Arts & Crafts: Where to Take Pottery Lessons in Metro Manila

Nothing beats the satisfaction of making something out of nothing.

The feeling after crafting a piece with a material far from its end product ― pottery gives a bliss no other hobbies can. If you're looking for a therapeutic recreation that can be an outlet to escape your busy mind, and burst out your creative energy ― Pottery may be the perfect match for you.

Unlock inventiveness and artistry through your hands, and sign up for pottery lessons in these studios around Metro Manila.

Kibo Studio PH

Undoubtedly, Kibo Studio may be one of the leading nominees for the best place to start pottery. Its flexible lessons ―which are available online ― make pottery accessible to anyone. They have classes perfect for those newly navigating their way in the clay world.

One of their lessons, Beginner's Hand-Building Pottery, takes place via zoom. To kickstart, they provide you with the starting materials, and throughout the course, they will delicately guide you while still promoting your creative freedom.

Tahanan Pottery Shop

In pottery, Tahanan has something for everyone. Acclaimed as one of the most prominent studios for pottery ― and rightfully so. They have lessons for all skill levels and its instructors will make you leave each session a better ceramic artist than before.

Whether you want just one session to introduce you to pottery, or a 6-month training, Tahanan pottery shop offers a wide range of courses suited from pottery-curious to pottery-veterans.

Wabi Sabi Studio

Wabi Sabi strays away from your traditional pottery class ― challenging the orthodox, the studio promotes beauty in imperfection and eclectics. One of the go-to destinations of A-list celebrities like Bela Padilla, their ceramics are full of personality and color.

Situated In the quaint street of San Juan, Wabi Sabi studio is one to consider when looking for the perfect environment that introduces you to ceramics.

UPCFA Ceramic Studio

The University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts Ceramic Studio equips its learners with knowledge, skills, and proper technique in the ceramic process. If you’re serious about pottery, then this is one of the best places to hone your craft.

Mess We Made

Mess We Made is a franchised studio from South Korea. What makes this place special is that all their materials are imported from Seoul ― making the experience more unique and remarkable.

One distinct feature they have is that you can book as a group ― so if you’re looking to have someone join you in this clay journey, it's ideal to start your ceramic trip to Korea’s finest: Mess We Made

How Pottery Affects One's Mental and Emotional State

Aside from how fun it is to make something from scratch, pottery affects one's mental and emotional state. Experts have recognized the therapeutic potential of pottery on mental health, especially depression, and the tranquility it instills.

Since pottery takes time out of your routine, it stimulates reflection, becoming another way to meditate. Dr. Kelly Lambert, a neurologist, explains that pottery engages the effort-driven rewards circuit (which handles symptoms of depression). The intricate physical activity engages this, and it provides relief from depression, reminding the brain that you have control even in the most challenging environments.

you have control even in the most challenging environments.

A study published in Art Therapy, where participants were observed to see if artistic production could decrease their cortisol levels (an indicator of stress), also supported the sentiments. The study found that 75% of its participants experienced a decrease in stress.

What makes pottery amazing is that it exercises your creative juices and helps you become the best version of yourself. It reduces stress, improves your focus, and increases your optimistic outlook.

Do yourself a favor and take a break from everything surrounding you, by immersing yourself through the wonder of creating your own mini world, and enjoy the magnificent process of pottery.