cups that reflect their artistic expression.

  • CRAFT YOUR KURINIKI MASTERPIECE

    Step into the tranquil world of the Kuriniki workshop, where ancient Japanese artistry meets modern creativity. Immerse yourself in the serene practice of handcrafting Kuriniki cups, renowned for their rustic elegance and celebration of imperfection.

    In this workshop, participants are introduced to the delicate art of working with stoneware clay, understanding its unique properties and versatility. Discover the time-honored techniques behind shaping a Kuriniki cup by hand, allowing the natural textures of the clay to dictate the final form.

    Central to the Kuriniki philosophy is the concept of "wabi sabi," finding beauty in imperfection and transience. Dive deep into the essence of wabi sabi as you explore the art of embracing asymmetry, rough edges, and organic shapes in your creations. Understand how the subtle nuances and irregularities in each Kuriniki cup reflect the impermanent beauty of life itself.

    Through this meaningful journey rooted in ancient Japanese culture, participants not only learn a traditional craft but also embark on a soulful quest for mindfulness and artistic expression. Join us at the Kuriniki workshop and craft your own masterpiece, where imperfection is not just accepted but truly celebrated.

  • Kokoro - Tap into the essence of your being

    In this workshop you will embark on a journey of self-discovery and creative expression. Inspired by the concept of KOKORO, you will craft your own set of sacred vessels, such as Incense Holders, Candle Holders, Palo Santo Holders, and Ritual Bowls, imbuing each piece with your unique spirit and personal intentions.

    As you work with the malleable clay, you will be encouraged to connect with your innermost thoughts and feelings, allowing your hands to shape the vessels in a way that resonates with your individual KOKORO. The workshop will provide a safe and nurturing environment for you to explore your creativity and find solace in the meditative process of working with clay.

    Through guided exercises and mindful techniques, you will learn to infuse your ritual set with symbolic meanings and personal narratives, transforming each piece into a sacred vessel that holds the essence of your own spiritual journey. You will have the opportunity to work with three types of clay, each carefully selected and beautifully color-coordinated to enhance your creations.

    By the end of the workshop, you will not only have created beautiful and meaningful ritual sets but will also have gained a deeper understanding of yourself and the profound connection between the heart, the hands, and the creative process.

  • KORU KAME SCULPTING VASES - FORMING FOUNDATIONS

    During our KORU KAME workshop you'll discover the ancient Japanese art of coil-built ceramics, where each layer builds upon a strong foundation. Under expert guidance, you'll learn to knead clay, connect with its essence, build coils and shape it with your heart and hands.

    Through hands-on demonstrations, you'll master the coiling technique, layer by layer. Just as in life, a sturdy base is crucial before reaching higher; otherwise, the structure will collapse. With each turn of the clay, you'll witness your creation take shape, a manifestation of your mind's vision and hands' artistry.

    Whether you envision a vase or a bowl this workshop will help you bring your heart's desire to life. As you coil and sculpt, you'll tap into a state of mindfulness, losing yourself in the organic beauty of this craft.

    Our instructors will share insights into design, surface treatments, and glazing, allowing you to infuse your personal expression into your coil-built masterpiece. Each vessel will reflect your heart's creativity, mind's ingenuity, and hands' skill.

    After the workshop, your finished vessel will be fired and glazed over the next 3 weeks. You can then pick up your completed work or have it shipped to you.

    This workshop is great for everyone looking to explore ceramic art through handbuilding and surface decoration techniques using clay slip. The hands-on experience allows you to create a functional and decorative piece that reflects your personal style.

    Join us at the KORU KAME workshop and embark on a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and cultural appreciation. Let your heart, mind, and hands unite in sculpting a vessel that captures the beauty of this ancient art and the life lessons it holds.

