Discover the Art of Kintsugi — and Join Us for a Unique Workshop

Written By Adriana Hernandez

At ARTime BARRO, we believe that each hand-crafted piece carries not just the touch of the maker, but the story of its making. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our upcoming Kintsugi Workshop in Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa, and Santa Monica which entails a beautiful exploration of repair, resilience, and creative transformation.

What is Kintsugi?

The term “kintsugi” literally translates as “golden joinery,” a traditional Japanese craft in which broken pottery is repaired using lacquer mixed with powdered gold (or silver/platinum), and rather than hiding the break, the cracks are embraced and highlighted. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works and what it means:

  • A ceramic object is broken (accidentally or intentionally) and the shards are patiently re-assembled.

  • A lacquer (often urushi) is used as adhesive and then the seams are dusted or painted with precious metal powder. At our workshops, we typically use epoxy.

  • Instead of disguising the broken object or tossing it, the repair becomes part of the object’s history. The break becomes visible and valued through the practice of Kintsugi.

  • Philosophically, it aligns with the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection) and teaches us to value the cracks.

Why Kintsugi Matters: in Pottery and in Life

When you gently shape clay, guiding it into form, you’re already tuning into a slow, mindful rhythm. With kintsugi, that rhythm deepens as you’re actively invited to witness breakage, participate in repair, to bring presence to what might once have been discarded.

Here are some of the ways this technique and its philosophy enrich both craft and life:

  • Embracing imperfection: The golden seams become visible scars that tell a story. They encourage a mindset shift allowing one to see value in what’s been broken and healed, rather than hiding it.

  • Transformation over discard: Instead of throwing away a cracked cup, you restore it. You make something whole (and even more beautiful) by acknowledging its history.

  • Mindful process: Repairing with intention slows down time. You engage with texture, color, surface, rhythm making the act of repair part of the art.

  • Metaphor in motion: Kintsugi invites reflection: How do we heal? What do our “cracks” tell us about our journey? What becomes more beautiful for having been broken and mended?

A Fun Tie-In with The Smashing Machine Movie

And here’s a little creative twist: we’re inspired by the upcoming film The Smashing Machine. A cinematic story about breaking, fighting, falling apart and rebuilding (literally and metaphorically). The film, written and directed by Benny Safdie and starring Dwayne Johnson, follows the life of a fighter, his victories, his fractures, and his comebacks. 

Just like the fighter in the ring, your pottery piece may crack, it may fall, but in the hands of repair it becomes something stronger, something renewed. In our workshop, you’ll engage with that same metaphor: breakage + repair = transformation.

Why Attend This Workshop?

  • Whether you’re new to pottery or a seasoned maker, this is a special way to deepen your craft.

  • You’ll leave with a physical object: your piece of repaired pottery and a renewed perspective on the creative process.

  • It’s a meditative, meaningful evening: art + philosophy + community.

  • It pairs beautifully with the motion picture theme of The Smashing Machine; breakage doesn’t have to be the end. It can be the beginning of something more luminous.

About the Workshop:

Tickets are limited — we want to keep our session intimate, relaxed and spacious. For just $65, you’ll have materials, instruction, and a unique experience. Bring your curiosity, bring your questions, and allow yourself to see beauty in repair.

  • All clay, hand-building materials, and Kintsugi finishing supplies provided

  • Guided instruction by our ceramics team at ARTime BARRO

  • A chance to take home your specially repaired piece (we’ll fire and finish it for you)

  • A meaningful pause to reflect, repair, and create

Reserve Your Spot:

Adriana Hernandez
Next

Why a Sound Bath Can Elevate Your Pottery Practice