Bumii Pottery: When a Ceramic Studio Feels Like Home
Creativity thrives in company, but at Bumii, creativity blooms without the misery. Let me walk you through it.
I’ve been fascinated by pottery since I discovered the art behind shaping clay and glazing it to perfection. That’s why I joined Bumii’s beginner course, which covers everything from wheel throwing and trimming to making handles and glazing — the essential steps to kickstart any pottery journey. From what I could gather in my research, Bumii is one of the few places in Bali offering such a comprehensive course.
On my first day at the studio — and every day after — the studio team welcomed me with a smile and a cheerful “hi.” That small gesture always lifted my mood, which came in handy when facing the inevitable “clay-lenges” (clay challenges) along the way. Since I was in a private course, my teacher guided me one-on-one through different techniques and concepts, helping me understand and correct my mistakes. It wasn’t just about the mechanics of pottery — it was about developing the confidence to trust my hands and embrace the process, imperfections and all.
Bumii isn’t just a place to learn pottery; it’s a space where creativity is nurtured at your own pace. The studio offers different ways to explore the craft, whether you’re a total beginner or someone looking to deepen your skills. Their long courses consist of six sessions, each one focusing on a different technique following a structured curriculum. If you’re short on time or just want to try it out, they also have a crash course — a one-time workshop that introduces you to the basics. For those who prefer a more tailored experience, Bumii offers private and semi-private sessions, allowing you to adjust the schedule and focus on specific techniques that match your interests.
Over time, I got to know the founder of Bumii, Olivia. We shared the same space while working on our creations, which led to a few conversations between clay sessions. Olivia told me that she built Bumii not just to run pottery workshops, but to create and nurture a pottery community. Her vision is reflected well in Bumii’s membership format, where people can pay a monthly fee to use the facility and connect with others. For more flexibility, there’s also a daily open studio option — perfect for those who just want to drop in and work on their pieces.
The studio also has a showroom featuring products created by Olivia and the studio team, giving visitors a chance to see and purchase beautiful, handcrafted ceramics. When opportunities arise, the studio team organizes collective participation in open markets and bazaars, where members can showcase and sell their work. It’s a thoughtful way of not only supporting local artists but also encouraging members to feel part of something bigger — a creative ecosystem where work is valued and shared.
Bumii introduces pottery into people’s lives beautifully, but the real magic lies in the sense of connection it creates. In between the battles happening on the wheel, collecting ideas for shapes and decorations, or even the mundane task of whisking glaze formulas, the conversations that emerge between members, students, and the studio team are heartwarming. We are together in this journey — learning, experimenting, and sometimes failing — but always encouraging each other along the way.
I came in expecting to learn pottery, but I left with something more: a deeper understanding of the craft and the feeling of belonging to a creative community. Bumii is more than just a pottery studio — it’s a place where creativity feels effortless and connection feels natural. If you’re looking to explore the art of pottery, Bumii might just feel like home too.
Bumii Pottery
Great for solo travellers, couples or small-group
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