Studio potters mould weekend hobby into passion projects

Weekend studio pottery workshops across NCR are drawing hobbyists eager to try their hand at shaping clay. Now, the weekend stress-buster activity has gradually become a full-time passion for many. Artists are not only creating signature pieces but also building a life around their craft. The pieces made during the workshops are often standalone creations or made in small batches, maintaining their unique appeal.

'Building something from scratch is deeply fulfilling'

Prachi Kaushik, a studio potter who creates hand-painted ceramic plates for her brand Matuh, shares, “I focused on learning the basics initially, picking up specialised techniques in different studios, and putting in hours of practice at home. It was only after that deep dive that setting up my own space felt like the right next step.”

Talking about the process Sreeja says, “Much of the process is very hands-on — from wedging the clay and creating the pieces to glazing, firing, packing orders, and tracking couriers. Along with that comes the effort of participating in exhibitions and connecting with the right audience. Building something from scratch requires patience, but it is also deeply fulfilling.”

'What began as curiosity turned into a passion'

Sreeja Srinivasan, founder of Sree Studio, a pottery studio based in Gurgaon, believes her spark was kindled at a workshop years ago. “I attended a workshop and instantly fell in love with the process of shaping clay with my hands. During the lockdown, when life slowed down for many of us, that thought came back to me. I joined pottery classes and started learning the craft more deeply, and what began as curiosity slowly turned into a genuine passion,” she shares. “Watching handmade pieces take shape for the first time was fascinating,” says Seema Mohaley, a studio potter based in Dwarka, who creates quirky ceramic showpieces, about her pottery journey, and adds, “Instantly, it inspired me to learn pottery and explore working with clay.”

'Pottery grounds us'

Sreeja notes the growing affinity to slow living that pottery naturally fits into. “The simple act of shaping clay, waiting for the piece to dry, and seeing it transform through firing reminds us to appreciate patience and the beauty of making things slowly.”

A video of a Japanese potter inspired Pune-based Madhu Singh to take up the craft through workshops and classes. “Pottery is very calming. You get to touch, create, and express your inner self. In today’s fast-paced world, it works as an escape from city life,” she shares. Anjali Jaggi, a 60-year-old who pursues her passion at a smaller scale with the Delhi Blue Pottery Trust, says that it not only fills her time but has become a personal passion. “After my kids grew up, I had the time to pursue a passion, and pottery became that for me. I don’t call myself a professional. I prefer to keep it as a hobby and enjoy the freedom of creating at my own pace.”

'Growth is connected to community support'

Talking about the growing interest in the craft, Prachi shares, “It's about meeting the person behind the product. Each piece is unique, bearing the physical imprint of the maker and a reflection of their life.” Madhu feels the same and adds, “The interest in pottery has increased in recent years. Our circle has been growing, and Instagram has also helped bring in more attendees.” Sreeja feels “the growth of my pottery practice has been closely connected to the community that supports online.”