Cyanotype Porcelain with Amrita
Discover the poetic fusion of light and porcelain with Amrita in Hoorn, just 30 minutes north of Amsterdam. Learn the rare cyanotype process on porcelain using exposure techniques with lace, pressed leaves, and UV light. Transform delicate bisque-fired ceramics into ethereal blue-toned artworks that echo the rhythms of the natural world. Outside the studio, experience the warmth of Dutch hospitality or explore the city like they do: by cycling.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea, Breakfast
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1065
- Additional guest(s) (max 2)
- USD $360
Accommodation
- One Guest
- USD $565
- Additional guest(s)
- USD $250
Meet the Artist
Amrita is a ceramic artist whose work transcends continents, cultures, and firing chambers. Originally from Sri Lanka, she began her creative journey as a painter, encouraged by her mother, until a chance encounter with clay in a free-expression art class revealed her true medium. This led her to Ireland to study ceramic design, where mentors encouraged her exploration of ancient techniques like saggar firing and atmospheric terra sigillata. For nearly three decades, she has fused these traditions with artistic expression, continually refining her distinct style.
Her porcelain pieces reveal the alchemy of porcelain, fire, smoke, and sunlight. Each piece begins with a simple thrown form, never duplicated, and undergoes its transformation through smoke-firing. She developed a cyanotype technique, where she applies a photosensitive solution to a piece and lets the Dutch sun, pressed flowers, or sand etched into its surface. The result is a deep, living blue that highlights the tension of delicate, unglazed vessels, breathing light. Her work reimagines traditional methods and demands attention, precision, and a little faith.
For Amrita, sharing her meditative and experimental process is about delighting in the joy of unpredictability. In her sunlit studio, she welcomes you to explore, experiment, and see the world through a wash of blue and the poetic unknowns of UV light.
Her porcelain pieces reveal the alchemy of porcelain, fire, smoke, and sunlight. Each piece begins with a simple thrown form, never duplicated, and undergoes its transformation through smoke-firing. She developed a cyanotype technique, where she applies a photosensitive solution to a piece and lets the Dutch sun, pressed flowers, or sand etched into its surface. The result is a deep, living blue that highlights the tension of delicate, unglazed vessels, breathing light. Her work reimagines traditional methods and demands attention, precision, and a little faith.
For Amrita, sharing her meditative and experimental process is about delighting in the joy of unpredictability. In her sunlit studio, she welcomes you to explore, experiment, and see the world through a wash of blue and the poetic unknowns of UV light.
VAWAA Includes:
- Learn the cyanotype process on porcelain, from materials to exposure and finishing.
- Draw inspiration on a guided nature walk through Hoorn’s lush parks and green spaces.
- Explore techniques to achieve various shades and textures of cyan blue using both natural and experimental methods.
- Create visual contrast by applying natural materials like pressed leaves, flowers, lace, and sunlight to produce unique textures and silhouettes.
- Expose your pieces to ultraviolet light, experimenting with exposure time to control the depth and variation of blue tones.
- Transform provided bisque-fired porcelain pieces (fired to 950°C) into unique cyanotype artworks, including 6 tiles (10×10 cm), 6 bowls (10 cm diameter), and 6 mobile pieces to assemble a hanging blue mobile with a complete hanging system.
- Visit local contemporary art galleries such as the Butter Hall Gallery and Maria Chapel.
- Depending on availability, visit local artists’ ceramic studios.
Stay at Amrita's
Stay in Amrita’s guest room in a typical Dutch residential neighborhood. Located on the second floor at the front of the house, the room features a French balcony overlooking a magnolia tree in the front garden. It includes a single bed with an option to add a second. The bathroom, kitchen, and the rest of the home—including a cozy, green town garden—are shared. A supermarket is within walking distance, and local farmers’ markets are easily accessible by bicycle during the week. The quiet, leafy neighborhood is surrounded by trees and just a 10-minute walk from Hoorn’s charming historic city center. Amrita welcomes guests to cook together, sharing and learning traditional recipes from each other’s cultures. A bicycle can be provided for the duration of your stay. The accommodation is pet-free.
Explore Hoorn
Hoorn, is a picturesque harbor town just 40 minutes north of Amsterdam, offering a quieter, more authentic glimpse into Dutch life. Once a thriving port of the Dutch East India Company, its historic center still echoes the grandeur of the 17th century, with cobbled streets, gabled houses, and a bustling marina. You can wander past landmarks like the Hoofdtoren, centuries-old warehouses, explore local markets, or relax by the IJsselmeer as sailboats drift by. Rich in maritime history and local charm, Hoorn blends the atmosphere of a small city with the soul of a seaside village—making it a perfect stop for beauty, history, and calm outside the tourist trail.
Additional Details
Hoorn is a lovely place to visit year-round, but spring (April to May) is especially beautiful with tulip fields in full bloom. If you want to avoid the heaviest tourist crowds, note that August is the busiest month, when the old city draws many travelers.
This session can be extended for up to 7 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. The studio is located on the first floor and is accessible by stairs. Unfortunately, it is not wheelchair accessible.
Amrita speaks English and Dutch.
This session can be extended for up to 7 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. The studio is located on the first floor and is accessible by stairs. Unfortunately, it is not wheelchair accessible.
Amrita speaks English and Dutch.