---
title: "Behind the Scenes: My Pottery Studio Process in Bengaluru"
description: "Discover the reality of studio pottery at A Ware Studio. From wheel-throwing and glazing to kiln firing, see how I create durable, functional ceramics."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio/ceramic-commissions-collections/behind-the-scenes-my-studio-process
last_updated: 2025-08-30
---

# Behind the Scenes: My Studio & Process

Tribe Verified · 4 years of pottery practice and teaching

By [A Ware Studio](https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio) · Delivers across Bengaluru; Visit studio in Indiranagar · ₹1,200 per piece / set (estimate)

Part of [Ceramic Commissions & Collections](https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio/ceramic-commissions-collections). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio/ceramic-commissions-collections/gallery)

Step inside my Indiranagar studio to see how raw clay becomes functional art. Pottery is rarely the clean, quiet process you see on social media.

## Photos and videos

- ![A warm hello from my studio. I'm Namrata, and my pottery journey began four years ago after a career in banking and the social sector. The endless possibilities of clay keep me energized every day.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b91a490c-197b-4d5c-926c-82dd22036cc1)
- [Video: People often say pottery is therapeutic, but they don't always see the unglamorous parts, like cleaning the wheel after a long day of throwing. It's a necessary mess to address for a clean start tomorrow.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9227c954-9307-4dd1-9d1f-1f111a4fa0c2)
- [Video: Glazing is a meticulous process that demands undivided attention. Here, I'm mixing a glaze to the right specific gravity to ensure a perfect coat, a crucial step to avoid firing errors like crawling or dripping.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ca20d562-f215-4517-93a7-7e9249ef2df2)
- ![Sometimes the work happens outside the studio. This month, I spent time in Chettinad, collecting impressions of tiles and history. This quiet noticing is what fills the well I draw from.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/71ff093d-cfb6-487a-b747-df9e1291c889)
- [Video: My studio is filled with little corners of memories and collectibles from other artists. When I feel unmotivated, these objects ground me, spark ideas, and remind me why I do what I do.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e52cc5da-9db0-46d6-87b4-8e21407ee3c6)
- ![This piece, with its beautiful cracked texture, is one of my favorites from a recent workshop in Bali. The experience was a rebirth for me as a ceramicist, shedding fears and breaking free from myths about pottery.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a7196c81-411b-4280-a5a3-1936f6c3a26c)
- [Video: I recently spent a week learning a new skill: slip-casting. It's a process used for large-scale production and for making complicated shapes that would be difficult to create by hand.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1be248f0-45bc-4379-90ad-47a6100cb96b)
- ![I often face self-doubt, like when I took on my first order of 300 pieces. But I've learned that instead of procrastinating, it's better to experiment, test my hypothesis, and take the plunge.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ab8026b3-68fe-4a0f-bcd5-e33219d2339f)
- [Video: A day in my life as a maker. My day is filled with rituals of mindfulness, from tending to my plants to kneading clay and spending time with loved ones. This discipline results in the beautiful pieces I create for your home.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a3e8357f-05ff-404a-bca3-a41ef896f0ab)
- ![A moment of gratitude for the year gone by. 2023 was about finding motivation and joy in my daily practices. This year, my goal is to seek balance and spend more time with friends and family.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7d4f2033-34dd-4fa6-aeb4-a71ee7258f97)
- ![Holding a hand-built Kurinuki cup. As a potter, I am constantly learning and pushing myself to grow, whether it's through making functional ceramics for cafes or teaching long-form courses.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cb90d44c-d2b3-4e79-9c87-02847fe10863)
- ![A top-down view of bowls with a simple, elegant brushstroke design. This is a style I often use for custom commissions, creating pieces that are both beautiful and functional.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d433b28f-7943-41ac-be77-aacd9cf3596f)
- ![Trimming a piece on the wheel. This is a moment of intense focus, where I refine the shape and create a clean, finished foot. It's one of my favorite parts of the process.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/55ec2071-3da1-406c-90b1-09a34881858f)
- ![This platter is from a workshop where I learned to create unique textures using found objects and foraged materials. I love how the glazes pooled in the impressions, creating a beautiful, varied surface.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7da115d2-fc8f-47bf-ab1e-99c64722d3ba)
- ![A side view of a textured, hand-built bowl. The organic creases were achieved by pushing and stretching the clay, a technique that embraces imperfection and spontaneity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/34c89f10-d7db-4787-b100-addd7ced3820)
- ![This boat-shaped tray was another experiment in texture. The cracked surface was created with sodium silicate, and the layered glazes add color and depth.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f201f017-1a87-4e32-a20f-b40ad51424fc)
- ![A small, textured bowl with an organic, uneven rim. The workshop encouraged me to let go of the fear of failure and simply explore, and I'm thrilled with the results.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c36a9904-49cf-4f00-ad20-eb26f2c8d52c)
