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La Mesa, CaliforniaOutdoor Hand-building Pottery Classes
Held in a peaceful backyard studio in La Mesa, California where flowers bloom and chickens wander. My hand-building pottery sessions take place in nature, where creativity is supported not just by clay, but by the senses. Being outside naturally engages the body in ways an indoor studio can’t. Surrounded by greenery, and shifting light, accompanied by birdsong, subtle floral scents, and fresh air that help the body soften and settle. Together, these natural sensory cues draw you out of your head and into your hands.
❋ Group ClassesYou’ll learn core techniques while having space to move at your own pace and follow your creative curiosity. Group classes are capped at 6-8 people to keep the space comfortable and well-supported
❋ Date Nights A shared creative experience designed for connection, play, and presence. You’ll work side by side and slow down together.
❋ Private Lessons One-on-one instruction tailored to your goals and experience level. Ideal for focused learning and undivided attention.
❋ WorkshopsPottery experiences centered on creativity, wellness, and community connection. Designed for museums, galleries, schools, retreat spaces, and private venues.
All classes include beginner friendly hand-building instruction and are designed to feel un-rushed and supportive. You’re not just making art, you’re caring for your mind and body.
What to ExpectSettle in & choose a project15 mintues
Step-by-step instructions15 minutes
Hands-on creation time1.5 hours
Your piece(s) will dry for ~1 week, then will be bisque fired. Once this first firing is complete, I’ll reach out to schedule your return visit to the studio for light glazing instruction. After glazing, your piece will go through a second (final) firing. When your piece is finished, I’ll contact you to arrange pickup. The total expected turnaround time is approximately 4-5 weeks, depending on the studio firing schedule and workload.Meet Your Instructor
I’m Aeryn: a certified mind-body practitioner, nervous system educator, and someone who’s walked the long road of trauma and chronic illness recovery. I fell in love with clay during a time when my body was craving slowness, gentleness, and permission to let go of perfection.
I weave my mind-body and nervous system-informed background into the way I teach through pacing, tone, gentle guidance, and an openness to emotional expression.
Alongside this backyard studio, I also run Resonant Body™ — an online nervous-system education space offering adjunct support to complement existing medical care for those living with complex chronic illnesses.
What I love most about my classes is the way people begin to open up without even realizing it. Once people settle in and attention shifts from their head to their hands, conversations unfold—about life, curiosity, fear, healing, strange ideas, and big questions we don’t always get to ask elsewhere. I’ve heard everything from deeply personal stories to wild alien theories and profound insights. There’s a sense of safety here that allows people to soften, speak freely, and connect, often without meaning to. And that, to me, is even more meaningful than what’s made with clay.
This is for the ones who are craving something creative & connective. For the ones who are tired of trying to keep it all together & just want space to be. For the ones navigating burnout, chronic stress, or simply the weight of being human in a fast-moving world. You don’t need to be an artist or know anything about pottery. You can just to show up as you are.
Scenes from the Studio
A Note on Seasonal Changes
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A Note on Seasonal Changes 〰️
Pictured above: Keeva, unofficial therapy dogFrom late spring to early fall, you can expect birdsong, blooms, butterflies, lush green—the garden at it’s peak. HEAT in the summer months. Late fall to early spring, the studio gives a more minimal, earthy vibe with rain on the tin roof, warm tea, and blankets to keep you cozy as you create.
More From Aeryn
an online nervous-system education and holistic space offering adjunct support to complement existing medical care for people with complex chronic conditions—especially for those whose symptoms persist despite normal labs and traditional treatments. Designed to help your body become more receptive to the medical care you’re already receiving.
Resonant Body™
FAQs
For Participants
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All materials are provided regardless of class type. Just wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy.
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All classes are 2 hours.
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All classes take place in a private backyard pottery studio located in La Mesa, California. The exact address is provided after booking & payment is processed.
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At this time, classes are for adults only (18+).
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Not at all. These beginner-friendly pottery classes are designed for adults with no prior experience. You'll be guided through basic hand-building techniques in a relaxed, pressure-free environment.
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Hand-building is a pottery method where you create pieces using only your hands, simple tools, and basic techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab-building. It’s accessible, intuitive, and great for beginners because you have more time and control over the clay.
Throwing, on the other hand, uses a pottery wheel and requires more coordination and practice, and the learning curve is steeper.
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Most pottery studios are designed for efficiency: bright fluorescent lighting, large groups, and fast-paced instruction meant to keep people moving. My studio is intentionally the opposite.
Classes are held in a quiet backyard studio with natural light, fresh air, birdsong, and the subtle scent of the garden—all sensory inputs that help the nervous system settle. The pace of instruction is slower and more responsive, allowing participants to work without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
I also bring a background in mind–body education into the way I teach: gentle guidance, thoughtful pacing, an emphasis on comfort and accessibility for all bodies, and no pressure to engage socially beyond what feels natural.
People often describe the experience as therapeutic, not because I’m doing anything clinical, but because the environment and teaching style support a different kind of creative presence than most studios offer.
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All classes include one hand-building session, one return session to glaze your piece(s), and both bisque and glaze firings
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Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund or credit toward a future class. Due to the small size of each session, I’m unable to offer refunds for late cancellations or no-shows.
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Yes. The space is paved with no stairs, and there’s enough room for wheelchairs, mobility aids, or any other accessibility needs. If you have specific questions or want to make sure you’ll be comfortable, feel free to reach out, I’m happy to talk through any accommodations or details ahead of time.
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Yes and it’s queer-owned. All bodies, backgrounds, and identities are welcome here.
Medicine & The Muse is committed to cultivating safety, softness, and respect for everyone.
If you’re queer, trans, BIPOC, neurodivergent, or navigating any form of marginalization, know that this space was created with you in mind.
If you have specific needs or concerns you'd like to discuss before booking, you’re always welcome to reach out.
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Classes are designed with trauma awareness and nervous system safety in mind. The pace is slow, the environment is low-pressure, and there’s no expectation to socially engage or perform. You’re always welcome to move, take breaks, or simply observe if that feels right, no questions asked.