Clay & Nature: Four-Day Immersion Retreat - Cambria, Ca - Oct. 2-5, 2026
Clay & Nature: Four-Day Immersion
Oct. 2 - 5, 2026
Camp Ocean Pines - Cambria, Ca.
Link to registration and more information: Camp Ocean Pines
Clay & Nature - Four-Day Immersion Retreat: Oct. 2-5, 2026
Join potter and naturalist Patricia Griffin in this four-day retreat where clay becomes your canvas, nature becomes your teacher, and the forest meets the sea. All levels are welcome – from curious beginner to experienced potter.
This is an expanded version of Patricia’s popular “Making Your Mark in Clay” workshop. The additional day allows for deeper exploration, more individual guidance, and more time to connect with both the material and the coastal environment for inspiration.
Intimate Learning Environment: Limited to just 12 participants to ensure personalized attention, meaningful feedback, and the kind of creative community where lasting friendships form.
Beautiful Setting and Meals Provided!
We’ll use the great outdoors for inspiration during this workshop. The workshop is held in the fabulous Craft Lodge of Camp Ocean Pines, with views of the forest and ocean in all directions. All meals are provided, and there is also an option for lodging. (The meals are delicious and dietary restrictions are accommodated.)
Nature as Inspiration: Begin each morning with guided observation, discovering textures, patterns, and forms that nature offers. We’ll collect natural materials like leaves, shells, and driftwood to use as tools and textures for your clay work, and explore how other ceramic artists have incorporated natural elements and imagery into their practice.
Your Four-Day Immersion:
- Day 1: Practice hand-building techniques (pinching, coiling and slab construction) with guidance tailored to your experience level, and create your first pieces from raw clay. Demonstrations and welcome dinner.
- Day 2: Explore surface decoration through etching, stenciling, painting, and embossing – using natural forms and patterns as your guide. Optional: Join Patricia for an artist talk in the evening.
- Day 3: Create botanical impressions and nature-inspired imagery while working on handmade vessel forms that Patricia provides.
- Day 4: Complete your personal projects with plenty of one-on-one guidance and group sharing.
What You'll Make: Four to six pieces that showcase both your new skills and your personal connection to this coastal environment – from nature-inspired practice works to final projects that reflect your own artistic vision.
Timeline for Pick-up/Shipping:
Your pieces will be professionally bisque-fired, glazed, and final-fired in Patricia's studio. They'll be ready for pickup or shipping in 3-4 weeks - perfect timing to extend the joy of your creative retreat.
For Beginners: New to clay? Perfect! No drawing or pottery experience needed. You’ll not only learn fundamental techniques but also develop an artist's eye for seeing the potential in natural forms around you. All materials provided, and you'll be guided step-by-step in a supportive environment where creativity flourishes. Just bring your curiosity and prepare to have fun!
For Experienced Artists: Seasoned potter or artist? Dive deeper into surface techniques and new ways to energize your work. Discover how botanical forms can inspire new surface techniques. You are welcome to bring leather-hard pieces from your studio to experiment with during the workshop. Take home professional tips you can immediately apply to your practice.