- ![Another view of the small, textured bowl. The combination of foraged materials, slips, and glazes creates a surface that is rich and complex.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3029aa5a-8ef8-4959-8b6c-b2e6b55294dc)
- ![A close-up of the interior of a textured bowl, showing the beautiful color variations from the layered glazes. Each piece is a small work of art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bc27af8e-0322-4cee-b35f-e55a2aea3d13)
- ![This small, textured bowl has a beautiful, almost metallic sheen from the glazes. It's a testament to the endless possibilities of experimentation in an electric kiln.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b65bc988-9e26-4f27-b16d-eaa1ab52757e)
- ![A side view of a double-walled bowl with a cracked texture. The form is complex, but the process was a joyful exploration of new techniques.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ac89105b-2b73-40eb-9dcf-b5c3ab009088)
- ![This small platter has a beautiful, painterly surface created by layering different glazes. It's a piece that is both functional and decorative.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/655cba83-3b78-4fea-9b00-e17334e1f6ca)
- ![Another textured bowl, this one with a more pronounced foot. The workshop taught me to embrace curiosity and see where the clay leads me.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/67e7f614-e156-4437-b9a6-e4ad7c1891f1)
- ![This small, hand-built bowl has a wonderfully tactile surface. It's a piece that begs to be held and examined closely.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6e7e67f0-74ce-440f-9a92-3953673c7e49)
- ![A final shot of the textured platter. I'm excited to continue pushing this exploration of surface variation in my own work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/71658bb3-3d4f-4be1-ac25-525dd2d00c3c)
- ![This small, textured bowl has a beautiful green interior that contrasts with the earthy exterior. It's a perfect example of functional art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7d8cd03a-db5b-4870-b076-0f96002db5de)
- ![A photo from my time in Bali, where I had the privilege of learning from talented artists from around the world. This is me, carving a Kurinuki piece in a beautiful outdoor studio.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3e222427-3d09-4f78-a4e6-b5c1c31518c2)
- ![Foraging for materials in Bali with fellow artists. We collected volcanic sand and other natural materials to use in our surface treatments, connecting our work directly to the place.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/19d30eae-6f36-4022-a461-2650bfc87ac8)
- ![A piece in progress at the Bali workshop, showing the application of sodium silicate to create a cracked texture. It was a time of immense learning and growth.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d076eb46-e170-464d-875f-a392764ab663)
- ![Another textured piece from the workshop, this one with a beautiful, organic rim. The experience helped me shed fears and inhibitions about my work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d86e6aeb-dc61-4144-bf19-d18b26658dcc)
- ![A fellow artist at work in the beautiful Bali studio. The sense of community and shared passion was incredibly inspiring.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a4988787-246f-4a8f-9506-b0cea6822a2e)
- ![Applying a thick slip to a piece during the workshop. We experimented with a wide range of surface treatments to achieve rich, varied textures.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/537065ec-50fc-4b8f-af33-7eb4b87c8fcb)
- ![A saggar firing in progress. We packed our pieces in containers with combustible materials to create a smoky, atmospheric effect in the electric kiln.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a673015d-719a-40b2-805e-a218c80b5dd3)
- ![Molds from my slip-casting workshop. This technique will allow me to create casts for forms that are time-consuming or challenging to make using other pottery techniques.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5616a18b-503c-4129-a477-949d3474db87)
- ![The process of making a two-part plaster mold for slip-casting. It's a precise, technical skill that I'm excited to incorporate into my practice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d925f152-76dc-49df-9b3e-0056b213b521)
- ![A weekly recap from the studio. This week, I reglazed a full kiln of pieces that had come out with a thin coat, and they turned out perfect the second time around. It was a lesson in perseverance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5c00932f-a4a9-4db4-8a93-fe9a264eeb18)
- ![A delicious mid-week meal in one of my handmade bowls. Enjoying food from my own creations is one of the simple joys of being a potter.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/319296ee-092f-4b2b-9b03-3918376757db)
- ![Another shot of my comforting Kanjee meal. The bowls we eat from are part of our daily rituals, and I love creating pieces that enhance those moments.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4e966eaf-5414-4431-9a45-17560e10f5de)
- ![Another view of the mustard and white ombre-glazed pieces. I finally figured out the perfect firing schedule for my matte glazes, and I'm in love with the vibrancy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ac741903-390e-42e1-891b-bad522931bb7)
- ![A duplicate of 126, showing the same message about overcoming self-doubt and the power of experimentation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eff35fae-66be-4573-93e6-846effb6255b)
- [Video: The studio is buzzing with multiple production projects. To manage the workload, I rely on robust planning, setting realistic daily goals, and using trackers to monitor our progress.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1e852e36-6d96-4b45-9e9e-89b23b11cb45)

