Master the art of woodworking at this course in Goa

Ever New Year begins with a wish list, of the places we would like to travel to, skills we want to learn and experiences we wish to embrace. If ‘Goa’ features on that list, and ‘woodworking’ has been something you’ve been curious to explore, you’re in luck!

Woodworker and founder of @orionmade.in, Aakash Dhingra, doesn’t just create stunning handcrafted wooden works, he also shares his expertise through the courses he hosts at Deodara Artisanal Furniture Studio, the furniture studio of his mentor, Mikhail.

With a focus on skill-building and creativity, these workshops are ideal for both, beginners and hobbyists.

“There are no pre-requisites other than curiosity, interest and respect for the craft. For now, anyone over the age of 16 can join the courses. In future, we may have a course specifically for teenagers, or advanced residencies for people who are not complete beginners,” says Aakash, who has taught over 100 students so far.

In 2022, after feeling unfulfilled in consulting, Aakash met Mikhail Solanki, owner of Deodara, during a photography project. After Aakash shared his dream of building a tiny wooden house, Mikhail invited him to apprentice with him.

GUIDED MENTORSHIP: From DIY poetry bookmarks to handcrafted artisanal woodwork, learn the step-by-step techniques through expert-led courses.

“It was a year into woodworking that I realised how my interests were into innovating and designing everyday products, and teaching. Since then, I’ve been launching products, selling online, at pop-ups, and conducting monthly courses on carving and foundational woodworking.”

It’s been a sweet five-month . His courses are compact, with a maximum of four students, allowing for personalised mentoring, where he combines foundational woodworking skills with creative exercises to help students develop their unique style.

Aakash Dhingra, woodworker and founder of OrionmadeThere are no pre-requisites other than curiosity, interest and respect for the craft. For now, anyone over the age of 16 can join the courses.

“It has been a delight to see how woodworking enters everyone’s lives and how students enter into woodworking with their own interests and expressions,” he says, often surprised by his students' unique projects tailored to their interests.

The 7-day course begins with understanding wood as a living material, followed by a with tools, like chisels. As the course progresses, students explore power tools, jigs and joinery techniques. They learn 3D drawing to conceptualise projects, and finally complete their creations. They also visit a saw mill to buy wood for their projects.

MAKE A CHOICE: At the Orionmade store, buy these beautifully crafted magnetic art holders (left) and polaroid frames (right).

What makes these courses unique is that they are a reflection of Aakash’s own journey.

“My creative expression turned out to be into smaller works of wood like the series of bookmarks I have with which you can make your own poems, or the magnetic wall art holder I sell that doesn’t damage printed or the walls. These projects excite me more than making a 6ft long table or a bench, though I have made them as well,” shares Aakash.

To work with your hands and bring ideas to life has always been a human desire regardless of whether the material is wood, clay or paper, and Aakash has observed a growing interest in woodworking in Goa.

“I think it (the interest) will only grow, as knowledge, tools and skills are becoming more accessible. In our courses, we love it when students go back and set up a small worktable at their home space to continue their woodworking journey,” he says.

Offering a 1-day carving course, a 3-day apprentice track and a 7-day artisan track, even if you’re someone on a short visit to the State, you can avail any of them. Dates for each are announced every month and updates can be found at @orionmade.in on Instagram.

“Even if you don’t have a clear idea for a project, but if making something with your hands excites you, that open-mindedness is enough reason to pursue this craft,” says Aakash. “The experience itself will spark new ideas.”

DETAILS

WHAT: Woodwork courses

WHERE: Deodara Artisanal Furniture Studio in Nachinola, Bardez, North Goa

FEES: The studio offers early bird discounts. The 3-day apprentice track costs Rs 12,500 (generally Rs 14,500); and the 7-day artisan track is priced at Rs 24,990 (generally Rs 27,990). The 1-day carving course costs Rs 7,000, and includes a power carving kit worth Rs 3,000.