  • The Harmony of Leaves and Clay

    Description goes hereThe Harmony of Leaves and Clay: A Chinese Tea and Porcelain Journey

    In collaboration with YIN CHA

    www.yin-cha.com

    Immerse in the Art of Chinese Tea and Porcelain and embark on a captivating journey that celebrates the rich heritage of Chinese tea culture and the exquisite art of porcelain craftsmanship. This unique workshop offers a harmonious blend of traditional tea tasting and hands-on porcelain teacup making, allowing you to indulge in the finest flavors while creating a personal masterpiece.

    Part I: Chinese Tea Tasting Experience by YIN CHA

    YIN CHA is dedicated to sharing the rich heritage of Chinese tea culture. After years of studying and practicing Chinese tea, the founders of YIN CHA have crafted this immersive experience to share their expertise, carefully selected hand-crafted teas, and the traditions from their homeland. The workshops aim to transport you to the serene tea plantations of China, where the art and craftsmanship of tea-making have been perfected over centuries.

    During this 1.5-hour workshop by YIN CHA, you will explore the fascinating world of Chinese tea, delving into its rich history and cultural significance. Engage your senses as you taste three varieties of Chinese tea: Green tea, Oolong tea, and Black tea from 100-year-old Ancient tea trees, guided by the experts at YIN CHA.

    A traditional Chinese tea set will be provided for you to brew, enabling you to practice and share tea in the traditional Gong Fu Cha style. Discover the grace and simplicity of these ancient techniques, and embrace the mindful ritual of preparing and enjoying a freshly brewed cup of Chinese tea.

    Part II: Handmade Porcelain Chinese Teacup Workshop by UMA EARTH

    After indulging in the flavors of Chinese teas from YIN CHA, you will have the opportunity to create your own porcelain teacup at the UMA EARTH workshop. Under expert guidance, you will learn the techniques of porcelain clay manipulation and shaping, immersing yourself in the rich history of Chinese porcelain, a revered art form that has captivated the world for centuries.

    At the UMA EARTH porcelain teacup workshop you will discover the intricate processes involved in creating these delicate yet durable porcelain pieces, from the selection of high-quality porcelain clay to handshaking your teacup.

    As you shape your own teacup you will focus on mastering the art of forming the perfect vessel, ensuring it is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The simplicity of the unadorned porcelain will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the material itself and the skill required to craft such a delicate piece. Your piece will be fired and glazed and ready to be picked up 2-3 weeks after the workshop date (shipping possible).

  • WABI SABI, A WAY OF LIFE

    In this session, you will have the opportunity to craft two cups utilizing distinctive techniques - coil building and pinching. We will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating functional and aesthetic ceramic pieces.

    Immerse yourself in the essence of Wabi-Sabi as we delve into the Japanese philosophy that celebrates imperfection and simplicity. Learn how to embrace the beauty of irregularities and asymmetry in your creations, reflecting the natural and authentic charm inherent in Wabi-Sabi artistry.

    Discover the meditative and tactile nature of handbuilding ceramics as you engage with the serene principles of Wabi-Sabi. Unleash your creativity, experiment with different textures, and explore the subtleties of each technique to craft distinctive cups that embody the soulful essence of Wabi-Sabi.

    Come join us at UMA SPACE and embark on a journey of artistic expression and mindful creation in our Wabi-Sabi handbuilding ceramic workshop.

  • SHIBUI RAMEN BOWL ELEGANCE

    SHIBUI RAMEN BOWL ELEGANCE,

    Participants in our workshop learn the art of working with stoneware clay, the earthy medium synonymous with durability and rustic charm. They discover how to delicately roll out clay into smooth, uniform slabs, a foundational skill in creating plates and bowls.

    The focus of our workshop is not intricate designs or elaborate patterns but rather on embracing the minimalist allure of Shibui. Participants craft plates and bowls with clean lines, gentle curves, and unassuming shapes that evoke the elegance of Japanese simplicity.

    Join us in exploring the art of shaping clay into understated yet captivating pieces that celebrate the quiet grace of Shibui aesthetics.