## About Behind the Scenes: My Studio & Process

People often imagine pottery as purely therapeutic, but the reality involves a lot of physical, unglamorous work. I spend hours kneading heavy clay and cleaning tools before I can even start shaping a piece. When you look at my ceramic work, you are seeing the final stage of a process that includes specific gravity measurements for glazes and careful kiln maintenance to ensure each piece is food-safe and durable.

### The Reality of the Studio
Pottery is a physically demanding practice. Between the long hours of wheel-throwing and the constant cleanup of tools, it is a process of discipline. I often joke that for every hour of creation, there is an hour of cleaning to keep the studio safe and ready for the next day. This is not just about hygiene; it is about ensuring that dust does not compromise the quality of the glaze or the integrity of the next piece.

### Technical Precision in Glazing
Glazing is where science meets art. It is not just about dipping a piece in color. I maintain strict records of the specific gravity of my glazes. If the mixture is too thick, it peels during firing; if it is too thin, the finish is poor. I carefully wax the bottoms of every piece to ensure they do not fuse to the kiln shelf, a step that makes the difference between a functional mug and a ruined firing.

### Embracing the Unexpected
My approach involves experimentation with materials. From collecting earth samples in Coorg to using wood-firing techniques that leave unpredictable flame marks, I embrace the variables of the process. These are not flaws. They are records of the environment inside my kiln. When you hold a piece with these marks, you are holding a record of the firing process itself.

### Community & Learning
My Indiranagar space, A Ware Studio, is built on the idea of shared growth. Whether you are looking for functional tableware for your home or interested in joining an 8-month intensive course, my work is about inviting you into this rhythm of making and slowing down.

## About A Ware Studio

I traded a corporate life for the spinning wheel, and now I spend my days in my Indiranagar studio. This space is where I balance the messy, physical work of wheel-throwing with the meticulous process of glazing, and I love showing people the reality behind the finished ceramic piece.

[See all of A Ware Studio's services](https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio)

## More from Ceramic Commissions & Collections by A Ware Studio

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio/ceramic-commissions-collections/featured)
- [The '100 Explorations' Project](https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio/ceramic-commissions-collections/the-100-explorations-project)
- [Atmospheric Firings: Wood, Soda & Saggar](https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio/ceramic-commissions-collections/atmospheric-firings-wood-soda-saggar)
- [Kurinuki: Sculpting from Clay](https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio/ceramic-commissions-collections/kurinuki-sculpting-from-clay)
- [Custom Commissions & Tableware](https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio/ceramic-commissions-collections/custom-commissions-tableware)
- [Signature Collections: Gul & Kolam](https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio/ceramic-commissions-collections/signature-collections-gul-kolam)
- [The Potter's Wheel: From Lump to Form](https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio/ceramic-commissions-collections/the-potter-s-wheel-from-lump-to-form)
- [Neriage & Marbled Clay](https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio/ceramic-commissions-collections/neriage-marbled-clay)
- [Mastering the Craft: Teapots & Pour-Overs](https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio/ceramic-commissions-collections/mastering-the-craft-teapots-pour-overs)
- [A Ware Studio: Workshops & Community](https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio/ceramic-commissions-collections/a-ware-studio-workshops-community)

## More services by A Ware Studio

- [Pottery Courses & Workshops](https://mytribe.in/a.ware_studio/pottery-courses-workshops)

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## Book

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